New Cinestill gadget for temperature control.
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I actually went to the CineStill booth at Photokina on Thursday. and watched a demonstration. In Europe it is available through Fotoimpex in Berlin so as a (still?) EU member you can get a version suitable to European voltage and frequency.
The difference to a normal Anova is primarily in that it has a ceramic heating element which does not heat up as fast. They actually immersed the TCS in a C42 bath to get it to the correct temperature and mix it as they were doing it. After mixing they poured the chemicals into bottles and kept the temperature constant in a waterbath.
It is not a Jobo but at just under €100 including tax this is a good way to start coulor processing.
The difference to a normal Anova is primarily in that it has a ceramic heating element which does not heat up as fast. They actually immersed the TCS in a C42 bath to get it to the correct temperature and mix it as they were doing it. After mixing they poured the chemicals into bottles and kept the temperature constant in a waterbath.
It is not a Jobo but at just under €100 including tax this is a good way to start coulor processing.
The heating elements I could look up at sousvide heaters are of the classic design: resistor-wire isolated within stainless steel tube.
I see no reason why one should deviate from this for this very application, for a ceramic heating element.
I see no reason why one should deviate from this for this very application, for a ceramic heating element.
I thought this wasn't out for retail, yet. So I was a little surprised to see on Social Media that a Foto Impex customer already received one. I decided to order one as well. I guess the claim that the PTC element used won't pyrolise the photo chemicals made me choose this one over a generic device.
I only tested it on water in my 1L measuring jug. With 500mL of liquid and the water level half way between min and max levels on the device there was a lot of aeration. 800mL was the max I could fill in and have the heater in there. With the level at the max mark of the heater the mixing was nice and calm.
The heating rate in such a small volume is tremendous (maybe a minute, at most, from 20->42°C). So high that I am wondering if the claim of the PTC element not being as aggressive as a more conventional one is really true. Also the temperature was overshooting by about 1.5°C. So it's better to set the temperature a little lower and rise it after the heat up. Once the actual temperature is at the set point it is kept perfectly constant.
This rapid heating of the developer to an exact temperature will make my process much quicker and more convenient than the slow heating in a water bath. That required a long wait unitl the exact moment the temperature is where it needs to be. Bleach and fixer will still heat in the water bath, but the temperature is not critical and with the heater in the bath it will keep the temperature and I can do something else. Once ready the heater will go into the developer, then a quick rinse and back into the waterbath. And Development can start.
More info on the device:
The powercable is fixed to the device and the labeling (CE, RoHS, but no FCC or UL) suggests that my model is made for the EU market and perhaps others with 230V mains. It takes 220-240V at 50/60Hz. So you could theoretically use the 230V Version with a 1500W transformer on 120V. But they definitely make different models for the 230V and 120V markets.
I tested at 41-42°C for ECN processing, which will be what I'm going to do first. Once I'm through those films I'll mix up my first Kodak Flexicolor kit for the waiting C41 films. I think this gadget will increase my motivation to process my colour film backlog.
I only tested it on water in my 1L measuring jug. With 500mL of liquid and the water level half way between min and max levels on the device there was a lot of aeration. 800mL was the max I could fill in and have the heater in there. With the level at the max mark of the heater the mixing was nice and calm.
The heating rate in such a small volume is tremendous (maybe a minute, at most, from 20->42°C). So high that I am wondering if the claim of the PTC element not being as aggressive as a more conventional one is really true. Also the temperature was overshooting by about 1.5°C. So it's better to set the temperature a little lower and rise it after the heat up. Once the actual temperature is at the set point it is kept perfectly constant.
This rapid heating of the developer to an exact temperature will make my process much quicker and more convenient than the slow heating in a water bath. That required a long wait unitl the exact moment the temperature is where it needs to be. Bleach and fixer will still heat in the water bath, but the temperature is not critical and with the heater in the bath it will keep the temperature and I can do something else. Once ready the heater will go into the developer, then a quick rinse and back into the waterbath. And Development can start.
More info on the device:
The powercable is fixed to the device and the labeling (CE, RoHS, but no FCC or UL) suggests that my model is made for the EU market and perhaps others with 230V mains. It takes 220-240V at 50/60Hz. So you could theoretically use the 230V Version with a 1500W transformer on 120V. But they definitely make different models for the 230V and 120V markets.
I tested at 41-42°C for ECN processing, which will be what I'm going to do first. Once I'm through those films I'll mix up my first Kodak Flexicolor kit for the waiting C41 films. I think this gadget will increase my motivation to process my colour film backlog.
That sure looks like he Anova sous vidae food cooker I use. Just a different colour. I like the attachment to hold bottles down.
To hold the bottles down I attach weights using rubber bands. Works like a charm.
Buy it on Amazon.
To hold the bottles down I attach weights using rubber bands. Works like a charm.
Buy it on Amazon.
https://petapixel.com/2018/09/24/ci...-like-a-sous-vide-cooker-for-film-processing/
Quote: "And while the TCS-1000 may look strangely similar to sous vide sticks on the market, it was completely designed by CineStill and isn’t related in any way to existing cooking products."
Strangely similar product (MLITER 1000W sous vide) is not well rated, I wonder how good this can be.
And really completely designed?
