These items were designed to provide individual labs with the tools to monitor Kodak Process E-6 as part of the Kodak Q-Lab Program. Labs could evaluate their results. The Labs also electronically sent their data to Kodak Rochester were it was quickly evaluated by software and Process E-6 experts. Their conclusions were quickly transmitted back to the labs. In-control processes were were told to carry on. Border line labs were told to pay special attention to certain parts of their operation. If action was require the Rochester experts would look at the history and the current test then ask for more testing then recommend corrective action that might include a visit from the local Kodak expert.
In addition to this testing performed by the labs, Kodak also did periodic process surveys of Q-Labs. This consisted of a Kodak TSR or technical expert visiting the labs. During the visit the lab technicians would be updated on the Q-Lab results, E-6 learnings, and provide personal replies to any questions. While in the lab the Kodak person would process pre-exposed film sensi strips of Kodak current and future films, samples of other manufacturers E-6 films, and take chemical samples for more thorough off-site analysis.
This was done in all markets Worldwide with the most effort in US&C, Europe, Japan, Australia, Mexico, Argentina, Brazil and other major markets like Singapore. Q-Lab worked beautifully and had several benefits:
1. Individual labs had more consistent results. (precision)
2. Lab-to-lab variability was reduced. (accuracy)
3. Kodak had improved knowledge of the lab conditions so film's performance could be predicted. In combination with new (Building 38) sensitizing facility Kodak film result variability was further reduced.
4. Kodak Process E-6 chemicals continued as the industry standard.
5. Qualified labs could use the Q-Lab logo in their advertising. If lab performance was poor they would lose the Q-Lab certification.
6. "A rising tide lifts all boats" so other manufacturers films were subjected to less processing variability. Kodak played fair. I am not aware that Kodak ever fine-tuned Process E-6 to disadvantage other manufacturers films.
Fuji had a process control system that was developed in Holland that attempted the same goals. It required returning chemical samples to Fuji for analysis (I'll probably remember the name eventually). It was tried in several markets but the time lag for analysis prevented market adoption.
The measuring devises are probably worth almost 200 Euros.
www.makingKODAKfilm.com
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