Bleach Recommendations for C-41 Processing

Hi all,

I started processing C-41 at home last fall (October '08) and now find that I am riunning low on bleach. I have been using Flexicolor (C-41) Bleach III for Color Negative Film - Makes 1 Gallon - which I purchased locally for ~ $29.00. This is the pre-mixed, ready to use product.

Originally I also started with the Flexicolor SM (C-41SM) Tank Developer for Color Negative Film - Makes 2 Liters - and then switched to Flexicolor (C-41) Developer Replenisher for Color Negative Film - Makes 5 Gallons - this weekend. Other than having to 'do the math,' this switch worked well and is clearly far more economical than using the 2 liter kit.

My question is if switching to Flexicolor (C-41) Bleach III Replenisher for Color Negative Film - Makes 5 Gallons - kit would work as well? Once opened, does the bleach that is not mixed into a working solution rapidly spoil?

What are your suggestions?


As always, many thanks!

Thomas

I have not found that the Bleach III Replenisher deteriorates much in its concentrate form.

are you reusing your bleach? with aeration and regeneration bleach should last a long, long time.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by erie patsellis

are you reusing your bleach? with aeration and regeneration bleach should last a long, long time.

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Yes, I do reuse the bleach once. The developer I'll toss after a single use but the bleach and fixer I'll reuse once keeping the stablizer a little longer. However I do not "regenerate" the bleach or fix. For example, Kodak calls for 330mL of chemistry per roll of 120. If I process two rolls in a 2500 series drum, I'll mix up 660mL of chemistry and reuse the bleach and fix once so that I'm processing 4 rolls in 660 mL of bleach and fix.

At my current rate of useage, I'll probably use 4 or 5 gallons of bleach a year.

Thomas

Quote:

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Originally Posted by erie patsellis

are you reusing your bleach? with aeration and regeneration bleach should last a long, long time.

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What methods do you suggest for bleach regeneration and aeration?

Don Bryant

I don't bother reusing dev or fixer, but the bleach is pretty expensive stuff, since it's designed to be replenished/regenerated, I start with an aquarium aeration stone and pump in the bleach, check in Z131 around page 2-10 IIRC, for info on bleach regen/aeration. Look at what is done with a big system and downsize it to fit your volume.

Thomas...

I haven't done my own C-41 yet, but I have a question.

You now use the "replenisher" versions of both chemicals? And this works fine?

In other words, you use these as your main chemicals, you're not really "replenishing" with them? Do you use a developer "starter"?

Thanks!

Quote:

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Originally Posted by erie patsellis

I don't bother reusing dev or fixer, but the bleach is pretty expensive stuff, since it's designed to be replenished/regenerated, I start with an aquarium aeration stone and pump in the bleach, check in Z131 around page 2-10 IIRC, for info on bleach regen/aeration. Look at what is done with a big system and downsize it to fit your volume.

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Well I have used the big systems, hence my curious question.

Thanks,

Don Bryant

Quote:

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Originally Posted by PViapiano

Thomas...

I haven't done my own C-41 yet, but I have a question.

You now use the "replenisher" versions of both chemicals? And this works fine?

In other words, you use these as your main chemicals, you're not really "replenishing" with them? Do you use a developer "starter"?

Thanks!

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PViapiano ,

Currently I am using the following bleach, Fixer and stablizer:

KODAK FLEXICOLOR Bleach III
Use this bleach full-strength in small tanks and tube-type
processors without replenishment.
• Available in a size to make 1 U.S. gallon.

KODAK FLEXICOLOR Fixer and Replenisher
Mix according to the directions for use as a working solution.
• Available in sizes to make 1 and 5 U.S. gallons.

KODAK FLEXICOLOR Stabilizer III
Mix according to the directions for use as a working solution.
• Available in a size to make 1 U.S. gallon.

Until last weekend I used the following developer:

KODAK FLEXICOLOR Developer
Use this developer in unreplenished systems. No starter is
needed.
• Available in a size to make 1 U.S. gallon.

To save on developer I switched to the 5-gal size:

KODAK FLEXICOLOR Developer Replenisher
This developer is a long-time standard for processing Kodak
color negative films in Process C-41. To make a fresh tank
solution from this replenisher, use only KODAK
FLEXICOLOR Developer Starter. Primarily recommended
for use in roller-transport and rack-and-tank processors.
• For Large-Volume Automatic Processors: Available in a
size to make 75 U.S. gallons.
• For Small- to Medium-Volume Processors: Available in
sizes to make 5 and 25 U.S. gallons (two 12.5-gallon
sizes).

To cut cost on bleach, I am considering the following:

KODAK FLEXICOLOR Bleach III Replenisher
This chemical is supplied in a flexible plastic container.
• Available in a size to make 12.5-gallons.
KODAK FLEXICOLOR Bleach Starter
Use this starter to prepare bleach tank solution with
FLEXICOLOR Bleach III Replenisher. This product is
odorless, non-corrosive, and non-foaming for easy use.
• For All Processors: Available as a 1-gallon concentrate to
make 20 U.S. gallons of Bleach III tank solution.

Thomas