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C-41/ECN-2 Homebrew Stabilizer replacement

Rudeofus

Member
Joined
Aug 13, 2009
Messages
5,115
Location
EU
Format
Medium Format
Tetenal C-41 Stabilizer contains Hexamethylenetetramine (hexamine) which is converted to formaldehyde in the solution. The second component is 1,2-benzisothiazol-3(2H)-one, an industrial biocide.

Since popular biocides in their pure form are sufficiently toxic (also to humans) to make them unavailable to amateurs like me, Formalin is the best we can do if we want to self mix. The likely reason, why Tetenal still has Formalin in their final rinse is the fact, that they sell one and the same product for C-41 and E-6.

I believe it was also used as a hardener. Here's my favorite formula: formalin 120 ml; vodka to 1L.

It's 120ml Formalin in 2l bock beer in Central Europe
 

pentaxuser

Member
Joined
May 9, 2005
Messages
20,253
Location
Daventry, No
Format
35mm
An MSDS probably lists it, but obtaining it might be hard. Buying a ready made product will likely be easier, and buying some formalin even easier. It will work just as well.

Thanks for the specific, practical answer All I wanted was what was the best way to buy what was a fungicide that works Looking at prices for it you may be right that buying the ready made final rinse is easier and may well be as cheap

pentaxuser