BEST way to develop C-41?

[darkroom_rookie]

PE, how to minimize streaks and uneven processing with a Jobo 3010 drum? A processor is out of the question for now, which means careful hand-rolling a preheated drum is what I can pull off. Can the C-41 developer be diluted slightly? Also, is it possible to over-bleach films?

 

[Photo Engineer]

I can't help you with streaks except to suggest a prewet of the film in the tank and use extra developer. Just a guess. Do not dilute it. Also use a stop after the developer of 1 - 2% Acetic Acid.

The bleach step goes to completion.

PE

 

[Athiril]

Time for a sticky FAQ article perhaps..

 

[Роберт]

Prewet, 1' to 2' at 100F/37,8C Several changes of water (2 - 4)
Develop as recommended
Bleach
wash
Fix
Wash
Stabilizer / final rinse

Same setup in my Jobo CPA-2 with elevator.
I start with a 2 minutes pre-wet
Then the 3:15 minutes C41 developer
a quick rinse
4:00 minutes Bleach
a quick rinse
6:00 minutes Fix
wash the film 1-2-4 minutes water change
Outside the Jobo due to foam contamination,
1 minute stabilizer
drying.

I am using the Rollei Digibase C41 chemicals but in fact it's a small re-filled Fuji Hunt C41 kit.
It's containing C41 part A-B-C + starter
Bleach
Fixer
and a Stabilizer
Some syringes for measuring out.

The (new) instruction manual is pretty clear how to handle it.

Best regards,

Роберт

 

[PeteZ8]

Time for a sticky FAQ article perhaps..

Oh no! What did I start?

 

[removed account4]

the best way i have processed my own c41 is in COFFEE ..
i get smooth beautiful grain and a black and white negative
( same goes for e6 and black and white film )

 

[Photo Engineer]

John;

You get black and orange negatives!

PE

 

[Роберт]

I drink my coffee, sorry. Coffee developers are limited in results and in general you're creating a low contrast developer with a bit more fog
But O.K. it will work.