Can you 'pause' E6 6 bath processing halfway?

[bestbefore1978]

Hi there,
In the near future i'm hoping to try processing E6 using the full 6 bath kit. I'm hoping to try this in a Filmomat processor which I currently have on order.

The issue is that the Filmomat can only store up to 3 chemicals at any one time.

Is it possible to 'pause' E6 development halfway, after the Colour Developer bath?

My thinking is that I could remove the film at this stage (does it need to be in darkness?) clean down the machine and then start again in the machine with the pre-bleach / bleach / fix

Final rinse would be done outside the machine to prevent foam.

thanks

 

[Anon Ymous]

In such a case, I'd do a good wash after the CD and leave the film in water. At this point, film can be exposed to light.

 

[Rudeofus]

I have stored E6 film strips after FD&CD for many weeks when I did my bleach tests - yes it can be done. Make sure you keep it away from any vapors which could convert Silver into Silver Sulfide, since the latter won't bleach away.

 

[bestbefore1978]

Thanks both, that's just what I'd hoped. I will transfer the reel to a spare Patterson tank containing warm water whilst I swap out the chemicals in the Filmomat.