Quote: "And while the TCS-1000 may look strangely similar to sous vide sticks on the market, it was completely designed by CineStill and isn’t related in any way to existing cooking products."
Strangely similar product (MLITER 1000W sous vide) is not well rated, I wonder how good this can be.
And really completely designed?
Last edited:
Looks extremely identical. Would be interesting to see the inside from the large opening on the back.
I'd have been very surprised if they had designed it from the ground up. My assumption was that they went to a supplier and ordered specific features, like the heating element and of course their firmware features. The chance of a gentle heating element and warranty under use in chemicals were the reason I bought the Cinestill one. No second guessing as when picking a suitable device among the many out there.
I always noted a slight bit of hyperbole in all of their advertising but that is how it is in the corporate dominated world these days.
I also wonder why they are marketing a C41 kit. There are plenty out there, while it should be easy for them to make an ECN2 kit. Not that I'd buy it. DIY is so easy in that process. It only took me a while to source the Na 3-Nitrobenzene sulfonic acid salt for the antifoggant. IMHO you can also leave it away.
I'd have been very surprised if they had designed it from the ground up. My assumption was that they went to a supplier and ordered specific features, like the heating element and of course their firmware features. The chance of a gentle heating element and warranty under use in chemicals were the reason I bought the Cinestill one. No second guessing as when picking a suitable device among the many out there.
I always noted a slight bit of hyperbole in all of their advertising but that is how it is in the corporate dominated world these days.
I also wonder why they are marketing a C41 kit. There are plenty out there, while it should be easy for them to make an ECN2 kit. Not that I'd buy it. DIY is so easy in that process. It only took me a while to source the Na 3-Nitrobenzene sulfonic acid salt for the antifoggant. IMHO you can also leave it away.
MLITER has ceramic PTC heating element too, same temp range. Hardware is more likely identical.
How save are such heaters?
In a german test it turned oud that one heater by just swivelling it in its clamped on holder could slide into the bath and via cooling openings in the tube then make electrical contact with the water in the bath.
I assumed these heaters were sealed watertight...
In a german test it turned oud that one heater by just swivelling it in its clamped on holder could slide into the bath and via cooling openings in the tube then make electrical contact with the water in the bath.
I assumed these heaters were sealed watertight...
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Of course it's an identical OEM-made piece that they just slapped their name on. They (cinestill) have no talent for building anything, they are just a pure marketeer (and not even a good one at that), just overpricing and reselling stuff made by others.
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I've been looking at this one:
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Electric...e=STRK:MEBIDX:IT&_trksid=p2060353.m1438.l2649
For cooking but might as well get one suitable for colour processing in case I decide to have a go.
The blurb says:
-ACCURATE TEMP: temperature sensor and water circulation system allow accurate temperature control of ±0.18°F in the range of 32-194°F
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Electric...e=STRK:MEBIDX:IT&_trksid=p2060353.m1438.l2649
For cooking but might as well get one suitable for colour processing in case I decide to have a go.
The blurb says:
-ACCURATE TEMP: temperature sensor and water circulation system allow accurate temperature control of ±0.18°F in the range of 32-194°F
My Daughter gave me an Anova for Christmas. Did a marvelous job on the standing rib roast for our delayed Christmas dinner, and then on some salmon filets. Just recently we did a strip steak which was perfect. It looks as though it will hold temps at 123 for the steak within +- .3 degrees, should be fine for C 41 and E 6. I remember doing E 2 and later E 4 with water baths and the Anova would really simplify things - although the photoflood reversal of IIRC E 2 wouldn't be simplified!
Has anybody been using the TCS-1000 for a while? I am considering buying one, but they are currently sold out everywhere ("new stock in September"). I am aware that contraptions, modified cookers, etc. are also possible, but I'd like something I take out of the box and just works (esp. temperature range). Any longer-term experiences to share?
Cinestill shows it as in stock.
https://cinestillfilm.com/products/...mistry-and-precision-film-processing-at-home?
I bought mine last fall or so, and it has been running without issues.
Very simple to use and well priced.
It has features such as timers etc that are oriented towards film processing.
https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0339/5113/files/TCS_INSTRUCTIONS.pdf?v=1613690715
TheFlyingCamera
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While I haven't had my Cinestill very long at all (just got it a week ago) I have been using a sous-vide gadget for heating my developer for platinum/palladium (I use it at 140F/60C) for a couple years now. My old Gourmia died rather dramatically on me recently, so I got a Cinestill from B&H Photo. It works flawlessly, and is easier to use than my old Gourmia. I would not hesitate to refer anyone who is looking at something like this to the Cinestill. It heats faster than the Gourmia did, and it runs so quietly I have to double-check to make sure it is on, and to make sure I turn it off at the end of a session.
Thanks. But I live in Europe, so: different plug 220V instead of 110V. That's solvable. But: add €/$ 40-50 for shipping, then 20% tax, 4-6% toll,..... It would cost more than $180, and another $20-30 to get a 110V/220V converter...if they even ship to Europe.
They point out: "This is the 1500W, 120V/60Hz, 1000W/US power plug/model. For 220-240V, 50/60Hz VDE power plug please order from our European distributor." And there (Foto Impex) it's not in stock, also other European distributors are completely sold out.
But it seems the gadget works, doesn't cause any trouble, so I might get one when available....
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