Is bakelite safe for E-6 processing?

[Alexander Ivashkin]

Hi there everyone,

I'm about to process my first roll of Velvia with Tetenal 3-bath kit and am worried about using my Zeiss bakelite tank. The Tetenal manual says colour developer could stain some plastics permanently; what about bakelite?..

Cheers,
A.

 

[Ian Grant]

It can age and the surface becomes slightly porous so you've a high risk of cross contamination. I have bakelite tanks some have aged far more than others.

Ian

 

[darkroommike]

Bakelite is brittle and only gets more brittle with age but is pretty inert chemically. I have only had one bad plastic vs. chemicals reaction and that was Unicolor E-4 and a polystyrene graduate that came in a cheap darkroom kit. The graduate got cloudy and a soft in reaction with what I suspect was something in the color developer. That said quality developing tanks of polycarbonate or stainless steel are pretty cheap, keep you Bakelite tank as a conversation piece.

 

[mshchem]

I think you would be OK. I have a couple of antique Bakelite tanks my Dad used. The original E-1 process worked at near room temperature. Back then hard rubber and Bakelite was very common. I agree with Darkroom Mike, modern is probably easier, but I would not wait. Get to work and post some images
Best Regards, Mike

 

[mshchem]

I just looked at one of these on the web. Looks like a nice tank if it's in good shape. Go for it.