What Happens When Part C of C-41 Developer is Bad?

RedSun · Apr 28, 2014

As we all know, the part C (dark liquid) of the C-41 developer goes bad quickly. What would happen to the film when part C goes bad?

I used some old chemical to develop a roll of unknown film and the film has wrong color. Not sure if this is related to the bad part C.

VPooler · Apr 28, 2014

Mostly, nothing would happen. Meaning the developer is dead. Parts A and B are alkaline, preservative and other gadgetry, C should be CD4 - the actual developing agent. And once that kicks the bucket, all bets are off.

Photo Engineer · Apr 28, 2014

Part C, when good, is yellow to tea colored. If it is brown or tarry it is bad. If it is bad, bad color and contrast result or there is no image at all.

After all, it is the developing agent.

PE

RedSun · Apr 28, 2014

So, what you think about the two photos shown here? Thx.

Photo Engineer · Apr 28, 2014

Bad developer!

David Lyga · Apr 28, 2014

Photo Engineer said:
Part C, when good, is yellow to tea colored. If it is brown or tarry it is bad. If it is bad, bad color and contrast result or there is no image at all.

After all, it is the developing agent.

PE

I did read somewhere that even if dark (not completely black) that 'C' should still be good (i.e., defects not noticeable in the process). How true this is I do not know but I have mixed (Flexicolor) dark 'C' with the 'A' and 'B' to make a completely viable developer that I had no problems with. Cannot be more definitive than that reading and experience. The "C' is, by far, the most vulnerable. Treat it with care. - David Lyga

shutterboy · Apr 28, 2014

Was the temperature correct?

Photo Engineer · Apr 28, 2014

David, I would not use it if it were more brown than a good cup of tea!

PE

RedSun · Apr 28, 2014

The part C bottle I have looks like dark coffee. I may just want to try it with a section of my test film....
The first time I mixed the developer, I mixed it with room temperature water. This time, I should use warmer water...

Photo Engineer · Apr 28, 2014

Between 20 and 40 C, the mixing temp is not important really. The use temp is critical as is the quality of the chemicals.

That is the bottom line.

PE

RedSun · Apr 28, 2014

Here is what I have. Developer kit, box of 3 sets, with each set to make 5 liters C-41 developer. The part C is dark. Sry for the bad cellphoe photos.

RedSun · Apr 28, 2014

This is a good photo.

Photo Engineer · Apr 28, 2014

Your link is broken.

However, Trebla is a reputable company and their chemistry is high quality. OTOH, that stuff looks bad.

PE

RedSun · Apr 29, 2014

Today I opened a sealed bottle of the part C. This stuff is black. And it won't dissolve in 120F warm water. The content is flaky, float around, pretty much like the loose ground coffee in your coffee.

The fixer and bleach look just fine....

David Lyga · Apr 30, 2014

Yes, I should have been clearer and PE is correct. The level of darkness is important but, again, if it is somewhat darker than the 'light beer' color it can still be good and I have used it that way. - David Lyga

What Happens When Part C of C-41 Developer is Bad?

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