C41 Kits

Andrew O'Neill · Oct 5, 2020

Asking for a really keen student. Looking for reasonably priced, C-41 kits in Canada. Thank you!

Donald Qualls · Oct 5, 2020

Keep watching the ads at the top of the forum pages. Every so often I see one for a Canadian-specific photo supplier. Can't say about "reasonably priced", though...

EDIT: There is is: argentix.ca is the web address.

gordrob · Oct 5, 2020

You could check out this store about an hour out of Calgary. He is all analog and has chemicals that may not be on his web site yet. I was by there last weekend and he has lots of stock, cameras, film and darkroom supplies.
https://filmexperiencecamerastore.com/

Вormental_old · Oct 7, 2020

Someone needs to start Flexicolor re-bottling business. Buy bulk from Unquiephoto, package into 1L kits, charge 200% extra.

Donald Qualls · Oct 7, 2020

I doubt repackaged Flexicolor (including reasonable labor, cost of suitable bottles, label printing/application -- even with nothing but "Color Develop A" etc. which violates all kinds of shipping regs) could be cost competitive or have improved capacity vs. kits currently available, and in small volume use may not offer a quality improvement. Kodak used to sell the SM line of Flexicolor (still shows up in their instructions), which was in this size range, but I haven't seen it (can't say for certain it's not offered, but a search on Flexicolor doesn't turn it up at Freestyle or Unique).

foc · Oct 7, 2020

Just wait till Tetnol have their C41 tablets, hopefully in 1L final mix tablets.

Donald Qualls · Oct 7, 2020

foc said:
Just wait till Tetnol have their C41 tablets, hopefully in 1L final mix tablets.

It would actually make more sense for this level of one-shot chemicals to come in a 500ml or even 250ml (290 ml?) size. For a single roll of 35mm you use a single tablet (and a little extra water if you're using a Paterson tank that wants 290 ml), for 120/220/2x120 on one reel you use two tablets, or if you want to mix a liter and process a bunch of film in a weekend, you use four tablets -- and don't plan on the developer still being good next weekend.

foc · Oct 7, 2020

Donald Qualls said:
It would actually make more sense for this level of one-shot chemicals to come in a 500ml or even 250ml (290 ml?) size. For a single roll of 35mm you use a single tablet (and a little extra water if you're using a Paterson tank that wants 290 ml), for 120/220/2x120 on one reel you use two tablets, or if you want to mix a liter and process a bunch of film in a weekend, you use four tablets -- and don't plan on the developer still being good next weekend.

You are right ( I was just having a laugh) but your idea is definitely a very good one.
I like the simplicity of the idea, just one or two tablets, (35mm or 120) and the shelf life of the tablet (stored in dry condition) should be good.
Of course the Ilford simplicity B&W chemical pouches could also be replicated in C41but may be more costly.

Donald Qualls · Oct 7, 2020

To me, the Ilford sachets are the most expensive way there is to process your own film -- but then, I mix my own developers; I can one-shot developer for around seven cents US per roll. Those products are aimed at first time users or those with no ability to store chemicals from one session to the next. Tetenal's tablets, if we ever see them, are in the same market.

Now, for C-41 and people who don't shoot much color, that might once again be the sensible way. Nothing more frustrating than pulling your film out of the tank and realizing your kit chemicals have gone bad in the three weeks since last processing.

C41 Kits

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