color processing ( c41 + e6 )

[jnantz]

i have been processing my own b/w for about 30 years now
and with the current lack of labs in my neck of the woods ( RI )
that still process slide and cn film bigger than 35mm ... i was thinking
that if it isn't too crazy, i might try my hand at processing my own sheets.
i have never processed color-anything before, in the end the film will be part of a scanned workflow ...

is color processing that much different than b/w ?
will i have trouble or is it pretty much the same drill, but different chemistry ..

i have a unicolor drum that i can load sheets into.

thanks in advance
john

[vinny]

Jobo with expert drums. The only way to go.

[Mark Barendt]

Constant agitation at 100 degrees. Those are the big differences.

Jobo is nice but I had great luck with hand tanks in a water bath.

[Robert Ley]

I'm with Vinny. The Unicolor Drums are too difficult to maintain the temperature tolerances that are required for C-41 and E-6. The jobo eliminates two of the variables(temp and agitation) and leaves the third(time) to you. The chemistry is available and easy to mix and store.
As to the expert drum, it is nice but not absolutely necessary. Jobo makes very nice 4x5 reels that work very well (2509n). I have been processing my c-41 for several years with what I think is good results. As you are finding, this might be the only way to process color in the future so you might as well start now.
Good luck and if you need any more info, PM me.
Regards,
Robert