wnagel Loc: Fair Oaks, CA

Started using the old Hasselblad 500C. Getting the film processed is in convenient and expensive. Would like to hear UHHers about using C-41 process at home. Cost, mess, needs etc.
Thanks

ELNikkor

I've done it many times, just pay attention to times and temperatures. I always finish with Photoflo.

TriX Loc: Raleigh, NC

Yep, very straightforward - helps if you can rig a temperature controlled bath to keep your chemicals at a constant and correct temperature. Lots of ways to make one including everything from an aquarium heater in a container up to an electronically controlled heater and a recirc pump, but I really like a surplus laboratory temperature controlled water bath. Hospital labs sell them all the time as surplus if you can find an outlet or on eBay.

rook2c4 Loc: Philadelphia, PA USA

There are several useful C-41 processing tutorials on YouTube which should give you a better understanding as to what equipment is needed, how to go about and what to watch out for.

BebuLamar

It's not very difficult and doesn't require a lot of equipment. Basically a set of tank and reel. Something to mix and keep the chemicals. A tempering bath to keep the temperature at correct temperature. A darkroom or just a changing bag.
It's difficult a bit to keep the temperature at correct temperature while it's in the tank. So you may need to use the drift by method.
The cost can be high (at least for me) because to keep it's consistent I do not reuse the chemicals. Also if you don't use up the chemicals in a certain time frame they will go bad.
So back in the days I mostly had the labs do it because they could do it better and cheaper. Today, I don't know because there is no more reliable labs locally. You can send it out to a reputable lab but it takes time so may be DIY makes sense now.

abc1234 Loc: Elk Grove Village, Illinois

I believe I have all the raw chemicals for making the developer and blix if you are interested in making your own. I did it for years.

obeone

please share the mix and chemicals

AndyH Loc: Massachusetts and New Hampshire

Much, much easier than I remember from the old days.

I just started doing it, but from my research, I think it's perfectly okay to reuse chemistry up to its rated capacity and a little beyond (25-30 rolls for a one liter kit) as long as you keep it properly. There is no need for the old school dark glass or plastic bottles - oxygen is the enemy in this process. I use one liter seltzer bottles (basically free, as I drink a lot of seltzer) and squeeze them to bring the liquid level right to the very top before tightening the cap. Store them in a coolish place.

If the temperature is too far off, you may get some color shifting, noticeable if it's way off. But there is an easy and cheap solution to this. I use a large, covered storage bin ($8 at Wal Mart) to create a water bath large enough to immerse all the chemistry containers and developing tanks. Current C-41 developing times are quite brief, and the blix and stabilizer mixes are not as critical, but I want that development temperature to be spot on. I use a sous vide cooking heater, bought "open box" on eBay for under $20. There are plenty available new for $50 to $80 online. Mine easily heats and circulates all the water needed in the full tub, holding temperature to within 0.5 degrees F of the temperature I set. I haven't put enough film through it yet to see how many rolls I can get, but I'm optimistic that the temperature precision will produce consistent results. Lots of YouTube videos and online tutorials to help figure it out.

The added benefit of the sous vide heater is that it's a very useful cooking tool for precision cooking of proteins. Just set the temperature for the precise degree of doneness you want and you'll never overcook a piece of meat again if cooked this way, no matter how long you leave it in. I did some steaks last week that were probably the most tender I've ever made, and perfectly seasoned with just a dry rub put in the bag prior to cooking. Multiple value!

Andy

TriX Loc: Raleigh, NC

👍👍 Excellent idea Andy, never thought of a sous vide heater which circulates as well as heats...

abc1234 Loc: Elk Grove Village, Illinois

https://www.photrio.com/forum/threads/newbie-diy-c-41-recipe-formula-process.141194/ Googling turns up many more. I use tap water and blix, the combined bleach and fixer.

AndyH Loc: Massachusetts and New Hampshire

I saw it on the Tube of You. The model I bought has more than enough capacity to circulate the bath in a big tub. It's a perfect solution for a fraction of the cost of the old time stuff.

Andy

skyspy

You can also look at CN-16 process by Fuji. It is the same as C-41 and some developers like it better.

skyspy

In some states it is illegal put the effluent chemicals down the drain without first neutralizing the caustic affect it has. It can destroy the micro organisms in a septic tank

drobvit Loc: Southern NV

Check out filmphotographyproject.com
They have kits and chemistry.

https://filmphotographyproject.com/

BebuLamar

I don't think Fuji sells in small quantity for home users though.