C41 chemicals

fiddle · Feb 6, 2020

This might sound silly, kinda sounds it in my head, but why not ask. .
Is there any issues developing with c41 chemicals on the same reels/tanks as my b&w stuff? Plastic Patersons.
Going to try some color, was wondering if I should have a tank/reels just for that.
Thanks!

fdonadio · Feb 6, 2020

No problem, as long as you always wash your tanks and reels after use. After all, fixed residue would cause problems with B&W development too.

RedSun · Feb 6, 2020

The color chemicals can be very nasty with all the dye etc. Over time, the reels are all dark and can't be cleaned. Also color film normally runs the stabllizer with the reel and can make the reel hard to load film.

I get multiple reels. They do not last forever.

fiddle · Feb 7, 2020

Thats what I was thinking about RedSun,
Ill used them on separate reels in case. Thank you fdonadio, and fellow njersian..

mshchem · Feb 7, 2020

C-41 is less likely to stain than E6. The beauty of Paterson,.... the reels are inexpensive. I don't separate equipment, but I do clean the reels and tanks with very hot water and dry after each use.
The color developer (2nd developer) for E6 is the most likely to stain plastics.

focus_on_infinity · Feb 7, 2020

mshchem said:
C-41 is less likely to stain than E6. The beauty of Paterson,.... the reels are inexpensive. I don't separate equipment, but I do clean the reels and tanks with very hot water and dry after each use.
The color developer (2nd developer) for E6 is the most likely to stain plastics.

Good to know. I just did some C-41 in the same tanks as B&W, and didn't see any staining, although I was aware of the possibility. I'll be doing some E6 once I get through some of my current batches of developer.

Also, I'm finding those Omega universal reels with the extra lip to be really easy to load in the bag.

Bikerider · Feb 7, 2020

RedSun said:
The color chemicals can be very nasty with all the dye etc. Over time, the reels are all dark and can't be cleaned. Also color film normally runs the stabllizer with the reel and can make the reel hard to load film.

I get multiple reels. They do not last forever.

I clean my reels with either Milton or household bleach. Dilute the bleach 1-3 or use the Milton as it comes. It will shift all the staining after leaving it over night. Some plastics used in measuring beakers will absorb traces of the chemicals so it is best to mark each one with the name of the chemical to be used. There again Milton will do the job for you in an hour or two if soaked. in neat liquid. Bleach may be just that too savage.

RedSun · Feb 7, 2020

Yes, particularly if people use a replenishment system and re-use the chemicals. The bleach, even the developer can get really dark.

C41 chemicals

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