C-41 Developer - Is starter necessary for 1 shot use?

[yelmarb]

Kodak's C-41 Z manual says "KODAK FLEXICOLOR Developer: Use this developer in unreplenished systems. No starter is needed."

I'm using CPAC's LTN (low turn over) Developer and there's very little information on it.

What's the consensus, should I be mixing starter and developer or go with Kodak's recommendation and not use a starter in "unreplenished systems" i.e. a Jobo.

 

[Mr Bill]

The general rule is that what you buy is identified as either "developer" or "developer replenisher." If it says "developer," only, then the assumption is that it is ready to use as mixed. If it is labeled as "replenisher," this means that it is sort of an extra-strength type of thing; this is intended to restore strength to your working "developer."

If you want to mix a "replenisher" solution to directly develop film, it should be diluted somewhat and have "starter solution" added per the instructions.

In the photoprocessing business we generally use the term "tank solution" to mean the solution actually in the processor tank, used to develop film. So any liquid solution is either "tank solution" or "replenisher." This helps to get rid of the ambiguity in terminology. The small size hobbyist kits are generally just called "developer," I guess they don't want to complicate things for non-pros.

 

[yelmarb]

Thank you Mr Bill, you have clarified this perfectly.