Making a Color Emulsion

[holmburgers]

Hi Justin,

I agree with Ron; at the present there's so much to learn about b&w emulsions to even consider working on color stuff. But gaining an understanding of b&w emulsions is of course the pre-requisite for color, so who can say what will happen several years down the road. Plus, one of my biggest interests is definitely getting into color sensitizing for red and green, all with the idea of being able to do color (screen plates, bipacks/tripacks, color separation, etc.)

I do know from my communications with Photo Researcher, as well as Photo Engineer, that a color emulsion is complex, to put it lightly. People who have worked for Kodak their whole careers don't necessarily have the equipment, time or resources to do it easily. PR is working on it, but it's no small undertaking.

I'm glad you brought it up though; I'm glad others are interested in it!

 

[Horse46]

Good afternoon, where can your book be found? You have published the process of making the color emulsion? Thanks

 

[dwross]

Good afternoon, where can your book be found? You have published the process of making the color emulsion? Thanks

I am unaware of anyone making color emulsion. However, it is very do'able to make BW ortho and panchromatic emulsions and then the various processes that use them. If this interests you, let the community know and we can get you started. Good luck and fun!

 

[Robert Maxey]

Well, I once made some color film for a project. It was Diazochrome, a much easier thing.. I gave up. I wish you luck, but i can tell you it is a huge undertaking. What about processing? Consider what has to happen to develop your film. Developers are kinda vital, I should imagine. You might be forever adjusting your chemistry to handle the image forming and your emulsion chemistry to handle changes in processing chem. Or something like that.

If you want a challenge that is far easier, try some of the early color processes. Autochrome, for example. Autochromes are essentially three "layers." A layer of red/green/blue or orange/green/kinda blue-violet starch grains; a black layer (carbon) pressed onto the dyed grain layers and a simple black and white emulsion that is developed as a positive.

Bob says eat a live toad every morning and nothing worse will happen the rest of then day!