Fuji CN-16L Chemicals

[Bronica645]

Has anyone tried the Fuji CN-16L (C-41 Process) in a Rotary Processor?
Fuji Techs do not seem to want to talk to anyone unless they own a store (Mini Lab) in Canada.
Fuji in Canada are getting as independent & unhelpful as Kodak Canada was in the 60s & 70's.
Hopefully someone was successful with the process.
I would need to know if the Bleach or Fix can be processed for 6 minutes instead the shorter times used by Mini Labs since the Rotary system is a different process than the Mini Lab units.:confused:

 

[F/1.4]

Why not do a test roll or two to see?

 

[Diapositivo]

Bleach and Fix are processes "to completion", you can use a longer time and nothing wrong happens, the only important thing is that the time is not too short. So in case of doubt just prolong the treatment and all should be right.

Besides minor differences C-41 is C-41 and so the basic rules apply to all producers.

 

[Bronica645]

I prefer to receive some feedback before actually purchasing, so far 2 posters have confirmed that the process (one from another Phototherm post) will be fine, therefore I will a run test once my Jobo Press Kit is done. I'll post up the results. Thanks

 

[polyglot]

I use the Fuji Hunt 5L kit (the one with starter built-in that doesn't get replenished). It comes with instructions for rotary processing saying to bleach and fix for I think 6:30 each and I do 8:00 (Jobo). Wash well after bleach to preserve your fixer.

I can scan the instructions if you like but there's a summary in the FAQ in my signature.

 

[Bronica645]

polyglot the fact you actually Bleach longer than the recommended times is good to hear.
I picked up the chemicals from the Mini Lab today since Color chemicals are not really a option in Canada.
Winds up being some Kodak, some Fuji, which should prove interesting figuring out my C-41 process...
The Developer is Fuji CN 16L MV which should be in 2 parts, with a starter, the Mini Labs never used a starter, results are fine.
I could always use some Jobo C-41 Developer as a starter, if it is mandatory for Rotary Processing.
The Bleach is Kodak Flexicolor RA, which Kodak recommends using undiluted, the processing time is 1:00 in a Mini Lab unit, I am thinking of diluting for Rotary Processing for 1 shot processing with 666 ml Bleach & 333 Water with 6:30 Development time. This stuff must be loaded with steroids as stock.
I guess the Bleach step I will have to test, unless someone else uses this Bleach type in a Rotary Processor would have any suggestions.
I already had the Fuji Bleach figured out since it needs to be diluted, I didn't expect to receive Kodak.
The Fix is Fuji CN 16L N3 which pretty straight forward dilute 666 ml Water & 333 ml Fixer.
The Stabilizer is Kodak, Straight forward.
I have noticed some previous posts some C-41 enthusiasts are using the Kodak Bleach RA in the Rotary Process although they are from a while ago & really do not say much, mostly that it is cheaper than some other Bleaches available. Kodak doesn't have any info since they recommend Bleach III for Rotary Processors.

 

[polyglot]

You can happily substitute components of the process from different brands because they don't interact. Just don't try to make up a developer from different parts of different brands.

You would be insane to one-shot your bleach. It is the most expensive part of the process by far, it lasts practically forever (at least 40-50 rolls/L at working strength for the Fuji), it can usually be regenerated after that and it thrives on oxygenation, so it probably lasts even longer in a Jobo than a deep tank.

 

[Bronica645]

You are absolutely correct, what you explained makes perfect sense, although a Phototherm Processor is more complicated than a Jobo Processor with a Lift. Technically I could only save the Fixer. It isn't possible to stop the unit while processing unless the Phototherm Processor detects a fault, it will stop on it's own. If I save the Bleach from the Phototherm Drain Outlet, the chemical saved will be contaminated by some funky 20 year old chemicals probably sitting in the exit drain pipe of the unit.The Kodak Flexicolor Bleach RA Kodak mentions nothing about regenerating, since these chemicals are usually used in Mini Lab units. Replenishing is necessary & mentioned since the Bleach sits in the Tank of the unit. This is why I want to dilute the Bleach (as I mentioned originally) & dispose after 1 shot, then I will respect the times & step procedure of the Phototherm Processor without any contamination. My cost for the Bleach was $27.00, if I dilute as mentioned 666 ml Bleach 333 ml Water to make 1 Liter would give me 6.5 Liters of working solution in total. I calculated the cost as roughly .46 a Roll for the Bleach only. For the entire Process 1.34 a Roll. I will develop around 54 Rolls.
If I do not dilute the Bleach .67 a Roll for the Bleach. The entire Process $1.53 a Roll. I will develop around 42 Rolls.