Recently I got back into film photography, primarily large format photography. One of the problems I faced was getting 4×5 slides processed as there is no longer any photo lab doing any 4×5 E6 processing .
Due to that reason, I was reluctant to shoot any slides but I decided that it is worth a try and at the same time I could pick up something new – Home E6 processing.
First of all, sourcing for the chemicals. After sourcing high and low , I could only get the Tetenal E6 3 bath 1 liter kit from an ebay seller from United Kingdom. The package costs about S$100 including shipping.
The Tetenal E6 3 bath kit consists of the following chemicals :
- First Developer
- Color Developer
- Bleach Fix
- Stabilizer
The difference between E6 developing and B&W development is that the E6 chemicals need to be maintain at 38 degree Celsius. However this can be done easily using a hot water bath and deviating one or 2 degrees have no major impact on the results.
E6 processing equipment
Top left : Pail - this acts as my hot water bath. I filled it with about 2 inch high of hot water of maybe about 100-90 degree hot.
Bottom Left : Paterson Orbitary Processor. A light proof processor. It can take up to 4 sheets of 4×5. Hard to find these days . Again Ebay UK is a good source.
Top Right : I used 3 metal flasks to contain my 3 Tetenal chemicals. Each flask cost $1.50 from those Value dollar stores. When place in the hot water bath, the heat will be transfer fast to the chemicals in a short period of time allowing the chemicals to reach 38 degree quickly. The 4th bottle is the stabliser (20 degree).
Bottom: Beakers, funnels, thermometers, gloves & apron (not shown). I used a beaker as a cool water bath in case i need to bring down the chemicals if they stay too long in the hot water bath. Beakers, funnels, thermometers should be washed after every use to prevent contamination of the chemicals. Gloves & apron are for personal protection.
The timing for processing at 38 degrees is as such :
- Preheat/Wash - 5 mins
- First Developer - 6.5 mins
- Washing – 2.5 mins
- Color Developer – 7 mins
- Washing – 2.5 mins
- Bleach Fix – 7 mins
- Washing – 4mins
- Stabilizer – 1 min
Sound complicated? It is actually easier than thought. At the end of the day, the results will be fulfilling.
I’m interested in giving this a go.
How did it turn out? Do you have a link to some of your photos developed in this kit?
For the processor do you have to buy the power base, or can you just agitate manually?
Best Regards,
Tallkev
i will put up a few photos of the slides i developed later.
I did n’t get the powerbase. I just agitate it manually myself.
Is it possible to use this process for super8mm film?
I have never process super8mm film before. I guess if your super8mm film is designed for E6 processing then you can. But you need a different kind of drum to hold the 50ft of film.
And would you or do you know anyone who can or will do the E6 process for super8mm film? Many thanks.
Thanks for the reply. I’m just exploring the possibilities of shooting super8mm film. I’ll be using colour reversal film which requires the E6 process. Was reading up online and came across your page. Would really appreciate any advice.
Thanks for visiting, but can’t help you much here. you probably have to look for information online on how people do it.