Capacity of C41 stabilizer

papo · Jan 10, 2009

For some reason (bad storage) I want to rewash a few 35mm films. As I understand from other threads, I also have to stabilize them afterwards. I´d like to use the stabilizer from the Tetenal C41 set for 1 liter after all the 16 films have been processed.
Is the stabilizer still usable for some more films? If not, is it easy to mix a new stabilizer from commercial chemicals separately?

nickandre · Jan 10, 2009

According to PE it's fine if it's still clear.

Photo Engineer · Jan 10, 2009

If you wish to mix your own, it is regular Photo Flo 200 + 3 - 10 ml /l of 37% formalin. It is good if clear though. That stuff keeps, but IDK about anyones except Kodak's. So, the Tetenal kit may be a bit different. Read the label and post it here and I'll try to help in case it is different.

PE

papo · Jan 11, 2009

PE, thanks for info. The only information about chemical composition on the label is that it contains hexamethylene tetramine (CAS 100-97-0).

nickandre · Jan 11, 2009

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hexamethylenetetramine

Appears to be formaldehyde based. It does not contain a wetting agent, you may wish to add that to avoid drying marks.

Photo Engineer · Jan 11, 2009

Yes, hexamethylene tetramine can decompose into Formaldehyde in water. Trioxy methylene was the form used years ago. It too decomposes into Formaldehyde, but without the ammonia byproduct. Sodium Formaldehyde Bisulfite is another possible form used in Stabilzers. Kodak uses the latter, IIRC, in the Bleach Pre Bath.

There are many ways to get formalin into the coating. Modern color negative films do not need it. All they need now is a biostat. E6 films need both Formalin and a Biostat.

PE

papo · Jan 11, 2009

OK, what follows from this regarding my original question? Will the Tetenal stabilizer also be usable as long as it is clear? If I mix my own stabilizer with formalin, would it be possible to use Tetenal Mirasol 2000 as the wetting agent instead of Photo Flo?

Photo Engineer · Jan 11, 2009

AFAIK, any wetting agent would work. The Tetenal should be ok, but IDK for sure. Never tried it.

PE

papo · Jan 11, 2009

OK, thank you.

2F/2F · Jan 11, 2009

For the Kodak 1 gallon non-replenished kit, the capacity of all the chemicals other than the developer is twice that of the developer. The developer capacity is 60 rolls (adding development time after every 16). Regardless of capacity, the life of the fixer and final rinse once mixed is eight weeks, and six weeks for developer.

So, since you have a liter and not a gallon, calculate 60x2/3.8 to get your answer about capacity, and do not use it at all if you mixed it more than eight weeks ago.

Perhaps I am mistaken in thinking that a stabilizer/final rinse capacity was listed in tech. pub. Z-131, but I know for sure that bleach and fixer have 2x the capacity of the developer.

Photo Engineer · Jan 11, 2009

The old stabilzer was good for as long as you could smell the formain and see it foam when you shook it.

The stabilzer will keep forever as long as it is clear!

PE

Capacity of C41 stabilizer

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