Re: [Leica] Transparency Development

["Roy Zartarian" <royzart@connix.com>]

One consideration to keep in mind when self processing small 
quantities of E6 film is the life of the chemistry once mixed.  The 
manufacturers with which I have experience all note a 2 week life 
for the first developer.  Because of the limited life of the chemistry, 
you may not find it economically feasible to do your own E6 if you 
have to dump the chemicals before they're used to capacity.

That said, I will note that I generally do my own E6 (and b&w) 
processing in a Jobo CPE2 with lift, using the Tetenal 3-bath .5 liter 
kits. I use the Jobo because I can use smaller amounts of the 
developing materials in rotary processing comparison with the 
agitation method and because the Jobo does a darned good job of 
temperature control. The latter is an important factor in E6.  With 
the 1540 tank I can do 4 rolls at  time and I use the .5 liter kit as 
one-shot since the capacity is six rolls.  

I estimate that if I use a kit to completion I save almost half the 
cost of commercial processing.  The big advantage for me is the 
convenience of not having to make two trips to the lab.  OTOH, if 
I've only a couple of exposed rolls and don't know when I'll have an 
opportunity to shoot more, the lab does the work.  Interestingly 
enough, I've also found that doing my own E6 has made me more 
critical of the results.  Because my little manual slide mounter is 
such a pain to use, I've become very selective as to which frames 
make it into mounts and which go into the trash.

The only time I had problems with processing with the Jobo was 
when my thermometer went bad on me.  Yes - it does happen. And 
during that time I ended up with reticulated Tri-X and slides with a 
funky magenta cast. I now use two thermometers - one alcohol, 
one mercury - as a check against each other. 


Roy

On 13 Jul 2001, at 13:42, S.K.Boyd wrote:


> For years I have used nothing but B&W.  I am now going to start using
> transparency films, and will be doing my own processing.  The quantities
> will not be large; only  two to four  rolls per week average, and I'll
> probably use mostly Astia, or Kodak E100 series 35mm films.  My photography
> is entirely available light, and almost all daylight.
> 
> I'm looking for suggestions on developers to begin with.  Also is it worth
> using semi-automated processors such as Jobo, or will regular tank
> development be adequate, and give repeatable results.  I've developed B&W
> for over 40 years, and know how to control the process.
>