1st time processing, newbie question

I received my Rollei Digibase C-41 kit a few days, and I shot a few test rolls of Fuji Superia 200 to try (and to practice) some different methods. I have not been processing before, so I lack a lot of knowledge.

I use a Paterson dev tank, and my first roll was developed at 37.8 deg C, using a water bath to keep the temperature. Next of was a roll at room temperature, which in this case was 25 deg C. I'm quite happy with the result, even though I think I should send a test roll to a pro lab to get a benchmark.

Then, I tried stand developing, mixing 5 ml devA, 5 ml devB, 5 ml devC, 0.5 ml starter with 275 ml water (the tank needs 290ml of working solution). Agitated the first minute and then let it stand for an hour, then following the ordinary process at 25 dec C. The result was interesting. My problem I have is that I don't know what's wrong with the photo. Is the film over- or underdeveloped?

The photos are direct from the scanner, without any post processing.

Hi -
On the roll that you stand developed, what temp was the developer at when you started? Either way, Rollei doesnt reccomend stand development times at all. I believe you overdeveloped it. They do provide a development at 25 degrees C for 13 minutes with 1 agitation every 30 seconds. They also provide a develop at 20 degrees C for 21 minutes with 1 agitation every 30 seconds

Here is their guide that I use from Freestyle:

http://www.freestylephoto.biz/pdf/product_pdfs/rollei/RolleiMaxiKit_C41_InstructionManual.pdf

Can you please let me know what works for you? I always wanted to process color myself but I never took the time to learn. This post helps!

What usually works the best, is following the directions in the chemical kit.

I agree with what Bob-D659 said.

I got my Rollei Digibase kit a few days ago, and I have followed the instructions exactly as Rollei stated and my images have been spectacular. I use the typical 100 degree F (38 degree C) for all (pre wash, dev, bleach, fix, stabilizer).

Note - I did add a 3:15 wash after the bleach and after the fixer. So I actually did "not follow the directions" but it was based on many other's recommendations (actually Greg Davis, who commented above, gave a great review below and he suggested adding those two washes: (there was a url link here which no longer exists)).

I suggest you read this whole thread re Rollei Digibase, from beginning to end...it really helped me understand the chemistry and its nuances:

(there was a url link here which no longer exists)

Wish you all wonderful C-41...

CSULB_Student , so far I'm most happy with the result from the test at 25 deg C, but I have only developed one roll of film this way. Mostly I find that the lower temperature gives me more time for the different steps, giving me more time to make sure I'm doing the right thing.

I'll keep trying with new rolls during the next few month. And I have to agree with the others here, following the instructions gives the best results, but not following them is more fun...

I tried stand developing just for the fun of it. Following the instructions is clearly the best way to go, if one wants good results. Being new with film processing, I think I can learn a few thing by not following the instructions, since by making things wrong, I at least know what not to do. I will try do lower the concentration of the chemicals in the working solution, in order to decrease the development of the film.

The temperatures on the developer was 30 deg C.

Thanks zsas for the links, interesting reading I must say. I'll try your method ad 38 deg C with added washing.

The next step is probably to turn the computer off, and go outside with my camera...