Here are a few more details:
It is best to discuss C41 and E6 separately.
C41 is carried out in the same way as black-and-white processing, only at a higher temperature. Nor are there any greater demands placed on precision. As with black-and-white processing, the result (the colour negative) is merely an intermediate product. In this case, it is irrelevant who supplies the chemicals.
E6, on the other hand, can be described as the supreme discipline. Of all photographic lab processes, this one imposes the highest demands. This is because two factors come into play: the result (the slide) is already the final product, and the E6 process requires strict tolerances to be maintained. Example: you can already tell from the slide whether the primary developer (FD) was run for 6 minutes 30 seconds or 6 minutes 45 seconds. You therefore have to work very precisely to avoid being frustrated by random results (too dark, too light, colour cast).
For beginners, the following procedure is strongly recommended:
- Always use the same film to start with; each one has a different colour cast
- Keep a film of the same type, developed by a reputable lab, to hand for comparison (especially the start and end sections to compare the Dmin and Dmax of your own development against that of a professional lab)
- On each roll of film, set aside one frame for a grey card and a colour chart (painted yourself with watercolours if necessary) for later comparison
- Start with a 3-bath process such as Tetenal’s
- The first developer (FD) is the most critical in terms of time, temperature and agitation; the density depends on it
- The colour developing agent (CD) has a pH of 12 as a working solution, so safety goggles and gloves are no luxury
- Purchase a water treatment unit (reverse osmosis) or prepare the CD with deionised water; the pH value will then fluctuate much less, as the colour cast depends on this, and it saves the hassle of using a pH meter
- The shelf lives specified by the chemical manufacturer for concentrates and working solutions should, for once, be taken seriously here and are not intended to boost sales; this means you must have a sufficient quantity of film for development so that the chemicals are used up before they expire.
- Always use separate containers for preparing the working solutions and label them all; even the slightest contaminant (e.g. CD in the developer) will ruin the film
Detailed instructions for use are included with the chemicals; always follow them exactly. Process times are normally independent of film type; only the initial developer time can be adjusted for push or pull processing, but only consider this once the standard development process is truly perfected!
If you ever feel the urge for freedom and adventure later on, here’s a peek over the fence at what’s possible:
http://www.opie.net/orphy/photo/dr/wkft-e6.html
Regards, Wolfgang
