RA-4 chemical recommendation

[Tom Kershaw]

I just wanted to recommend the Kodak RA series Ektacolor chemistry. Excellent value to make 20 litres of bleach - fix and developer, but separated into 4 batches (i.e 4 batches of 5 litres working solution), so no unnecessary oxidization.

As I'm using the Ektacolor developer in a roller-transport machine, I prepared the initial solution with the addition of the Kodak RA starter.

Tom.

 

[glbeas]

I mix mine in 500ml batches from the bottles then flush the air from the stock bottles with nitrogen. Keeps quite well like that.

 

[Tom Kershaw]

I mix mine in 500ml batches from the bottles then flush the air from the stock bottles with nitrogen. Keeps quite well like that.

Are you processing in a Jobo?

Tom.

 

[Matt5791]

That sounds ideal for me - I have been using Tetnal or Fotospeed, but the batches sounds just what I need - where do you get yours from Tom?

Also, what would be my shopping list to start with this kit? - what are the packs called?

Many thanks,

Matt

 

[glbeas]

Are you processing in a Jobo?

Tom.

Correct! I tried an ACP200 but it was incredibly wasteful on chemistry so I went back to the old standby.

 

[Tom Kershaw]

Matt,

I bought the kits from Firstcall Photographic; Kodak Supra Endura paper from Morco.

Starter:

http://www.firstcall-photographic.c...odak/kodak-ektacolor-pro-ra4-starter-1-litre/

Developer:

http://www.firstcall-photographic.c...dak-ektacolor-pro-ra4-developer-4-x-5-litres/

Bleach Fix:

http://www.firstcall-photographic.c...ak-ektacolor-pro-ra4-bleach-fix-4-x-5-litres/

Paper:

www.morco.uk.com

For the record, I use a Thermaphot ACP 505 machine.

Tom.

 

[Matt5791]

Thanks for that Tom - I use a Durst Printo.

I'll see how I get on. I have a load of colour printing to get through!

Matt

 

[Matt5791]

Just to say - I've been using this kit and have to say this kit blows away, in terms of convenience and cost, the Tetenal and Fotospeed kits for anyone with a low usage, or anyone who processes RA4 periodically, but not all the time. But also if you were processing a sizeable volume.

Firstly I love the way it makes 5 batches of 5 litres, and the way that you are provided with individual bottles for this so you dont have to break into the next 5L mix until you need to. The Tetenal kit is something like £39 for just 1 5L kit of dev and blix.

Secondly it seems to be a Low Utilisation (LU) version of Kodaks RA4 chemistry, especially resistant to oxidisation.

Just a brilliant kit for anyone wanting to do some RA4.

Only thing is I can only find it sold by Firstcall - Morco seem to have something similar but not the same. Anyway I will ask Morco next time I need to order because I have a feeling they will be cheaper than Firstcall if they can supply it.

Thanks Tom for the recommendation,

Matt