Tetenal E-6

Hello All -

I'm getting back into film via 35mm and my Pentax 645n. In a fit of madness I bought a used Kindermann 6x6 projector, a dozen or so trays, and some 6x4.5 mounts. Now I'm finding that processing for 120 chromes is expensive when you can find it, and I have yet to spot anyone who mounts 120 slides. So, harking back to my earlier film experiences, I'm looking to processing my own, since I did so starting when the reversal step involved a photoflood lamp.

This was with the Kodak kits with six or so steps. Slides I processed in the mid '70's are still good. Is there any sort of track record for the newer processes, since Kodak has left the scene? Here in the states Freestyle has their own kit which uses fewer steps and can be used at various temperatures. B & H lists Kodak chemicals, but in large quantities intended for commercial use. B & H lists a Tentenal C-41 kit intended for travel or press use.

As I recall Kodak specified one temperature (which I can't recall) and wanted plus or minus 1/2 degree C control. Not a lot of fun. The Freestyle kit has times for various temperatures. Anyone have any experience with this kit? I've yet to find a vendor selling Tetenal here in the states, does anyone know of one? Is Unicolor still in the game for E-6?

Many thanks in advance.

I got an email from Freestyle saying that by the end of June they will be carrying Tentenal color and BW chemicals. Yay! I also emailed them asking about storage life of the undiluted concentrates of their Arista E-6 kit, since the pdf on the product says nothing about that.

Hi There,
Yes, the labs processing E-6 are getting fewer by the day. The Tetenal 3-bath chemicals come to the rescue. I have tried it once and developed five films. You have to watch the temperature of each chemical as well as the tank you are using. Unfortunately, I mixed up the chemicals accidently, had to discard them. But that is how you learn. The result for the first film was a little on the dark side, but the other four were ok, it is a learning curve. I have another set on order through my photo store. It is difficult or impossible to get it shipped from the US to Canada, Europe seems to be a bit easier, but costlier. It is about $ 80 for ten films, just a little cheaper than it used to be in the old days. The next time I will try it in my Agfa Rondinax developing tank.
Regards,
Siegi

Thanks for developing