B&W Reversal using a Chromogenic Process?

[ChrisGalway]

Has anyone tried B&W reversal processing using a chromogenic (black) dye process?

Might it offer any advantages (reduced grain?) or disadvantages? I note that Ilford XP2 for example uses a chromogenic process ... but it's a negative, not positive, process.

 

[lamerko]

For some reason they come out with a strong magenta tint...

 

[Donald Qualls]

XP2 Super is easy to reverse.

First, develop in any convenient B&W developer with a very little thiosulfate or thiocyanate added (this can be adjusted to get the final density you want).
Second, expose the film to light (still on the reel generally works) -- and give it lots of light, to be sure it's completely fogged.
Then run through a standard C-41 process. Result: slightly pink B&W slides. Shoot tests to get the correct EI, first developer fixing level, and first developer time.

 

[ChrisGalway]

XP2 Super is easy to reverse.

First, develop in any convenient B&W developer with a very little thiosulfate or thiocyanate added (this can be adjusted to get the final density you want).
Second, expose the film to light (still on the reel generally works) -- and give it lots of light, to be sure it's completely fogged.
Then run through a standard C-41 process. Result: slightly pink B&W slides. Shoot tests to get the correct EI, first developer fixing level, and first developer time.

Thanks for this info ...

I confess when I asked the original question I was thinking more in terms of any normal B&W film, and a reversal process analogous to Kodachrome but involving only one black dye. One of the problems of reversal processing is getting a good dark black and I thought that a dye might give an improved result.

But thanks again.

 

[Donald Qualls]

If you could obtain a "black" dye coupler, that would work -- dye couplers from a color toning kit (combined with C-41 or RA-4 color developer) could do the job, but the color toners only come in single color, and mixing the toners would dilute the couplers and give a gray (it might be okay combined with retained silver, or it might not). But color toners for B&W prints aren't easy to find any more, either.

 

[Raghu Kuvempunagar]

One of the problems of reversal processing is getting a good dark black

Why do you think so? I can undertsand if DIY reversal didn't produce great results as it is very operator dependent but has anyone complained about either Scala process or Dr5 not producing a good dark black?

I was thinking more in terms of any normal B&W film, and a reversal process analogous to Kodachrome but involving only one black dye.

I would be interested in seeing your results if you take this route. IIRC @Ian Grant has posted useful info on dye couplers which might be helpful to you.