C-41 PRESS KIT

APPLICATION

This is a kit for processing C-41 type color negative films and other films compatible with the C-41 process such as Ilford XP-2. (The process is also comparable to Agfacolor AP-70, and Fujicolor CN-16 processes.)

ADVANTAGES

• Process sequence is especially fast and easy
• Mixing: only one powder each for color developer, bleach-fix and stabilizer
• Standard C-41 processing results
• Two methods: by hand or rotary processor methods
• Fast processing at 45ºc

PACKAGE CONTENTS

Color developer powder mix, 1 bag

Bleach-fix powder mix, 1 bag

Stabilizer, 1 bag

 

SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

SAFETY ADVICE

Keep out of reach of children. Avoid contact with skin. In case of contact with eyes,
rinse immediately with plenty of water and seek medical advice.

DISPOSAL

Information on the disposal of photochemical and used processing solutions is best obtained
from local authorities responsible for environmental protection. (Such as your state EPA.)
Bottles made of plastic or glass are being re-used or recycled to an increasing extent. In
either case it is important that they do not contain any leftover concentrates. We therefore
recommend rinsing out the bottles with part of the mixing water and including this in the
appropriate solution.

 

MIXING

Do not mix up partial quantities of either the color developer or the bleach-fix. You cannot be assured that the components of the powder concentrate are evenly distributed throughout the bag.

COLOR DEVELOPER	Water 900 ml	20 to 40ºC	Add  Powder and Top up to 1 liter
BLEACH-FIX	Water 800 ml	35 to 45ºC	Add  Powder and Top up to 1 liter
STABILIZER	Water 900 ml	35 to 45ºC	Add  Powder and Top up to 1 liter

STORAGE LIFE

In brimful tightly closed glass or PVC bottles, the working developer solutions will keep for: 6 weeks the bleach-fix for 8 weeks

 

PRODUCTIVITY

This kit will process 12 to 16 135/36 color negative films or the equivalent area of other sizes.
(12-16 of 120 or 6-8 of 220 size films.) To obtain the kit's full capacity, process at least 2 films simultaneously per 500 ml working solution, or 4 films per liter simultaneously, of working solution.

PROCESSING DIRECTIONS

General Instructions

Consistent results can only be achieved with the specified temperatures, processing times and agitation, as detailed in the processing table. The times include the time for pouring out each solution (approx. 10 sec.).

Each batch developed exhausts part of the developer, and part is oxidized by the atmosphere.  It is advisable for the second and following batches, to lengthen the times as indicated in the  processing  table.

(Due to the increased oxidation caused by rotary processing, JOBO U.S.A. recommends 1-shot processing for the most consistent results. If you are planning on re-using the developer, do so within a few hours after the first use. Otherwise the oxidation may weaken the developer too  much  to give quality results.)

The working solution amounts can be adapted to the volume of the available tank. However, please observe the following limitations for 500 ml solution:

• The working solution can be used up to four times.

• For fast films (ISO 400/27 and faster) only 3 batches are recommended.

• In 500 ml of working solution, up to 8 films with a speed of ISO 200/24 or slower, or up to 6 films of ISO 400/27 and faster can be developed.

When the bleach-fix is poured in, harmless carbon dioxide gas (CO2) is released. This is neutralization of the alkaline color developer by the acid bleach-fix. In tightly closed developing tanks, the pressure must be relieved. (e.g. by a pinhole in the middle of the sealing cap.  Or in JOBO tanks with the flexible membrane cap, be sure to depress the center of the cap before placing it on the mouth of the tank. It will expand with the pressure.)

The bleach-fix, final wash and stabilizer times are minimums; they can be exceeded by up to 50% without adversely affecting the images.

Wash the film in running water if possible. If no running water is available, fill the tank with properly tempered water, agitate and empty the tank after 30 seconds. Repeat this until the end of the prescribed washing time. (When using a JOBO-Lift, fill the tank with the appropriate amount of water let it rotate 30 seconds, and drain. Repeat this until the end of the prescribed washing time.)

After treatment in the stabilizing bath, the films are dried. The drying temperature should not exceed 45º C / 113º F.

The wet film is opaque on the emulsion side. During drying the film becomes transparent.

 

PROCESSING TECHNIQUES

The film can be processed in tanks by hand inversion or by putting the tank into a processor such as a JOBO DuoLab, CPE-2 Plus, CPA-2, CPP-2 or any of the AutoLabs.

A. PROCESSING BY HAND INVERSION

• The working solutions must be brought to the process temperature chosen.

• The developing tank containing the film should be brought to the selected process temperature. Preheat the outside of the tank (in a water bath) for 5 minutes.

• In order to keep the developer temperature constant during the process, the tank should be placed in a water bath with as much heated water as possible.

• The temperature of the water bath is maintained by adding hot water, if no electric heater is available.

• The tank with the films inside is tapped against a table-top after the solutions have been poured in, to remove bubbles adhering to the film.

• Then the tank is agitated continuously for 30 seconds inverting the tank one cycle each second.

• The next 15 seconds the tank will remain in the water bath.

• During the remaining processing time, the tank is agitated once every 15 seconds. Between agitation cycles, the tank should remain immersed in the water bath.

B. PROCESSING IN ROTARY PROCESSORS (such as JOBO and other brands)

• Pre-warm the tank with the loaded film inside, in the water bath of the processor (on the outside of the tank only) for at least 5 minutes.

• Adjust the temperature of the water bath in order to maintain exact processing temperature.

• Once a solution has been put into the tank and the time started, the tank is tapped against a table-top, agitated 3 times by hand, and then put into the processor for further agitation. ( If using a JOBO-Lift, pour the chemicals into the tank while the tank is rotating. It is not necessary to tap the tank to remove air bubbles.)

• For roll film development, set a rotation speed of 65-75 rpm. (See your processor instruction manual for further details regarding agitation speed.)

 

FAST PROCESS AT 45º C IN PROCESSORS

Process Step	Temperature	Process Time
Preheating developing tank	45ºc	2 minutes
Color developer	45ºc	2 minutes*
Bleach-fix**	45ºc	4 minutes 30 seconds
Wash	45ºc	4 x 15 seconds
Stabilizer or wetting agent	20-45ºc	1 minute
Dry the film

* Depending on the processor used or the speed of rotation or film type, lengthen the developer time by 10 seconds to compensate for under-development, or shorten it by 10 seconds to compensate for over-development.

** Mix the bleach-fix at double concentration with 40-45ºc C warm water.

If the films were not stabilized during the initial process, the films should be re-washed later and stabilized to improve image stability.

 

TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE

  Manufactured by

TETENAL PHOTOWERK GMBH & CO
SCHÜTZENWALL 31-35
D-22844 NORDERSTEDT
GERMANY

Distributed in the U.S.A. by

JOBO FOTOTECHNIC, INC
P.O. BOX 3721
ANN ARBOR, MI 48106
PHONE: 734-677-6989
FAX: 734-577-6963

Send mail to webmaster@jobo-usa.com with questions or comments about this web site. Copyright © 1997-2005 JOBO Fototechnic, Inc. All rights reserved. Information in this document is subject to change without notice. Other products and companies referred to herein are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective companies or mark holders. Copyright to all of the photographs displayed on this site is owned by each of the photographers. You may not sell, publish, license or otherwise distribute any photographs without the written permission of the photographer.

 

This page last updated on 03/20/02