C-41 chemistry shelf life...

[Carterofmars]

After mixing the powders for C-41, and bottling, and say theoretically I end up using say once or twice a month, how long can I expect the the chemistry to last before needing to toss out.

Thanks in advance...

 

[Mackinaw]

There was a good thread on APUG on this topic a few months back. See this:

http://www.apug.org/forums/forum40/78650-impressed-tetenal-c-41-chems-mixed-3-5-months-ago.html

Jim B.

 

[t.s.k.]

Petronius has an extensive thread here as well.
I don't have the thread handy but I do remember he experienced over 1 year shelf life without any extraordinary precautions.

 

[Carterofmars]

Petronius has an extensive thread here as well.
I don't have the thread handy but I do remember he experienced over 1 year shelf life without any extraordinary precautions.

Now that's what I wanted to hear!

Thanks.

And, thank u Mack. That link was very informative as well.


Any other experiences/recommendations regarding shelf life is welcomed.

 

[t.s.k.]

Ah, found the thread.

http://www.rangefinderforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=63614

 

[Carterofmars]

Thanks t.s.k. Good thread. It helps.

Also... I've never processed c-41 before. I've read that the Blix is stinky, but how noxious are the fumes? I mean would you recommend doing while children are at home?

 

[bwcolor]

Thanks t.s.k. Good thread. It helps.

Also... I've never processed c-41 before. I've read that the Blix is stinky, but how noxious are the fumes? I mean would you recommend doing while children are at home?

Evidently, this stuff is toxic, even to touch. I purchased a Jobo with lift so that I would not be spilling it..etc. I am pleased with that decision.

 

[Carterofmars]

Evidently, this stuff is toxic, even to touch. I purchased a Jobo with lift so that I would not be spilling it..etc. I am pleased with that decision.

Yep, when I read the warning on the Tetenal c 41 packaging, it's a little worrisome. Known to cause cancer in the state of California...

I will use gloves and take real care not to spill a drop. I'm pretty good like that, but the fumes I'm wondering about.

 

[sevo]

Also... I've never processed c-41 before. I've read that the Blix is stinky, but how noxious are the fumes?

Not at all. At least the Tetenal stuff is not poisonous by itself - the mild acetic acid content (the strength of table vinegar by the time it is diluted) is the worst component in their blix according to the security sheet. At least until it is used - silver, developer carryover and auxiliary chemicals dissolved from the film will be more of a risk than the blix itself.

 

[sevo]

Yep, when I read the warning on the Tetenal c 41 packaging, it's a little worrisome. Known to cause cancer in the state of California...

That is only the stabilizer, essentially a weak formaldehyde solution. Given the amounts and concentrations pathologists, morticians and taxidermists still wallow in, and the amounts legally emitted by every piece of furniture up to ten or fifteen years ago, it is rather ridiculous to give a 20g bag of 5% formaldehyde a "causes cancer" tag. Theoretically it may - there are no genuine safe limits for carcinogenic substances - but in practice effects are only observable for people that work with gallons of the stuff on a daily basis. If any, its allergenic properties are more critical...