Thanks so much for this and the other chats you've done so far! Fantastically knowledgeable content and really good explanations on kit lifespans and how to avoid developer contamination when measuring temps. (Love the apron as well😉)
Nothing is more important than good temperature control. In C-41, the colors will shift if the temperature is not right. This is a serious problem, especially if you are not scanning, but printing RA-4. Right developer time is also important, but it will mostly lead to deviations in density, which is very much smaller problem than one os the color curves spiking in the highlights.
I use the Bellini C41 kit. With Sue Vide and a Patterson tank. And after the stabilizer I use a photo flow and dry it with canned air. Careful not to freeze the film. I found that’s the best way to get rid of the water spots. That’s the only problem I kept having.
Damn, so bummed I missed this. One missing question: Is there ANY way people can put together their own C41 chemistry? There’s a company/person in my country thats been in the industry for a while as a film supplier and sells a bunch of hand rolled stock etc. and he recently started posting C41 kits that are “self manufactured”.. seems a bit sus but it’s so far the only way I’ve seen to get chemistry into South Africa. Any “non online forum style”😂 comments on this?
Claudio Bonavolta has published recipes for C41 and RA4 developer. You can buy all the chemicals from the Formulary or from Artcraft Chemical. Just be sure to read the safety data sheets and be aware of what you’re getting into!
Delighted to hear you're enjoying these videos! @wjlafrance is bang on the money - the bulk raw chemicals are available. The components to make ECN-2 chemicals at home *seem* to be more readily available in most regions, but it's definitely doable. Personally I don't bother because I handle enough toxic powders on a daily basis in work but I am all for people doing this for fun/economy! Just make sure you get an appropriately good weighing scale/balance.
