Kodak Ektacolor RA-4 chemistry availability/alternatives

phosphors · Sep 30, 2021

Hi everyone! I am currently unable to find Kodak Ektacolor chemistry in stock from any US retailers.

Anyone have an insight in to the supply/prospects? Is this short term? In between batches? Or worse....?

I'm new to home color printing so would also appreciate any suggestions for alternative chemistries for RA4.

phosphors · Sep 30, 2021

I should add. What I've been looking for specifically is Kodak Ektacolor RA Deloper/Replenisher RT. And I am printing in a Jobo and in trays.

mshchem · Oct 1, 2021

phosphors said:
I should add. What I've been looking for specifically is Kodak Ektacolor RA Deloper/Replenisher RT. And I am printing in a Jobo and in trays.

Yep, that's what I use. I usually buy from Unique Photo as it's available 10L package. Unique is out, so is B&H, B&H requires purchase of a case of 4 x 10L, still it's special order. All the Kodak color chemistry comes from China by sea. Probably stuck waiting to dock.

koraks · Oct 1, 2021

phosphors said:
I'm new to home color printing so would also appreciate any suggestions for alternative chemistries for RA4.

Any RA4 developer and blix should work just fine in trays. I always use Fuji because it's the easiest to get around here.

AgX · Oct 1, 2021

In Europe alone there are at least 4 manufacturers. Plus smaller suppliers of which it is not clear whether they blend the concentrates themselves or rebottle.

btaylor · Oct 1, 2021

Freestyle has their Arista brand RA4 4 liter kits in stock. I use their Silver Pixel brand (but they are out of developer).

phosphors · Oct 1, 2021

Thanks everyone for all the great info. Out of inexperience buying and using RA-4 I believe I was being too cautious and sticking with Kodak products. All your comments have opened my eyes to plenty of alternatives. I'm particularly curious about trying the Silverpixel dev once it's available again. In the meantime I've ordered some Fuji chem.

Thanks again!

mshchem · Oct 1, 2021

Pakor site.

Important Notice: 09/10/2021

We have received notice from Kodak that there will be delays in getting chemicals delivered to us due to manufacturer shipping delays. This is a broad issue that is affecting the entire industry. We will do our very best to fulfill your orders in this challenging time. As we get additional information from our suppliers, we will provide updates on availability and timing.

mshchem · Oct 1, 2021

https://www.pakor.com/primprint-sp-vr-developer-replenisher-tm-6x10l

mshchem · Oct 1, 2021

Champion seems to be in stock. I believe that this is US based?
I've used non Kodak RA-4 I got from my photoshop, work perfectly.

mshchem · Oct 1, 2021

Sorry Champion plant is in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

DREW WILEY · Oct 1, 2021

Freestyle has several options. Their Silver Pixel seems chemically identical and completely interchangeable witth Kodak RA/Rt. I've also used their Arista house brand; but don't confuse it with the "room temp" variety. Yes, they briefly run out of RA4 items once in awhile, so order enough to tide you by during any typical shortage.

mshchem · Oct 3, 2021

Unique photo has the Fujifilm RA4 Developer Replenisher in stock, comes 4x10L kits. Basically you get a box with 4 1 liter bottles of part A and 4 1 liter bottles of part B. Starter is required to make a fresh "working tank solution". Easy as can be. It's quite a bit of chemistry, but I have a friend who prints quite a bit of color, we share.

Kodak Ektacolor RA-4 chemistry availability/alternatives

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