E6 Processing

[Tim Myers]

Today I got my trannies back from pro2col - very impressed with the processing and the speed of their service. Looks like my E6 woes are over!

[Richard Kelham]

I use Reflections in Norwich. Ready in 2 hours usually.

[joch]

I have a Jobo ATL1000 - does everything without user intervention. Just load the drums, fill in chemicals and switch it on. Processing time varies depending on ambient temperature. Setting up and cleaning takes about 15 to 20 minutes.
Saves a fortune and I can see results immediately.
It is not the most advanced processor but very reliable and, if you can find it used (the current model is the ATL1500), quite cheap.

[sandeha]

Anything colour I use these guys - very clean work and next day turn-around ...

http://www.the-darkroom.co.uk/index2.html

[Joanna Carter]

I have a Jobo ATL1000 - does everything without user intervention. Just load the drums, fill in chemicals and switch it on. Processing time varies depending on ambient temperature. Setting up and cleaning takes about 15 to 20 minutes.
Saves a fortune and I can see results immediately.
It is not the most advanced processor but very reliable and, if you can find it used (the current model is the ATL1500), quite cheap.

I thought of getting a processor myself but, with a low turnover of film, didn't think that the economics were worth it. Am I right in saying that the chemistry has to be used fairly quickly after making it up and that even the concentrate stuff will go off if not used ?

If I were to say that I only take about one shot per week on average, what is the likely cost per sheet ? Pro2Col do it for £1.85+vat per sheet.

[Ole Tjugen]

I do my own E6 processing in a Jobo CPE.

I can't remember what the chemicals cost - I use JOBO 3-bath 5-liter kit.

Every time I develop I mix only enough chemicals for that one session, and my stock chemicals stay in the bottles. They last a LONG time. Even the ready-to-use solutions can be kept for a couple of weeks in an emergency (like when I have to go offshore half way through a "batch" - I have one 4x5" film spiral, and two paper tanks I use for larger films. Everything has to be absolutely dry before the next run).

[Chong]

Hi Jo,
As Ole has pointed out in the last post, the E6 chemicals suprisingly do last a long time. I am using expired Kodak E6 5 litres kit and the trannies still turned out beautifully. First developer is the chemical which is proned to deterioration and I stored this in one of those concertina bottle and has kept very well.

Once you tried processing your own E6, you won't look back (of course if only you get consistently good results). The control is a major plus and you don't have to wait for days for your slides to be returned.

Regards

Chong

[joch]

I thought of getting a processor myself but, with a low turnover of film, didn't think that the economics were worth it. Am I right in saying that the chemistry has to be used fairly quickly after making it up and that even the concentrate stuff will go off if not used ?

If I were to say that I only take about one shot per week on average, what is the likely cost per sheet ? Pro2Col do it for £1.85+vat per sheet.

5l chemistry is about £45, you only mix what you need (250ml per 6 sheets). Maximum sheets would be 120 (£0.375 per sheet). Realistically you don't always have 6 sheets so it would be a bit more expensive. I keep concentrates for months - never had a problem.
I got my ATL1000 for about £300, must have developed a couple of hundred sheets so far, so it easily paid for itself. Added bonus: you can run all sorts of processes, I develop my b&w and C41 in it too.
One of the best photography items I ever bought!