E6 with C41 questions

[Rafael Saffirio]

Hi.
I have been experimenting with E6 film specifically Fuji Sensia II 100 expired around 2001
For the first developer I used D72 in different strengths.
The best results so far are D72 1+1 for 10 minutes and then C41 4 minutes everything at 104F.
two questions: why do think the colors in other times and dilutions (see comments in picture) are so unsaturated and with color casts?
The first row is cross process just with C41, but it is very dark, is this normal??

 

[koraks]

The first row is cross process just with C41, but it is very dark, is this normal??

Yes, it's normal. E6 film tends to build lots and lots more density due to its intended use; i.e. projection vs. printing. For printing you don't need much dmax in a negative certainly given the very steep curve of RA4 paper; I never really looked into the numbers but I'd say something like 1.2logD would probably already suffice for C41. Someone please go ahead and correct me on the numbers. Transparency film on the other end needs to go well past 3.0logD to give convincing blacks. That's a massive difference.

The best results so far are D72 1+1 for 10 minutes and then C41 4 minutes

I don't see that in your overview; is the 2nd strip mislabeled or did you mean 7 minutes instead of 10?

why do think the colors in other times and dilutions (see comments in picture) are so unsaturated and with color casts?

Well, you're pretty far off the beaten path in terms of 'correct' E6 processing, so anything goes I suppose. Sorry, can't comment specifically; I'd have to apply my brain to it and don't feel like it

 

[ludwighagelstein]

Ok, so here we go: Color balance and contrast as well as brightness of the slide are controlled during first development. Tinker there, and you will find different results. FD pH is very important and has huge effects on color balance. Secondly, if you want to keep your slides long term, process them in proper E6 chems, or stabilize with formaldehyde. Slides processed like this WILL experience Magenta toe fade in about a month.