Where to process older C-41 film that needs formaldehyde stabilizer?

[Athiril]

Hmm. I really do not want to use the stuff myself. It's one of the more toxic chemicals. And I come into contact with enough chemicals in my organic chem lab course.

And so many people have E6 commercially cross-processed all the time. I bet no one is using formaldehyde stabilizer for this and most people are probably unaware. Funny how no one thinks of these issues.

I use Stabiliser III on mine.

[hpulley]

I had some Kodacolor VR 200 film, code: CL, generation 5, with expiration date of 9/1998, emul # 2422512. I bought the film in 1996 or 1997 in CVS, and I used a roll that summer. I had two more rolls that I used 2.5 years ago that were in the freezer. Now here's the question: One of my all-time favorite photos was taken on that first roll, so I want it to survive long-term. Did this film need formaldehyde stabilizer?

Processing instructions state that one should use Flexicolor chemistry or the Kodak Hobby-Pak kit.

Thanks.

Yes, I believe that one needs stabilizer.

[B&Wpositive]

Yes, I believe that one needs stabilizer.

That's not good. My film was processed via send out through CVS and done by Qualex (Kodak Premium Processing at the time). I wonder if they used stabilizer. Maybe we should check with PE to be sure.

[John Shriver]

Yes, the color stability of that VR200 film would be enhanced by a formaldehyde stabilizer bath. Flexicolor Stabilizer III is for sale at $1 a bottle with $13 shipping right now on eBay. I bought a bottle from that seller, no problems at all. Just treat it with respect -- wear good nitrile gloves, don't sniff it.