Not Many E6 Shooters - Processing Alternative

[Lamar]

I don't see too many slide shooters here. I started shooting slide film about a year ago. (I did some when i was a kid back in the 70's but I can't really count that.) I have just about stopped using C41 since. I noticed several posts looking for E6 labs so I thought I would share some info. I used Dwayne's for my E6 processing and they did a good job but I decided to try developing my own using the Single Use E6 Chemical kit from Kodak. Mainly because the week and a half turnaround time to get my slides back was killing me. I got the kit at Adorama along with some graduated cylinders and a 35mm syringe for smaller measurements. It's really pretty easy to process. I use a GE Roster ($22 at Walmart) with an analogue thermostat to maintain my temperature at 100.4 F, 300ml medicine bottles to hold the chemicals, and a single reel tank from Adorama. Works like a charm. I have developed about 6 rolls now and all of them have come out great. I estimate my cost at about $3.75 per roll to develop and it takes me about 1.5 hours per roll to mix chemicals, stabilize temperature, and complete processing. I have several examples on my website. www.lamarlamb.com

[Don Bryant]

I don't see too many slide shooters here. I started shooting slide film about a year ago. (I did some when i was a kid back in the 70's but I can't really count that.) I have just about stopped using C41 since. I noticed several posts looking for E6 labs so I thought I would share some info. I used Dwayne's for my E6 processing and they did a good job but I decided to try developing my own using the Single Use E6 Chemical kit from Kodak. Mainly because the week and a half turnaround time to get my slides back was killing me. I got the kit at Adorama along with some graduated cylinders and a 35mm syringe for smaller measurements. It's really pretty easy to process. I use a GE Roster ($22 at Walmart) with an analogue thermostat to maintain my temperature at 100.4 F, 300ml medicine bottles to hold the chemicals, and a single reel tank from Adorama. Works like a charm. I have developed about 6 rolls now and all of them have come out great. I estimate my cost at about $3.75 per roll to develop and it takes me about 1.5 hours per roll to mix chemicals, stabilize temperature, and complete processing. I have several examples on my website. www.lamarlamb.com

Please don't post advertisements here.

[L Gebhardt]

Please don't post advertisements here.

Don, how is this an ad?

As to the original poster, I have gone from E6 to C41 because I can print in the darkroom as well as get good scans. With E6 I am locked to digital printing. I still shoot some E6 and develop it in a Jobo. How does GE Roaster work for a tempering bath? Is it waterproof? Do you just set it and forget it?

[Don Bryant]

Don, how is this an ad?

As to the original poster, I have gone from E6 to C41 because I can print in the darkroom as well as get good scans. With E6 I am locked to digital printing. I still shoot some E6 and develop it in a Jobo. How does GE Roaster work for a tempering bath? Is it waterproof? Do you just set it and forget it?

Sorry guys, I totally mis-read the message. Mea-culpa.

Don

[bob carnie]

I think processing ones own E6 is totally do able and good for you being able to do so.
The first service IMO that is going to fade into the sunset are quality E6labs.
I am leaning more to C41 for all my colour work, I like the pallette more than Transparancy but many, many photographers swear that Trans is the way to go.
If you are getting good contrast and colour , don't change a thing.

[Lamar]

It's basically a large crock pot. The pan is removable and washable. I experimented to find the right temperature setting on the rheostat and marked it. I put the water in at as close to 100.4 F as i can get then just pay attention to the temperature and tweak as necessary. Here is a picture of the setup.

http://www.lamarlamb.com/Things/Hi-I...48545069_mwgyG

I only print digital. At some point I'd like to try doing real prints. I don't think I have any room left in the house for a real darkroom though :-)

Don, how is this an ad?

As to the original poster, I have gone from E6 to C41 because I can print in the darkroom as well as get good scans. With E6 I am locked to digital printing. I still shoot some E6 and develop it in a Jobo. How does GE Roaster work for a tempering bath? Is it waterproof? Do you just set it and forget it?

[Don Bryant]

Lamar,

Sorry I totally misread your message this morning after a short nights sleep and no glasses on and in a rush.

Please accept my apology for being a nit wit.


Don

[wblynch]

Lamar, those pictures of Mel's crack me up. It looks exactly like the Mel's Diner in San Rafael, California circa 1968.

Great photos by the way.

-Bill L.

[Marco B]

Thanks for sharing these ideas. I have vaguely been thinking of doing my own E6 development, but always had the idea it would be too cumbersome. Your simple setup and reported good results make me think otherwise. This is a no-frill, low tech solution I could implement with my limited darkroom space...

[Lamar]

I moved the images linked below to a new location:

http://www.lamarlamb.com/On-Film/Tec...48545069_mwgyG

It's basically a large crock pot. The pan is removable and washable. I experimented to find the right temperature setting on the rheostat and marked it. I put the water in at as close to 100.4 F as i can get then just pay attention to the temperature and tweak as necessary. Here is a picture of the setup.

http://www.lamarlamb.com/Things/Hi-I...48545069_mwgyG

I only print digital. At some point I'd like to try doing real prints. I don't think I have any room left in the house for a real darkroom though :-)