Where to get RA-4 chemistry

pinholer · Jul 29, 2017

I had to get out of the darkroom for several years due to back problems. Now that I think I will be able to stand up long enough to get some work done I want to get going again. I still have a good amount of RA-4 paper but I am having trouble finding the chemistry. I used to get the 10 liter kits of Kodak chemistry but I can't find any locally (Denver CO area) and B&H doesn't ship them.

So my question is what are you guys and gals using and where are you getting the chemistry?

bvy · Jul 29, 2017

Kodak Ektacolor from Unique Photo in New Jersey. The developer is (I think) a three part kit that makes (I think) five liters. The blix is a two part kit. Yes, they ship.

mshchem · Jul 29, 2017

bvy said:
Kodak Ektacolor from Unique Photo in New Jersey. The developer is (I think) a three part kit that makes (I think) five liters. The blix is a two part kit. Yes, they ship.

+1, very good prices. Throw away any paper that hasn't been frozen solid. Fuji is the only choice for cut sheets.

DREW WILEY · Jul 29, 2017

I use Freestyle in LA.

btaylor · Jul 31, 2017

+1 for Freestyle. I have been pleased with their 20 liter RA4 chemistry. I just mix what I need and use a replenishment scheme of 10 ml/8x10 print. Extremely economical.

EdSawyer · Jul 31, 2017

+1 for unique. don't throw away your old paper. Often times it's still fine, even years out of date. Usually the base will become slightly yellowed but depending on subject matter, it may be a non-issue.

-Ed

aparat · Jul 31, 2017

First of all, it's great to hear that your back has improved, however slightly. I also suffer from chronic health issues that have kept me out of the darkroom for months and months.

I also use the Freestyle kit. It's been reliable for me. I develop in a drum, preheating chemistry, and with a simple motor base.

mklw1954 · Aug 2, 2017

I go to Unique Photo. Fortunately, I'm only a 40 minute drive away from them.

- Kodak Ektacolor RA Developer Replenisher RT to make 10 liters (Unique #EKY8415580, Kodak #8415580, $14.26). No developer starter needed.

- Kodak RA Bleach/Fix to make 10 liters (Unique #EKY6601629, Kodak #6601629, $14.75)

I make up all 10 liters of developer at once, make up blix as needed. I use chemicals once and discard. I use a Unicolor roller base and Cibachrome drums.

I've found Unique also has the best prices on Fuji paper:

Fuji Crystal Archive Type II, Lustre, 8x10, 100 sheets (Unique #FJP8967, Fuji #600008967, $39.00). Their $77 price for for 100 11x14 sheets is also good.

rpavich · Aug 2, 2017

The only thing I'd add is that you can buy Fuji Chrystal Archive II paper much cheaper than cut sheets; I buy rolls of several hundred feet at a time for about $35.00 each. It really brings the cost of paper down. I bought a couple of those "paper cassettes" that they used to use in film developing labs; they are light tight and the paper fees out of them via a slot with a light trap. Other than the paper wanting to curl badly, they are very very enjoyable to use.

bvy · Aug 2, 2017

rpavich said:
The only thing I'd add is that you can buy Fuji Chrystal Archive II paper much cheaper than cut sheets; I buy rolls of several hundred feet at a time for about $35.00 each. It really brings the cost of paper down. I bought a couple of those "paper cassettes" that they used to use in film developing labs; they are light tight and the paper fees out of them via a slot with a light trap. Other than the paper wanting to curl badly, they are very very enjoyable to use.

Picture?

rpavich · Aug 2, 2017

bvy said:
Picture?

this one was 39.00 and 39.00 shipping but I've paid less.

rpavich · Aug 2, 2017

Here is some paper...10" wide by 296 feet long x 2 rolls. If you make 8x10's that's 888 prints for 62.00 not including waste.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/2-ROLL-BOX-...592573?hash=item33d23db93d:g:H-sAAOSwpONZXCni

Where to get RA-4 chemistry

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