So to be clear you're using Flexicolor RA bleach and replenishing 8ml per roll of 135-36 right? You're also using a Jobo processor which fills the tank up completely with chemical, 1/4th of the way like the filmomat correct?
Ok ok so I'll deff use that other table. But as for bleach I read that bleach likes to be oxidized; so much so that it should be be put in half filled containers once opened. If this is true, why would I not be allowed to replenish it? Also I hear fixer is stronger and less susceptible than developer to oxidation. If this is the case, AND also that you mentioned you used to blind replenish back in your day then it's safe to say that I can replenish right (from table 3-2)?
Are you basically saying I should just follow that chart to the T? Not to mention I do plan on buying a densitometer soon and also I won't buy test strips but I'm gonna make my own.. but is that a good idea? Because I would do that then just compare each additional test strip to the first one made... or do I really need to buy the official test strips?
I also do want to add that I'm processing film for other people, so I do expect to have many rolls to process in a given week and I do have 1L, .5L and, .25L storage bottles to fit all chemicals.
I just want to spell out everyhting that I have and have everything you guys advise to be spelled out to me too
I'm using:
Filmomat machine (500ml at a time; 1-4 rolls of 135-36, 1-4 rolls of 120, 1-6sheets of 4x5; tank 1/4th full of chemical, constant agitation) so I'll use table 3-2
I'm using Flexicolor LORR dev starter, Flexicolor LU developer and replenisher(a,b,c), Flexicolor RA Bleach replenisher NR, Flexicolor RA fixer and replenisher
I have pleanty of 1L, .5L and, .25L glass bottles to store chemicals in.
What would be my best move to make these chemicals last the longest and also to get a as much as I could from them?
To follow the chart yes, but since bleach oxidize and likes it shouldn't I be able to sue it a few times?
Also should I mix all chemcails and make working solutons or should I jsut make what i need of each chemical?
Sorry for all the questions, but if you have the time please helppppppp
mschem has a few decades more of experience than I. I've been doing this only since 2016. Since January 2019 I didn't do C41. I had a problem then with two films being very grainy. I developed a roll of Portra 400 and one Fuji Natura 1600 together in 500mL of Flexicolor dev. I don't know if the developer was at fault or if it is a bad idea to develop different types of film together in a small tank.
So I procrastinated because I don't have the equipment to monitor my solution. Now I just bought a factory new Heiland b/w densitometer and I'm wondering if I can use the colour filters from an ancient 1950s Kodak densitometer (€1 on ebay). There is also a shop that sells Fuji control strips. Kodak strips, colour photochemistry, colour photopaper (even rolls) cannot be bought by mere mortals here. I guess they have no need to do business with everyone.
So that's my backstory. Just so that you know, there are people with much more knowledge here. But they might be busy enjoying the holidays!
Please also note that I edited my previous post. You should use the table in Chapter 3 (table 3-2). I mistakenly look at chapter 2, but IMHO chapter 3 is closer to our type of equipment. Your device is quite nice, but at heart it is rotation development. As you mentioned, the tank is half full. So as the film spiral rotates in the liquid it carries air into it. That is why Kodak is saying you must not replenish, because it is too oxidised. At least that is how I understand that.
Now, your device is a bit special. The tank is standing still in operation and it seems that there is tubing going in for pumping liquids in and out. Perhaps it is possible to rig something to purge the tank with nitrogen while operating. It might not be worth the trouble, though. It all depends on the economy of replenishment vs. single use. I.e. make new solution from replenisher and starter, process an appropriate number of rolls and then discard, repeat.
There is a user here, Adrian, I think. He seems to operate a commercial service using a Jobo. I read he is not replenishing but using fresh developer for each tank with four rolls in it. I guess it is commercially feasible.
For developer I'm a bit scared to replenish blind, even has a hobby user. I managed to do RA4 prints from my films, so it generally worked. But I can't vouch for the quality. Judging colour is not that easy. I will feel better when I can see if I'm drifting off too much and in which direction. Also in future I will use a Patterson tank. It is like my Jobo tank, but instead of inversion I can use a little stick (that comes with the tank) to rotate the inside back and forth. The spiral will rotate completely immersed in developer and will not draw in (much) air. Also the tank will be stationary in the water bath all the time, which will be better for keeping temp.
For bleach I'm using Fuji minilab chemistry, which I got cheap on ebay. I guess someone had old stock around and bleach doesn't really go bad on its own. I have an aquarium air pump with sinter to bubble air through for reoxygenation before use. And since I bought the temperature control device from Cinestill (a sous vide cooking device really) I'm using the stirrer to draw air in while heating it up. I use mine for a while and then discard and mix new, because I don't have the right dilution and rate for replenishment.
For Flexicolor I'd replenish as in table 3-2 and bubble enough air through in between runs. A lot easier than keeping developer alive.
For fixer just follow the replenishment rate in table 3-2. Fixer can oxidise slowly, but with enough turnover and hence replenishment I see no problem. C41 fixer is neutral and not as prone to crashing out sulfur when unused for a long time. That would be a nightmare in your machine. So if you ever offer b/w services as well, I'd still use a neutral fixer, perhaps even the Flexicolor one. Just in case. Z131 also describes how to test for bleach and fix quality using test strips.
So in a nutshell: For bleach and fix following the table blindly might just work fine. I'd keep an eye on bleach and fix quality. That can be done with test strips and a colour densitometer, at least until you know if it is working stable. For developer in a commercial environment I wouldn't use replenishment without having a system to monitor. Follow the table but test and correct when needed.