Positive B&W film development

[Fotohuis]

Already a few weeks in possesion (but delayed due to my arm operation in hospital) the special chemicals from Klaus Wehner, Paderborn Germany, a specialist in developing B&W slides.

Due to the fact Foma has a problem with the actual Fomapan R100 film production I did the test with the Rollei Retro 400(S), Clear Polyester layer, Aviphot 200 E1 aviation type film from Agfa Gevaert.

The only minus can be the pretty short first developing time of 4:00 minutes at 22C. Although I have a Jobo CPA-2 with elevator, pretty accurate in timing.

The times:

And the first result (iPhone photo):

M645 pro positives which I will cut to super slides 40x40mm in the projector.

You have to watch out for the Bleach step which is containing Potassiumpermanganate (crappy Purple stuff).

The double exposure I did in a Jobo transparant 2502 reel, 2x 1 minuut in reverse turning the spiral 20cm from a 60 Watt bulb under water.

A smart system where the first developer is later used as second developer.

Tomorrow I will measuring out the densities.

 

[Fotohuis]

To keep people updated:

https://www.flickr.com/groups/2808569@N23/

 

[Skiff]

When you have finished your testing, will you offer BW reversal film development with the Wehner process as a commercial service?
Operating as a mail order lab?
That would be good and really appreciated.

 

[David Hughes]

Hi,

Many thanks; that was a trip back in my memory to days of waving wet 120 film around and exposing it for the 2nd time. Getting it back into the spiral was a nightmare. Then I got a Paterson tank with its transparent spiral.

Regards, David

 

[HHPhoto]

Robert, if you would offer such a service on a professional level at highest quality that would be indeed excellent!!

The chemistry of Klaus Wehner is currently optimised for Adox Silvermax and Adox CHS 100 II. And the results with these films are outstanding (used it as well).
So adding these two films to the programme makes sense.

Wish you success with this project,
cheers,
Jan

 

[brbo]

Is it better than Foma BW Reversal kit? Why?

Thanks!

 

[Fotohuis]

This new chemistry is optimized for Adox Silvermax, Agfa Scala, CHS 100 II, Fomapan R100 and when you can handle the short first developing time Rollei Superpan 200/Retro 400(S), in fact Aviphot 200 E1 emulsion from Agfa Gevaert. The last film is interesting because it is also available in multi formats. So the chemistry is not compatible with all films!

It is about the same with the Ferrania E-6 films: When there is some demand I can offer these special processes in a mail order lab (like my special B&W negative development and C-41 in 35mm/pano/120/220/127/620 roll film and 9x12cm/4x5" now ) but this is a 7 step process too so pretty time consuming hence it will have its price. Sending over the chemicals from Paderborn (D) to Ravenstein (NL) won't be any problem.

This process works the best in a rotary developing system, apart from the 22C developing temperature which you can maintain easily in a Jobo CPA/CPP or Autolab system.
You need in fact transparant reels so that can be a problem because in a Jobo system they can not deliver it anymore. Taking out the film and re-spool is not really an option and prone to a complete failure.

I have not tested the standard (Black, available now only) 2502 Jobo reels.

I would like to test the Fomapan R100 film too with this chemistry but ....

Comment from the Foma factory:

I am sorry to inform you that the Fomapan 100 R 35mm is temporarily unavailable due to technical problems in production. We don´t intend to stop the production, but unfortunately, now we are not able tell you a prospect when the problem will be solved and we will be able to supply this type of films again.

Anyhow, Foma has an own kit available for this film too for a D.I.Y. option. 10 years ago it has been even adapted for the new EU regulations for (amateur) chemistry.

If this chemistry is better? I can only say that if the Fomapan R100 film is available again. 🙂

 

[David Hughes]

Hi,

Ilford publish details of reversal processing for FP4+ etc and it includes that purple potassium permanganate in the bleach.

There's a PDF about it here:-

http://www.ilfordphoto.com/Webfiles/20114271220441194.pdf

Regards, David

 

[Fotohuis]

Like Ilford does you need to adapt the receipt a little bit to the film. For 35mm there are not so many films on clear layer, hence Silvermax, CHS 100 II, Scala, Fomapan R100 and this Aviphot 200 E1 film the last available in 35mm and 120 roll film. The slow films like Pan F and Aviphot 80 E1 (Rollei Retro 80S) are very difficult in handling because they are quickly tending to a too high contrast.
Klaus Wehner has for the Aviphot 80 E1 a special process.

Conclusion: Using a 3 bath kit for a 7 step process is smart and possible in a real quality development for 5 different films. About FP4+ the FD time is a bit rediculous long so not interesting in a commercial development.

Because I am the Dutch dealer of Foma and Rollei the FP R100 and Rollei Retro 400S are the most interesting films for offering in a package for reverse development. For the time being no R100 films which is of course a pity but Foma had already more problems in the past for the production of this cine film.

 

[David Hughes]

Hi,

It must have been the 7 stage process I used in my youth (sigh). Doing one film was expensive because of the shelf life of the fluids but saving 4 or 5 to do in sequence meant being up all night at times...

Regards, David

 

[HHPhoto]

Hi Robert,

sorry for being late with my reply.

It is about the same with the Ferrania E-6 films: When there is some demand I can offer these special processes in a mail order lab ......

In a modern economy the way of success is the other way round:
Be active as a supplier and create the demand.
Get the photographers interested:
Show them how wonderful color and BW reversal film is.
Show and explain them their unique characteristics and advantages.
Care for your customers by giving them education and information.
There are lots of young photographers out there, "digital natives", who want to learn. And for example, who never have seen the unsurpassed brillance, sharpness, life-like colours and 3d-effect of a slide.
There is a potential market. You can develop it.
Some local labs here are already doing that successfully.

Good luck,
cheers,
Jan