Re: Midtone Machines - Automatic Film Processing Machine
Quote:
Originally Posted by
AndrewBurns
http://midtonemachines.com/news/bits-and-pieces/
New blog post up, new heating tank that's working well, some ease-of-use firmware updates, getting some parts injection moulded etc. I've also added the ability to send the used chemical from any channel to any other channel, which allows for even easier replenishment without any external hardware.
Do you have provision for tempered water wash cycles? If you use Kodak Flexicolor process C-41RA like all C-41 processing Developer 3'15", Bleach (Process C-41 RA) is 1 minute, or longer if you prefer, followed by fixer, 2 minutes. Minilab machines run 3 consecutive stabilizer baths instead of a water wash. The method most folks at home use is several water wash cycles followed by Kodak Flexicolor Final rinse. The final rinse is a wetting agent with a biocide to preserve the gelatin of the finished negative. One single stabilizer bath without a wash step to get rid of the fixer is not adequate. Kodak specs the wash 2 min at 38°C , the non RA C-41 uses washing for 3 min 24-38°C
Re: Midtone Machines - Automatic Film Processing Machine
Duolab, yep there's a separate line into the machine (separate from the 6 x chemical lines) for wash water. The pre-programmed cycles will include washing between each chemical and also at the end and the wash water is heated up to the process temperature. If you were to make your own recipe then you can do as much or as little washing as you'd like and heat the wash water to whatever temperature you like (between 20 and 45 degrees celcius that is), although I would encourage a wash between each different chemical unless you want some carry-over/cross-contamination because there's always a few drops left in the tanks and on the film even after draining.
Re: Midtone Machines - Automatic Film Processing Machine
Quote:
Originally Posted by
AndrewBurns
Duolab, yep there's a separate line into the machine (separate from the 6 x chemical lines) for wash water. The pre-programmed cycles will include washing between each chemical and also at the end and the wash water is heated up to the process temperature. If you were to make your own recipe then you can do as much or as little washing as you'd like and heat the wash water to whatever temperature you like (between 20 and 45 degrees celcius that is), although I would encourage a wash between each different chemical unless you want some carry-over/cross-contamination because there's always a few drops left in the tanks and on the film even after draining.
Brilliant! I'm looking forward to further reports!
Re: Midtone Machines - Automatic Film Processing Machine
Another blog post update, I now have a 4x5 sheet film holder in the machine and it looks like maaaybe it could take a 5x7 holder?
http://midtonemachines.com/news/a-lick-of-paint/
Re: Midtone Machines - Automatic Film Processing Machine
Re: Midtone Machines - Automatic Film Processing Machine
Big news update this time, the Chromabox has finally processed some film! It's been a while coming... Just two sheets of FP4+ 4x5 today but they turned out great (IMO). I've also confirmed that the Chromabox-4 can also take up to 4 x 5x7 sheets at a time. More details in my most recent blog post:
http://midtonemachines.com/news/miss...plished-kinda/
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https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...163df023_b.jpg
Re: Midtone Machines - Automatic Film Processing Machine
Just thought I'd bump this thread with some more news. The Chromabox-4 is now routinely processing film during testing and I'll be hosting a demo-day at a local film lab soon to get more rolls of film through it. I'll also be running some C41 test strips through it on the day to check how close the process is to the Kodak standards and tweak as needed.
I shot and developed two sheets of 4x5 Ektar in the machine a few days ago, results were pretty good I think!
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...b985f58f_b.jpg
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I also participated in a 'fireside chat' webinar hosted by the magazine Silvergrain Classics yesterday which I assume will be uploaded to youtube in a few days. I'm not sure I did that good of a job explaining Midtone Machines and the Chromabox but there seems to be a lot of interest and it was nice to meet some other people from the industry.
Re: Midtone Machines - Automatic Film Processing Machine
Cool! Is the Photrio crowd aware of your work?
Re: Midtone Machines - Automatic Film Processing Machine
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Andrew O'Neill
Cool! Is the Photrio crowd aware of your work?
Potentially? I think I've posted there once or twice before but I've never made a specific thread over there. I suppose that's something I should be doing.
Re: Midtone Machines - Automatic Film Processing Machine
Quote:
Originally Posted by
AndrewBurns
Potentially? I think I've posted there once or twice before but I've never made a specific thread over there. I suppose that's something I should be doing.
I think you should. Mainly film shooters over there, including myself.