I'm using Kodak Flexicolor RA bleach replenisher NR CAT # 6600274 . It comes in a 5L bottle and I'm still using the original 600ml I put in a glass bottle. I think I'm maybe 10+ rolls of film reusing that first 600ml and I don't see any signs yet that the bleach is getting tired.. I just make sure it's well aeriated by shaking the bottle before and after putting the bleach back in.
From Kodak:
Bleach Areation—In Process C-41, you must aerate the
bleach to convert the less active iron II into more active
iron III. If aeration is inadequate, it can contribute to
retained silver and leuco-cyan dye problems, as well as
causing staining by-products that will increase the D-min
density of processed films.
Isn't Kodak Flexicolor RA bleach replenisher for paper? Do you mean Flexicolor Bleach III Replenisher #6600258?
I'm using Kodak Flexicolor RA bleach replenisher NR CAT # 6600274 . It comes in a 5L bottle and I'm still using the original 600ml I put in a glass bottle. I think I'm maybe 10+ rolls of film reusing that first 600ml and I don't see any signs yet that the bleach is getting tired.. I just make sure it's well aeriated by shaking the bottle before and after putting the bleach back in.
From Kodak:
Bleach Areation—In Process C-41, you must aerate the
bleach to convert the less active iron II into more active
iron III. If aeration is inadequate, it can contribute to
retained silver and leuco-cyan dye problems, as well as
causing staining by-products that will increase the D-min
density of processed films.
Thanks for the clarification. You learn something new everyday.No, Eric is referring to #66000274, which is the "Rapid Access" version of the C-41 bleach, which requires just 1:00 for bleaching color negative film (versus 6:30 when using the conventional Bleach III).
The practical wisdom on C-41 bleach is that it can be used many, many times over, contrary to what the manufacturer recommendations are (e.g., where Kodak says the Flexicolor Bleach III has twice the capacity of the developer). People report using it almost indefinitely, but I can't attest to that, as I do what you do -- use it twice and dispose. That's probably wasteful on my part but I just don't process enough C-41 film to worry about bleach economy (I usually end up being more worried about shelf life of unused concentrates).
One thing worth investigating is if you're using more chemistry than is really necessary per roll. You report following the Flexicolor instructions regarding chemical capacity -- e.g., three rolls (80 in2 each) per liter of solution, or ~330 mL of chemistry per roll of 135-36 or 120. If you look through these forums, you'll find that the question of minimum Flexicolor chemistry required to achieve correct development has been discussed many times over, though with resolution coming mostly in the form of anecdotal reports only. The general-ish consensus seems to be that the Jobo minimum requirement of 170 mL for a 120 roll in a 2500-series tank (which is based solely on the threshold to achieve submersion) appears to also be adequate in terms of developmental capacity (assuming an "average" roll made up of Zone V exposures). The only way to quantifiably test if 170 mL is truly adequate for each 80 in2 of film is to put a 120 film into the tank along with a control strip, but that would require mixing 120 film with 135 (the control strips are short lengths of 135 film), which there's no easy way of doing with a Jobo reel. I tried testing a more extreme version of this about a month ago by developing two rolls of 120 in 270 mL of chemistry in a Jobo 2500 tank (so, 135 mL per roll) with a control strip taped emulsion side up to the inside wall of the tank. In that test, I got less-than-satisfactory results in the control strip. For me, that suggested that 135 mL per 80 in2 of film probably isn't adequate. (To be fair, the negatives seemed to scan fine; only the control strip indicated a problem.) I'd like to pursue further tests to find the minimum volume required, but for now, my gut instinct is that 200 mL per 80 in2 is a safe bet.
Regarding developer replenishment, my understanding is that, although not impossible in rotary systems, the frequent agitation and high rate of oxidation in something like a Jobo means that the published replenishment rates (which are typically calculated for dip-and-dunk and roller transport machines) don't apply. I personally use the developer and fixer one-shot, but one could presumably test various replenishment rates with control strips. I'm guessing the replenishment rate would need to be quite high to overcome the oxidation of the developer (assuming, of course, your objective was to stick with the standard 3:15 development time).
I make up 5 L of Developer Replenisher, store in smaller full bottles, make up the Tank Solution Developer as needed use one shot.
I use Flexicolor Bleach RA and replenish, this stuff lasts forever.
Fixer is dirt cheap, use a couple times and toss
Final rinse I make up fresh each session with pure water, use and toss.
Do you use a Jobo? One of my concerns with replenishing is carryover from the developer diluting the bleach. But I guess I could always re-bleach and re-fix if I see an issue, and then increasing the replenishment rate.
One of my concerns with replenishing is carryover from the developer diluting the bleach
Frankly, very tightly controlled c41 processing in a low volume intermittent home setting is rather elusive, and I have severe doubts it's as wise to strive for as many assume. It's easy to drive yourself crazy. It's also surprisingly easy to get very decent results without too much fuss. Take your pick
In Jobo land I have replenished the bleach with no issues. My experiments with replenishing the developer were not successful, the colour quality or integrity falls apart rather rapidly, although density looks acceptable which I suspect may mislead people into thinking replenishing is a safe option until they come to print or scan the negative.One of the benefits of Jobo rotary processing IMO is that you can get away with a small volume of developer, making one shot use quite economical. I haven't tried a replenished developer and I have some doubts if it'll be very stable under intermittent and low usage patterns.
+1I used to process two 220 C-41 rolls at a time with my Jobo ATL-2300 using 560 ml of developer, bleach and fix. I ruined a lot of films and wasted a lot of time to troubleshoot the problem before I finally nailed it. I switched to presoaking with heated water twice each for 20 seconds.
I am now convinced that most JOBO users are ruining film by being a solid 2-3F off. They don't even know what they're missing.
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