E6 cross processed in C-41 came out extremely dense and dark violet

hoffy · Aug 13, 2021

Hi Folks,

I sent some film to a new lab to have it cross processed. Unfortunately, the film is a write off - it came out extremely dense and when held up to the light, its a very dark violet. This is across the whole film including the rebate.

So, my question is - process or film problem?

Cheers

mohmad khatab · Aug 13, 2021

hoffy said:
Hi Folks,

I sent some film to a new lab to have it cross processed. Unfortunately, the film is a write off - it came out extremely dense and when held up to the light, its a very dark violet. This is across the whole film including the rebate.

So, my question is - process or film problem?

Cheers

My friend
Too bad for the ( cross ) process. I don't like it.
Its success rate is very low. Even if it is successful, it does not give you the desired results, as it is not the process intended for this film
I prefer that you develop (E6) films using (E6) chemistry and that you develop (C41) films using (C41) chemistry
I advise you to develop your films with your own hands, whether it is (C41) or (E4).

hoffy · Aug 13, 2021

mohmad khatab said:
My friend
Too bad for the ( cross ) process. I don't like it.
Its success rate is very low. Even if it is successful, it does not give you the desired results, as it is not the process intended for this film
I prefer that you develop (E6) films using (E6) chemistry and that you develop (C41) films using (C41) chemistry
I advise you to develop your films with your own hands, whether it is (C41) or (E4).

I am not blaming the lab - its a process that isn't as intended, so its a bit of a stretch to say "you stuffed up". I've had it done before by other labs and its always come out fine. I am just curious to understand if its the lab or bad film stock

halfaman · Aug 13, 2021

What you see is the normal outcome of the cross processing with some slide films.

mohmad khatab · Aug 13, 2021

halfaman said:
What you see is the normal outcome of the cross processing with some slide films.

Yes, I agree with the point of view of the colleague Mr.: halfaman

John Salim · Aug 13, 2021

Hoffy, You never said what film you used.
Results can vary a lot, but I've never seen 'in date' transparency film ( base ) come out very dark when processed through C-41before, so I'm guessing your film was very old ?

John S

foc · Aug 13, 2021

I used to do cross processing (E6 films in C41 process) for customers and one thing I can say is that you can get widely different results depending on the film used.
I can't remember exactly offhand but some would be green in colour, others purple, depending on brand and speed.

Can you post a sample and the film brand, speed, and age (in date or out of date)

hoffy · Aug 13, 2021

I tried to have a quick look at the rebate, but its so dark I can't tell. It was more than likely Fuji Sensia and probably 10ish years old.

I will stick a bit of it in the scanner and see how it comes out

koraks · Aug 14, 2021

I've had this happen as well when I x-processed E6 film in C41 for a friend. Can't recall what film was used though. What helped was dramatically reduce color development. Of course that's not going to help you with this film, but it may help with future films. I'm not sure if your lab is willing/capable of drastically altering processing parameters.

hirudin · Aug 16, 2021

I had this when I first processed Kodak 2443 colour infrared (designed for AR-5 chemistry) in Kodak C-41 chemistry... in my case, I found it could be solved by switching to Agfa C-41 chemistry. I would guess this is the same problem... obviously Agfa chemistry isn't available anymore, but I would recommend trying different manufacturer's C-41 chemistry and see what you can obtain.

Tel · Aug 17, 2021

Some years back I bought several rolls of Rollei Crossbird. A couple I sent to the local lab (long gone now) and others I developed myself with a Unicolor kit. The first rolls came back with an ugly green tint that I hated. The second batch were snow scenes that had a slight magenta hue that really worked well. I've had several of the magenta ones in group shows--the green ones I don't show to anyone.

E6 cross processed in C-41 came out extremely dense and dark violet

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