Is there any practical difference in image quality (color balance, etc) between Kodak, Fuji, and Bellini C-41 kits? I've been considering getting the Bellini starter + 20L C-41 chems.
I assume that since the C-41 formulas are well known, there's no significant difference - but you know what they say about assumption
C41 is a standarized process with fixed processing times, so the space for variations is limited. Mainly driven to improve shelf life (oxidation) of concentrates and working solution.
The differences I have noticed: Color developer from Bellini is mixed from one part with water while Jobo and Kodak use three parts, Digibase three + starter.
And bleach from Jobo (i have read its repacked Fuji x-press?) is dark red, Bellini and Kodaks bleach is light yellow with an acidic smell.
I am pretty sure the deviations in my results are more caused by me than by the different brands, but over all with the Jobo kit i ran into less trouble than Bellini and Kodak. The only kits i avoid are the ones with combined blix.. Digibase (Rollei) I liked much because all the ingredients could be bought seperately, but it seems to be history.
So i would use what you can get....