Digital BW, The Print

"Cleavis" <lyonscox@...> writes:

> I bought some cheap color print film and am inclined to develop it 
> myself.  To keep it on topic ;-)  I'm going to scan in color and 
> channel mix it out to B&W.  Since there is so much experience here in 
> all fields I wanted to ask here.
> 
> Is there any particular thing I should READ prior to launching into 
> this endeavor?
> Is there a reason I can't use my regular metal tanks for color 
> development?  Are the plastics a must?
> 
> I realize temp controls and agitation require a much more finite 
> control for color processing...of course the ideal would be a Jobo 
> 1000/1500 but likely out of budget...second would be a Duolab or 
> tempering tanks...last would be to wing it...this would take up the 
> least $ and space! :-)
> 
> Comments or directions to relevant web sites is much appreciated.  If 
> I'm going to have to spend $5-$9 per roll, I would just as well make 
> a small investment in being able to do it myself if its reasonable.

I haven't worked with current-generation C41 processing.  Given how
things have changed in general, it's probably considerably easier than
it was 20 years ago.  (At least that was still C41.)

The problem with steel tanks is that most techniques for temp control
and agitation involve rolling the tank in a tempering bath.  This
doesn't work well with steel tanks as I'm familiar with them.  (I
guess it might work with the ones with plastic rather than steel tops,
maybe).  If you have a technique that lets you keep the tank upright
with the lid join above water, it should be fine (and the heat
transfer will be better, of course). 

While some experience processing color films is always interesting, I
find it makes no sense in the long run for nearly anybody.  Issues
include: Time spent, additional cost from chemicals expiring before
you get them used up, having to save up rolls of film to run full
batches (hence delays in getting film processed).  When figuring time,
don't forget the time spent cutting and sleeving!  (Or mounting, for
slides). 

Finally, modern color film chemistry is very much designed for machine
processing.  You *can* do a first-rate job in a decent Jobo with
thermostatic water bath, but it takes a fair amount of money for the
equipment, and it takes quite a lot of work to use it with precision.
-- 
David Dyer-Bennet, dd-b@...  /  http://www.dd-b.net/dd-b/
 John Dyer-Bennet 1915-2002 Memorial Site http://john.dyer-bennet.net
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