Ilfochrome Printing Chemicals

Tom Kershaw · Jun 19, 2006

I've been doing RA-4 prints from current negs for a few months, and have got on fine with these, the process using a NOVA processor is straight forward and quick. However, I'd like to reprint some 20+ year old slides, and although I could do this via the computer, I would much prefere to print optically, which brings me on to my question:

In the UK a box of 50 12x16 ILFOCHROME retails for about £160, which seems OK if only doing a few prints. However, the P30 chemistry is nearly £80. Is there any way to use cheaper chemistry? Assuming there isn't, the new ilford.com site only has the info sheet for the P3.5 kit, whereas Firstcall Photographic (A UK retailer) says the P30 kit is new one. Do the kits work in the same way? According to Firstcall the P30 kit is supplied as a liquid.

Finally, what sort of learning curve should I expect if I decide to do ILFOCHROME?

Thanks,

Tom

Les McLean · Jun 19, 2006

Tom, you can use ordinary black and white developer and fix but you need to use the Ilfochrome bleach. I made some prints 20 years ago using B&W chemistry and they are as still looking fine, no fading or colour change.

Lopaka · Jun 19, 2006

I checked Firstcall's website - what they list as P30 is shown as 5-litre which is in fact the P3.5. This is the replacement for P30 which was packed in 2-litre kits.

For some discussion on learning curve, see my response in adjacent thread titled 'slide film'.

Bob

Tom Kershaw · Jun 19, 2006

Les,

Thanks very much for your information. Do you know how to get hold of just the bleach? Firstcall and Silverprint only list the P30 kit.

On using the black and white dev and fix: Does this mean I can just mix up some IFORD MULTIGRADE @ 1+9, along with some ILFORD Hypam fixer @ 1+9 and use as instructed in the kit PDF, or is there something more to it?

Any caveats on the composition of the developer, e.g. I currently use Fotospeed PD-5?

Lopaka · Jun 19, 2006

I think the chances of getting a good print form 20+ year old slides on Ilfochrome depend on how much fading has occurred. If they were shown a number of times in a slide projector, the chances decline.
Good luck, anyway.

Bob

Tom Kershaw · Jun 19, 2006

Lopaka said:
I checked Firstcall's website - what they list as P30 is shown as 5-litre which is in fact the P3.5. This is the replacement for P30 which was packed in 2-litre kits.

Bob

I'm confused... The P3.5 kit (5 litre) is the current kit, which is what Firstcall and Silverprint are listing as the P30 kit?

Thanks,

Tom.

Lopaka · Jun 19, 2006

Tom Kershaw said:
Les,

Thanks very much for your information. Do you know how to get hold of just the bleach? Firstcall and Silverprint only list the P30 kit.

On using the black and white dev and fix: Does this mean I can just mix up some IFORD MULTIGRADE @ 1+9, along with some ILFORD Hypam fixer @ 1+9 and use as instructed in the kit PDF, or is there something more to it?

Any caveats on the composition of the developer, e.g. I currently use Fotospeed PD-5?

I think there are some threads here that give formulas. I don't mean to throw a damper on your efforts, but the only separately packed bleach in current production is a 20 or 25 litre (I'm not sure of the exact size) package for P3 and will cost more than the 5-litre kit.

Bob

Tom Kershaw · Jun 19, 2006

Lopaka said:
I think the chances of getting a good print form 20+ year old slides on Ilfochrome depend on how much fading has occurred. If they were shown a number of times in a slide projector, the chances decline.
Good luck, anyway.

Bob

Actually, thinking about it, most are probably approx. 15 years old, and I'd guess not projected much if at all.

Tom Kershaw · Jun 19, 2006

Lopaka said:
I think there are some threads here that give formulas. I don't mean to throw a damper on your efforts, but the only separately packed bleach in current production is a 20 or 25 litre (I'm not sure of the exact size) package for P3 and will cost more than the 5-litre kit.

Bob

Thanks for that. I suspected as much, I'll have to see whether the expenditure is worthwhile and take a look at how many there are to do. I might experiment with scanning the slide in, and producing a digital colour negative to contact print.

Lopaka · Jun 19, 2006

Tom Kershaw said:
I'm confused... The P3.5 kit (5 litre) is the current kit, which is what Firstcall and Silverprint are listing as the P30 kit?

Thanks,

Tom.

Most likely because it replaced the P30 kit, perhaps they just don't realize that the change in terminology also reflects a change in the chemistry itself. The old P30 chemistry was a little more user-friendly. Last time I looked, B&H also listed it as P30 but showd a picture of P3.5 kit. Maybe a minor technicality to the dealer, but could be a big deal to the user if the wrong instructions are used. There are some discussions over that issue in Cafe Ilfopro.

Bob

Les McLean · Jun 19, 2006

Tom, You will need to experiment with dilution but use the Ilfochrome times. I even used two bath black and white chemistry to contol very high contrsat sujects. In those days you could purchase bleach as a separate item

Lopaka · Jun 19, 2006

Tom, if you are going to learn the process, I would suggest starting with the kit. The bleach is the proprietary step that makes the process work and accounts for about 2/3 the total cost of the kit. The separate chemistry is only in 25-litre packs. The 25-litre bleach will cost about 80% more than the kit. After you get into it, if you decide you are going to do a lot, there are ways to reduce the cost. You can order the separate 25-litre chemistry and while more upfront cash, cuts chemistry cost almost in half. (The stuff is good on the shelf at least 3 years). You can experiment with black & white developers - as Les correctly stated, you can get contrast control not possible with the Ilfochrome developer. Possibilities abound - but you have to start somewhere and the kit is the easiest way to start. Just a thought.

Bob

Ilfochrome Printing Chemicals

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