C-41 washing and stablilizing

[Petzi]

OK, so I assume that a washless C-41 process is inferior to a full wash with water.

I am unsure about the stabilizer. Is it beneficial when the film was properly washed?

In this case, which stabilizer is better for current film, the old Formaldehyde type or the newer stabilizer? Or is it harmful to use the old stabilizer for the new film?

 

[Photo Engineer]

You should wash any C41 process if you want the best image stability.

The old stabilzer is good for all films with a good wash, the new stabilzer cannot be used with the old films.

PE

 

[Petzi]

The old stabilzer is good for all films with a good wash, the new stabilzer cannot be used with the old films.

Was the old Formalin stabilizer only replaced due to environmental and health concerns?

 

[Photo Engineer]

The old stabilzer reacted with the magenta coupler and prevented dye degradation. It also acted as a fungicide and bacteriocide. It was replaced due to environmental and health concerns, and the magenta coupler also had to be changed at the same time. The new film does not need the formalin for dye stability.

The new stabilzer is mainly for preservation of the film through its action as a fungicide and anti bacterial action, but there are other reasons. It was developed after I left Kodak so I know little more about it. It is proprietary.

I have been told that it also helps stability with reduced wash processes. I know nothing of this other than that.

PE

 

[3Dfan]

Should I then understand that some other brands of film a few years behind Kodak like Ferrania or Konica-Minolta might experience trouble if I drop them off at a photo lab that uses Kodak chemicals?

 

[Photo Engineer]

IDK, probably. Just wash them, treat them in 3% formalin with a drop of Photo Flo 200. That won't hurt.

PE

 

[Petzi]

Should I then understand that some other brands of film a few years behind Kodak like Ferrania or Konica-Minolta might experience trouble if I drop them off at a photo lab that uses Kodak chemicals?

Kodak, Fuji and Agfa have the new formalin-free stabilizer, and perhaps some others. You don't know if your film is treated in it though, because labs might use up old stock of formalin stabilizer. If I read Kodak docs correctly, this is OK.