Interpreting C-41 control strip results

[Steven Lee]

This may be a bit of a dumb question, but where did you find the reference strips?

A reference (developed strip with documented densities) is included in the box with control strips.

 

[lamerko]

A reference (developed strip with documented densities) is included in the box with control strips.

Thanks for the reply. Glad to see it!

I did a Google search and this turned up, it might help.

https://www.processuk.net/FUJI_CONTROL_STRIPS/cat740598_659672.aspx

Not the EU officially but near enough. You will probably have to pay Vat at point of entry (DDU)

Looks like a very well stocked store. Useful link.

 

[sfaber17]

@sfaber17 Since I posted that, it's been determined that the last batch of Flexicolor manufactured by SinoPromise was defective. After switching to Fuji Hut C41 all my readings have been right on the money.

Oh, that's good. Both brands of commercial C41 developers I had also met the control limits nicely, but I couldn't quite duplicate them from scratch chemicals, but got quite close.

 

[albireo]

What a fantastic thread.

My primary motivation behind getting control strips was: confirming my temperature settings, detecting early signs of developer oxidation, but most importantly - experimentation. Once I start getting results within spec, I plan on running a few experiments comparing:

• Bleach+fixer chemistry vs blix-based C-41 kits
• Champion C-41 chemicals vs Flexicolor
• Fuji Hunt CN-16 chemicals vs Flexicolor
• Stated capacity of C-41 kits. Cinestill claims 16 rolls per 1L with time compensation, I want to see if that's possible

@Steven Lee I've just stumbled on this thread of yours as I approach home C41 processing once again after using labs for a while - I have a separate thread going about this.

I've only tested one C41 kit so far and I'm getting poor results which might or might not be due to issues with my routine - I'm getting some good pointers and will work on those soon.

As I keep experimenting, I would be really interested in any follow ups you might have on your experiences shared so far in this thread. Particularly because unlike me you have access to a proper experimental validation platform (the strips).

If you've had the chance of performing some of the tests above I would be interested in your observations. If you could throw in the new Adox C41 and Bellini kits in your comparisons it'd be wonderful.

 

[Steven Lee]

@albireo I got hopelessly enthusiastic in that post, because I didn't realize that having a kid destroys film photographer's routine All of my experiments have been put on hold, seemingly indefinitely, and all of my pre-mixed C-41 chemistry is now (probably) dead. I even lost access to our bathrooms and can't develop film anymore. I've been shooting 100% digital for the last 8 months :-( Sorry...

 

[brbo]

I've been shooting 100% digital for the last 8 months :-( Sorry...

DON'T!!!

Shoot film. Even if you need to develop film later. Because, you might find that life, after kids stop requiring 110% attention, gets even busier. With the added "bonus" of becoming boring as hell in regard to opportunities to take photos.

 

[MattKing]

I didn't realize that having a kid destroys film photographer's routine

Congratulations @Steven Lee - sadly they don't come with control strips or Z documents, but I've been told they are great fun anyways.

 

[Steven Lee]

@brbo That's a great point, will do! Thank you, @MattKing

 

[albireo]

@albireo I got hopelessly enthusiastic in that post, because I didn't realize that having a kid destroys film photographer's routine All of my experiments have been put on hold, seemingly indefinitely, and all of my pre-mixed C-41 chemistry is now (probably) dead. I even lost access to our bathrooms and can't develop film anymore. I've been shooting 100% digital for the last 8 months :-( Sorry...

Ah, nice, congratulations and welcome to the club.

Remember - do not attempt to stand (or semi-stand) feed the baby. They do get angry, which results in poor development.

You'll stumble on youtube videos suggesting 1ml baby formula for 1L water, pour in, start the timer, then gentle inversions of the baby for the first 30s, and one vigorous inversion at the 30 minute mark followed by three rubs of the tummy and then let stand for 30 minutes. - well, it doesn't work. Don't ask me how I know!

 

[koraks]

gentle inversions of the baby for the first 30s, and one vigorous inversion at the 30 minute mark followed by three rubs of the belly and then let stand for 30 minutes

LOL!