Remjet Removal after Processing

[Born2Late]

I obtained a Minolta 16mm camera recently. Upon inspection I found that it had a film cartridge in it and it had apparently been exposed. The tape on the cartridge said C41, so I processed it (at home) to see if there were any images on it. After processing the film is black, but I can see (barely) images when I shine a bright light through it. I assume this film is Remjet coated. If this is the case, can it be removed now (after processing)? If so, how?

Thanks.

 

[lensman_nh]

C-41 does not use a remjet backing. It if really was C-41 film it may be ancient and utterly fogged. If the cartridge was reloaded then who knows if it was really C-41 or not.

J.

 

[PGillin]

I've scrubbed it off (very carefully) with sponges or paper towel before, while the film is washing in a tray. Though, as mentioned, c41 doesn't generally have remjet (though cine film could be an exception?)
Could you post a few pictures of the cartridge, negatives, and any edge markings on the film? Might help figure this out.

 

[lensman_nh]

Cine film would generally be positive wouldn’t it, at least consumer stuff. That was usually e-6, or Kodachrome. ECN 2 uses a remjet coating. I wonder if a used c-41 cassette was reloaded with ECN 2 film stock. I think so at this point.

 

[Randy Stewart]

It sounds like your film has a remjet backing. Google "reject removal". You should come up with at least two simple formulas for a remjet removal solution. The use directions will generally have you soak the film for a few minutes. To the extent that just soaking does not soak off the backing, you will have to lightly wipe it off. A microfiber cloth works very well (also soaked in fresh solution. If that does it, you should redo the final wash and stabilizer steps from the C-41 process, as that protection will have washed out during the remjet bath.

 

[VesaL]

You can use Washing soda crystals mixed with water to remove the remjet backing. Tried that and it works. Just keep the film in the solution couple of minutes and you start to see it coming off nicely when you gently rub your finger against it. Please do make new batch of mixture when the water comes black enough. Just remember to be gentle and do not rush the rubbing.
-Vesa

 

[Photo Engineer]

If there is any image at all, it is color film. A B&W film or Kodachrome would be bleached out and have no remaining silver image.

To remove remjet, bathe in washing soda crystals at about 50 - 100 g/l in warm water (not over 100 F or 40 C). Use a sponge to wipe off the film back. Change the soda bath and repeat. Then wash for 10 minutes in running warm water and then bathe in the C41 final rinse.

PE