Stabilize Later

BrendanCarlson · Aug 20, 2012

This might be a stupid question, but can I stabilize E6 Film a day or two after processing? I ran out of stabilizer and I want to process right now.
Thanks.

glbeas · Aug 20, 2012

You can, but be very sure not to forget to finish the job.

polyglot · Aug 20, 2012

Stability of E6 with current chemicals relates mostly to the Pre-Bleach not the "stabiliser", which is actually just a final rinse now that it's not permitted to contain formaldehyde. A few days shouldn't matter though as long as you don't forget.

Sirius Glass · Aug 21, 2012

Go ahead and do it. It will be better for the film and you will sleep at night.

nworth · Aug 23, 2012

I have some stocks of older film that needs stabilization. I often have the film processed at a commercial lab (which would not use a stabilizer) and then stabilize it when I get it home again. It seems to work, but I think there are some minor color shifts (less than CC5) in some cases. These are not very important for me since I can easily correct them in printing.

Photo Engineer · Aug 23, 2012

Stabilization in E6 films can be done later, but the process must end with a Photo Flo rinse to prevent water spots. The film can be treated within a day or so with no risk. C41 films can be treated the same way, but remember to use the right stabilizer for this film. See my long post on stabilizers.

PE

polyglot · Aug 23, 2012

Hey PE, you gotta link to the post when you say stuff like that because finding things on APUG is practically impossible.

If you send me the link, I can add it to my FAQ.

SkipA · Aug 23, 2012

I'll put in my request, PE. I would like to read your long post on stabilizers, but I can't find it. The oldest color negative film I have in my freezer is Supra 100, and I'd like to know what kind of stabilizer I need for it.

Photo Engineer · Aug 23, 2012

(there was a url link here which no longer exists)

SkipA · Aug 23, 2012

Bookmarked, thanks!

BrendanCarlson · Aug 23, 2012

Thanks PE, I've posted that on a lot of forums, it is actually the reason for this question.
Now, the fun part, mixing up stab... it's actually pretty easy.

polyglot · Aug 24, 2012

OK, added.

Stabilize Later

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