Finally decided to do it myself

[Daniel Lawton]

Well after contemplating doing my own E-6 for some time and learning this month that my local lab no longer does E-6 "in house", I finally went to B+H and picked up Kodak's single use E-6 kit. I was curious if most people using Kodak chemistry for home processing use it one shot or use it repeatedly and increase the times. Also, upon opening the bottles of stock solutions, how long can they be stored for before they deteriorate? Finally, I plan on using the same small tank setup I use for black and white but was wondering if it would be worth trying to find a used Jobo system if it makes the process a whole lot easier. Between the exacting temperature control and the myriad of steps it seems like there is quite a bit that can go wrong with this process but I can't wait to try anyway

 

[df cardwell]

It isn't hard if you're methodical and patient. Keeping the temps steady isn't hard, you just have to think it out. It is a LOT easier when the ambient temps are steady. Jobos can be good, but if you can't get it done by hand, you can't to it with a machine ! If you want to do a lot of it... that's different. The multiple use regimen is pretty fool proof, Kodak sorted its data out pretty well.

Good luck !

 

[OldBikerPete]

trick I used when setting up for color developing was to record an audio tape with the times and prompting for operations. Eg I record on the tape.
".....developing time is ending, you need to decant developer in 10, 9, 8, 7,.......,now. Drain for 10 seconds and pour in stop bath in 3, 2, 1, Now,......... etc.

 

[df cardwell]

A very cool way to go

 

[Mick Fagan]

If you do use a tape, make sure the batteries are fresh.

Don't ask me how I know!

Mick.

 

[wildbill]

I processed my first 2 rolls of slide film last night using the arista rapid 16oz. kit in my patterson super system 4 developing tank. I figured $16.99 was worth the shot. I was right. One test roll of 120 and one 35mm E100vs and great results so far. Not as easy as B+W but doable.
My questions:
Once mixed how succeptable are the developers to daylight?
Anybody get more rolls out of it than the capacity states?
Is room temp okay for prewash and the middle washes?
How long is this stuff good for after it's mixed?
How long should the concentrates be good for once opened if kept in tightly capped bottles?
Can i dump any of this stuff down the drain?

 

[Daniel Lawton]

Well I did it and the slides are drying as I type this. The results seem good at first glance but I guess I won't know exactly what I have until I look at them on the light table. My first impressions are that Kodak's 6 step system is certainly demanding and I felt like I was in a frenzy trying to keep everything from falling apart. I thought about trying the Tetenal setup with fewer steps but had read some conflicting reports by those who feel the traditional 6 step system gives better results. I used a foam ice chest to insulate my water bath and keep the temp as close to 100 deg F. as possible and it seemed to do a reasonably good job. One thing for sure is that I definitely feel as though I worked my rear end off to get these slides! lol I'm sure as time goes by I'll streamline the process and It will go much more smoothly.