Shelf Life of Kodak Bleach III

[Tom Taylor]

Hi all,

I'm thinking about ordering Kodak Flexicolor III Bleach Replenisher Parts A&B to make 12.5 gallons (Kodak CAT 8184038 and 8214637). Does anyone know the shelf life of this product (unmixed) as it will take me a couple of years or more to go thru it.

Thanks,

Thomas

 

[nickandre]

Shelf life is very long.

Try asking kodak directly or finding a minilab store. I've had great luck searching ebay for bleach. I got 5 gallons for $40 shipped or something like that.

 

[Photo Engineer]

It lasts virtually forever.

PE

 

[Tom Taylor]

Thanks guys.

I figured the unmixed shelf life was essentially indefinite as long as it wasn't kept at a low temperature but I wanted to confirm before I committed to purchase. It turns out that I can purchase the Part B but Calumet told me that Part A & B were discontinued and they didn’t' have "A" Adorama has "A" on their website but when I called it wasn't in stock and they also said it was discontinued. I E-mailed Kodak asking the question that I posted here and also if it was still available. According to their website I should hear back from them within 48 hours.

Apparently the bleach for minilabs is different from the Flexicolor Bleach III which I would want to stick with. Kodak does now market a C-41 SM bleach which I am now using but it cost substantially more than Bleach III.

Thanks again.

Thomas

 

[Tom Taylor]

Kodak's response to my E-mail was quick:

Dear Thomas,

I am sorry to say that product will no longer be available. However, the shelf life would be 5 years from time of manufacture.

Best Regards.
Tony AuClair
Kodak Service & Support, USA