e6 in c41 questions...

[jano]

Hello,

I have had a friend at a local minilab do some cross processing for me (e6 film in the c41 fuji machines) for the last few months. Before we did it, she told me that this can mess up chemicals and may cause streaks on normal c41 if it follows later.

So we decided to wait until just before she does "maintenence" on the fuji machine.. every two weeks, she cleans it out and dump in new chemicals. It made sense to process the e6 before this, in order to prevent any harm to processing after my stuff. Sounds good in theory and we didn't have a problem in the last few months 🙂

Well, her manager found one of my e6 rolls there, got really pissed off, reprimanded my friend, and told her she's not supposed to be doing that. So no more 🙁

My question: is there any harm to cross processing before cleaning out the machines? Ya'll think maybe I can write a letter to the manager/owner of the location, as a loyal customer?

Thanks,
Jano

 

[titrisol]

No harm, even if you process a few rolls every other while.
Next time put a sticker on the cartridges that sayd C-41 Process or something.

 

[filmgoerjuan]

I seem to recall reading somewhere up to 20% of the rolls through a batch of C-41 chemicals can be E-6 without problem. I've heard of some labs who'll only do cross-processing at the end of a batch to prevent contamination, but the pro lab I go to will do it at any time and for no additional charge. I figure that if they aren't worried about it affecting their other clients' film then it's probably safe to do.

 

[ZorkiKat]

There's nothing in 'chrome' films - the E6 types- which can harm or be left in the processing tanks which can harm the C41 baths. What happens when film goes into the baths is very simple. Silver development with dye formation, dye rehalogenisation, and silver removal. Chrome films souped in negative chemistry will result in a negative since the process will result in that. The same could be said for C41 films souped in E6. The end result is a funny-looking diapositive with an orange mask.

The only "harmful" film for C41 processors is motion picture film. This film has a black backing material which dissolves in the baths. This jet black is left as a sediment which can deposit itself on the rollers and any film which goes through the processor.

Jay