I noticed that Kodak chemicals are back in stock at Freestyle, the Ektacolor RA Blix / Replenisher, and that there is both [A] and (B) models available.
I'm not totally sure of the difference between the developer/starter
Note that this is blix, specifically. It comes in two components, A and B, and you need both. You generally don't need a starter for the blix.
Going by the photos, the listed products are old stock. This needn't be a problem.
100 liters is a lot of blix.
In addition to the blix, you'll need a developer. It's OK to use a different developer (Arista, Champion, Fuji etc.) with a Kodak blix and vice versa.
A replenisher is a slightly more concentrated and more alkaline RA4 developer. If used without seasoning or adding starter, it generally produces poor results. The starter is added (plus some additional water) to bring the developer on spec. This system works with large tanks/racks in mind where you typically replenish and not often replace the entire contents of the machine.
For home use in drums, kits like Arista etc. work without a starter or replenisher. They can be used one shot. They can also be reused until...well, there's no hard & fast rule. Until the results don't look good anymore or until you don't trust the consistency. Take your pick.
I find one shot with RA4 wasteful. Others swear by it. It's a matter of preference.
You might find this relevant: https://tinker.koraks.nl/photograph...ta-using-color-c41-and-ra4-chemistry-at-home/
In terms of one-shot usage, Freestyle variously offers Kodak Ra/Rt, their own Arista house label RA4 kits, and Silver Pixel brand, all of which are interchangeable and excellent. All of these are technically "starter" kits unless specifically labeled otherwise, but can be hypothetically used for replenishment too. They do not contain a separate stabilizer needed for replenished automated roller processor units. However, anything they sell as "room temperature" RA4, or by Tetenal, is not the same thing.
I personally mix up only enough chem at a time as I need for a single day's session, using drums. That habit has alleviated all kinds of problems in consistency. I'm interested in optimal performance, not generic results.
What I wish was available separately is Part B developer, since it's the first thing that goes bad once opened, if not all used up in due time.
how imperative do you suppose it is to keep it at a higher temperature?
One-shot means one print, whether large for small (I have different drum sizes, clear up to 30X40 inch capacity). If it's a large print, I'll mix up just enough for that at a time (plus enough extra for a couple of 8x10 drum test strips). But if a series of smaller prints, I mix up enough cumulative volume sufficient for the daily session.
I standardize on 30C / 83F temperature, 2 minute steps. I have a Jobo Tempering Box unit by itself, good for that. But it's fairly simple to rig up a DIY water jacket and immersion heater to do the same thing. Or your CPE2 should have a built-in one; I'd keep the unit. RA4 is not terribly fussy in that respect; but try to keep within plus/minus 3 deg F; and with the Jobo unit, it's easy to stay within even tighter tolerances. Remember, these are tempering units, not water heaters per se. You want to start with water fairly close in temperature, and then it will adjust and maintain it. But if you start too cool, the heater element can burn out. Thankfully, on mine there is a reset button if the unit somehow overheats. Never turn it on dry.
I've started making a few initial prints with the Arista kit.
Wondering as to why the white paper is coming out yellow on the edges that aren't part of the picture? (I think the whole picture is incorrectly toned with this sort of yellow).
Also there are blue smudges all over the edges of the paper. Are these light leaks of some sort?
View attachment 362506
I'm developing using 60mL of one-shot in a Jobo 2830.
(The recommended mL on this tank says 100 but since I'm just doing 8x10 I figured I may be ok to get away with 60 mL?)
I'm at 75 degrees and using the recommended arista times of:
30s Pre-Wash
3m 40s Developer
1m 30s Blix
2m Wash
The blue could be as simple as not using enough water in presoak
If you're using a drum you must use AT LEAST the amount stated on the drum, I often used 500ml.
3m 40s Developer
Brown could be light leak or reflection fogging the paper.
That's very, very long. My RA4 developing time even at room temperature is 90 to 120 seconds. 120 seconds always does the job. A little overdevelopment doesn't hurt, but I don't know if overdeveloping by 100% is such a good idea.
I noticed a small blue light on the bottom that flashes every 5 secs
10mL
I'm not seeing developer starter available for purchase from freestyle, but wondering how necessary that is to the process?
Is it possible to use this chemistry without replenishing it
I'm sorry, you'll really have to ask SilverPixel. Things like starter composition and replenishment rates can be totally different between products from even the same manufacturer, let alone different brands. I don't know who makes the SilverPixel chemistry; you'll have to ask them and hope they can give some pointers.
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