RA4 How to mix Kodak Ektacolor Paper Developer + Starter

[RMB10]

Hello everyone, I'm going to be using my Durst RCP Paper Processor for the first time for RA4 and I'm woking out how to mix Kodak Ektacolor Dev. Replenisher and Starter.
From what I understood, the first bath should be a mix of Dev. and Dev.Starter and then only Dev Replenisher.
Is that correct?

 

[1kgcoffee]

I use only the replenisher, no need to start it.

 

[koraks]

From what I understood, the first bath should be a mix of Dev. and Dev.Starter and then only Dev Replenisher.
Is that correct?

That's one way to do it, using an initial tank volume with starter and then replenishing as per the instructions and as you run paper through it.
Another way, as @1kgcoffee points out, is seasoning the initial tank by running scrap paper through it and then replenishing with further use. This is a bit more unpredictable at the very start, but should get you at the same point as the approach with as proper starter. BTW, I also use the seasoned approach.
Yet a third way is to use a developer with starter one shot, so starter is used for all processing. However, this makes little sense with a processor and is mostly used in combination with drums and small developer volumes per print.
I'd day the most straightforward and reliable way is the way you're planning to do it, even though it does require an extra concentrate (the starter).

 

[darkroommike]

If you aren't replenishing you do not need to use starter. If you are not using a reflection densitometer you do not need to use starter. Starter, essentially, adds developer by products to a fresh batch of developer so that you can start with and maintain a steady state.

 

[koraks]

If you aren't replenishing you do not need to use starter.

Have you tried it?
I have, with Fuji chemistry, and my experiences don't match your statement above. Replenisher of Fuji MP90 has a pH of close to 12 (!!) which is about 1.5 points higher than developer, so a huge way off the mark. In my experience, this creates problems with lacking dmax and a huge and uncontrollable shift towards magenta.

 

[David A. Goldfarb]

Thread moved from B&W to Color

 

[RMB10]

thanks everyone for your suggestions. All very useful. Since I already bought the Starter, I will do as Koraks said and use Dev + Starter for the initial tank and then replenisher only. Let's see how the first attempt goes!

 

[Pat Martin]

Hey there, I just got my rcp 20 working - All running smoothly except I keep get scratches on my prints. I’m inserting them face down, and I’ve cleaned the rollers several times (with toilet bowl cleaner as recommended) and they’re still getting scratched. Always in the same spot. Anyone have any thoughts/ideas to fix?

 

[foc]

Sounds like there is dirt or grit on a roller.
Examine the cross over rollers first, these are the rollers that transfer the paper from one bath to another. Ideally, they should be soaked in a water bath after use.
To find what area the scratch is happening, you should run a sheet through the machine with lights on and all crossover removed. Then you can examine the sheet as it exites the dev. If no scratch then you know it's not the dev tank rollers. Repeat with each tank.

If you find the offending set of rollers, remove them and wash and soak in water.

You could also try an old trick. Use a sheet of sandpaper, fine or very fine, and put it through the processor, the sandpaper facing the way the photo paper emulsion goes. Then dispose of the sheet of sandpaper. You may need to repeat with a fresh sheet.
This trick has worked for me in the past and was shown to me by a Fuji engineer.

Let us know how you get on.