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Hi Guys,
I buy Portra 120, 5 roll pack and Portra 4x5 from adoroma and I use a 1L C-41 tetenal from BH. I do my own developing with the jobo cpe-2 and scan with v700. I wish I can buy bulk like 10 liters of c-41 powders and lots of portra films at lower prices...Is there any way to save some money? I'm located in NY. Thanks
I'm in the same boat and can't get it cheaper than Portra 400 4x5 and Tetanal C41 kit from B&H. I thought of shooting Ektar 4x5 instead of Portra to save a few dollars but I don't like the colors of Ektar and I need the extra speed for interiors.
Have you tryed 120 Fujicolor Reala, I use to use it in 35mm and liked the results. I only use b/w in 120, and have almost finished my darkroom. Have been using a changing bag for film and scanning but do not have a great scanner.
The best way to save $$$ on chemistry is to buy minilab kits. I've been doing it for 30+ years. Unique Photo is one source, and there are many others. Kodak, Champion, Russel and Fuji have been great. I have not had any issues with storage. I'm finally using up the last bit of Kodak Flexicolor and C-41 that was purchased 5 years ago. (got a deal and bought 12, 10 liter kits). I store at room temp, but you can always put the color dev component in the frige. I just opened up some Champion single part RA4 back in Feb. No difference in color compared with unopened bottles. I have all the breakdowns for most kits down to making 250ml for single shots.
The Fuji and some Agfa kits are pellet/powder and I have no experience with them. I only buy liquids.
As goose said - you can get away with a HUGE kit from Champion for C-41 (i buy at unique photo) for next to nothing, will last for years, and will pay it self back after the first 50 rolls (you will be able to processor about 300-400 rolls with the smallest kit). save on chems, buy good films.
Are those Minilab kits identical in use to the normal 5 litres kit? Or is there some peculiarity in mixing and using?
Specifically, could they be used "one-shot" with a rotative processor?
Some Minilab kits use the same mixture like amateur kits (Tetenal).
Others require a strange mixture for small volume, like FujiHunt, because the bottles are matching a full tank volume.
But you find the mixture ratio in the manuals.
You normally need a starter solution for Minilab chemistry. This slows down (or ages) the developer when using fresh solution. You can also work without starter but then you should do some tests and ahort development time a bit. Otherwise you could end up in higher contrast or higher density.
Joachim
It's a toss up between a 401k vs Roth IRA. That's how you save money. :)
Thanks for all the input. I've been using nothing but the tetenal c-41 kit from bh and I'm a little confused about the minilab kit. Can anyone show me the link on Unique Photo? I process around 4 rolls of 120 a week and I'm looking for the easiest way to mix chem. :)
http://www.uniquephoto.com/search/go?w=c-41&x=0&y=0
Champion C-41 10L CN-LR
1 Liter Mix - Use as One-Shot - I find 100 DegF for 3 minutes works for me.
A=77mL
B=9mL
C=11mL
Water=900mL
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CPAC C-41 10L Kit
One Liter Mix - Use as One-Shot
A=60mL
B=10mL
C=14mL
Water 920mL
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Kodak Flexicolor #812-1857 C-41 - Use as One-Shot
A=60mL
B=8mL
c=8mL
Water=924mL
98 DegF for 2:30 works for me.
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Champion SP-VR 10L RA4 Single Solution Developer Mix
1 Liter Working Solution
120mL solution
880mL Water
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Kodak Ektacolor Prime RA4 (AND C41) Blix (I use this mix for BOTH RA4 and C41)
1 Liter Working RA4
A=100mL
B-150mL Water=750mL
1 Liter Working C41
A=200mL
B=300mL
Water=500mL
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Russel RAP-4 (RA4 Developer)
1 Liter Mix
A=50mL
B=20mL
C=50mL
Water=900mL
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Fuji-Hunt C-41 Developer
1 Liter Mix
A=57mL
B=14mL
C=14mL
Water=950mL
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Champion RA4 Blix
1 Liter Mix
A=150mL
B=190mL
Water=660mL
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Russel NeoColor (C41) Developer
1 Liter mix
A=68mL
B=8mL
C=12mL
Water=920mL
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Champion RA4 Developer (Multipart)
1 Liter
A=25mL
B=20mL
C=50mL
Water 900mL
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This should get you started........