Dark Negatives When Developing C41 As B/W

[MDenton]

I have just started processing C41 as B/W.
Whilst the negatives are scannable,they are very dark,and I assume this is because of the C41 colour mask ?
I double the normal fixing time,but has anyone got any other suggestions to 'lighten' up the results ?

 

[quejai]

Being dark, in my experience, was an advantage. My scanner was less prone to overexposing and clipping when processing C41 like B&W.

However I can't really answer your question, I'm not sure how to get rid of whatever color gunk is left.

 

[tho60]

I have just started processing C41 as B/W.
Whilst the negatives are scannable,they are very dark,and I assume this is because of the C41 colour mask ?
I double the normal fixing time,but has anyone got any other suggestions to 'lighten' up the results ?

Yes, this is because of the C41 colour mask. I had the same problem.

 

[DNG]

What Developer are you using?

I have been researching the last few days... Seems like HC110 for HP5 at 400 (B or H) is good for any Color 400 film from the MDC App. [11m --HC110 H-- I'd use 10ml to 590ml water for easy measuring.. 1:60]

I haven't tried it yet, but, I do have 6 rolls of Color 400 film, 2 UltraMax, and 4 Walgreens (GAF or 3M maybe?)

When scanning, did you try scanning as a 16bit B&W scan to avoid the orange mask color tint?

Have you fine tuned your workflow for better results since the 1st post?
If yes, what worked for you?

 

[znapper]

Had the same issue too, I accidentally developed Ektar 100 in HC-110B for 5 minutes. ^^

Even had some trouble getting good scans from those, because they were quite thick.

 

[DNG]

Had the same issue too, I accidentally developed Ektar 100 in HC-110B for 5 minutes. ^^

Even had some trouble getting good scans from those, because they were quite thick.

9min is listed in the MDC app for 400 films and HC110b
I think a test is needed. a few rolls developed at 9m/11m/14m but, I have no idea if ISO 100 or 200 color films needs less time from 400 color films.. maybe not?

I don't think color film reacts the same as B&W film with different developing times. Isn't C41 a set D/time for all speeds. It may cross over to using B&W chems.
So, do a few tests on cheap 12x rolls to see what D/time works best.
Just a thought.

 

[znapper]

I googled around and the consensus seem to be that the simple fixer we use in B&W isn't sufficient to get rid of the base-fog on c-41 films.
If one use a regular c-41 blix/bleach-fix instead, the results can even be printable in the darkroom.

So the lack of a bleach-process is the reason behind the dark negatives. 🙂

 

[DNG]

I googled around and the consensus seem to be that the simple fixer we use in B&W isn't sufficient to get rid of the base-fog on c-41 films.
If one use a regular c-41 blix/bleach-fix instead, the results can even be printable in the darkroom.

So the lack of a bleach-process is the reason behind the dark negatives. 🙂

So, develop and Stop as regular BW workflow, and fix in Blix/bleach-fix.

 

[naren]

What is the inspiration/advantage for developing C-41 in black and white?

 

[Kent]

What is the inspiration/advantage for developing C-41 in black and white?

There is some C-41 film that is dead cheap.

 

[Hsg]

I have just started processing C41 as B/W.
Whilst the negatives are scannable,they are very dark,and I assume this is because of the C41 colour mask ?
I double the normal fixing time,but has anyone got any other suggestions to 'lighten' up the results ?

Use normal developing for color and then convert the scans to b&w.

 

[Fotohuis]

Even a regular home C-41 development is not that difficult.

 

[DNG]

For us on a tight budget, where bulk B&W is not an option, $2.00 color film or less is an option. Color chemicals are more per roll than a bottle of HC110, for example.

It isn't the ease of color developing than scanning to B&W, it is trying to keep the cost down.

Send from my Galaxy S5 using Tapatalk

 

[Fotohuis]

Color C-41 chemicals can be very cheap. Often cheaper then an expensive B&W developer, however R09/Rodinal or HC-110 are the cheapest commercial B&W developers you can buy worldwide. I have in offer Fuji Superia 100 C-41 135-24 for Eur. 1,79. (Euro -US$ is 1,1 at the moment).

I you want to make the effort of making your (B&W or color-) chemicals yourself it is even 10x cheaper then R09/Rodinal or HC-110 whatever you are making yourself.