Kodak C-41RA User Manual
TECHNICAL DATA / CHEMICALS FOR MINILABS
Choosing the Right Chemicals for
Your Minilab
April 2000 • J-36
This publication describes KODAK Chemicals designed
specifically for minilabs. It provides recommended cycles
for processing the following films with KODAK
FLEXICOLOR Chemicals in Processes C-41RA, C-41B,
and C-41
KODAK EKTACOLOR Papers with KODAK
EKTACOLOR PRIME SP, EKTACOLOR PRIME, an d
EKTACOLOR RA Chemicals for Process RA-4.
manufacturing films, papers, and chemicals that reduce the
impact of photoprocessing on the environment. KODAK
EKTACOLOR PRIME SP Developer Replenisher is a new
developer for EKTACOLOR Papers that offers even more
beneficial features. Formulated in a single part, it is
convenient and easy to use. Intended for minilabs with
average to high utilization, it will give consistent print
quality with less effluent discharged and less packaging
waste than KODAK EKTACOLOR PRIME Developer
Replenisher. (See CHOOSING A PAPER PROCESS for
more information on the availability and features of this new
product.)
your minilab’s design an d i ts level of utilization, choosing
the chemicals recommended in this publication ens ures that
you are using chemicals that provide optimum results with
the smallest possible environmental impact. We continue to
develop new products that will further reduce chemical use
and discharge.
*
:
KODAK ROYAL GOLD Films
KODAK GOLD Films
KODAK MAX Films
KODAK Black & White + 400 Film
KODAK ADVANTIX 100, 200, and 400 Films
KODAK ADVANTIX Black & White + 400 Film
KODAK PROFESSIONAL SUPRA Films
KODAK PROFESSIONAL PORTRA Films
It also includes the recommended cycles for processing
For decades, Kodak has been designing and
Although your choice of chemicals may be limited by
CHOOSING A FILM PROCESS
To determine which chemicals to use for your film process,
locate the process cycle that best matches the sequence of
processing steps and process times of your minilab.
The following section describes the three basic process
cycles for films, and includes a listing of the appropriate
KODAK FLEXICOLOR Chemicals for each cycle. You can
use any of these cycles with or without a wash step. If you
select a washless cycle, carefully follow the
recommendations in the footnotes.
Note: This publication does not discuss KODAK
FLEXICOLOR SM and EKTACOLOR SM Chemicals,
which are designed for use only in specific minilabs. For
detailed information on these chemicals, see KODAK
Publication No. Z-101, Using KODAK SM Chemicals in SM
Minilabs.
Use the cycles in this publication as guides. You may
have to modify a cycle slightly to suit the design of your
processor. The replenishment rates for each cycle are
intended for a typical mix of Kodak color negative films.
For more detailed information, see KODAK Publication
No. Z-100, Using KODAK Chemicals in Minilabs, or Z-131,
Using KODAK FLEXICOLOR Chemicals.
* Do not process films of older design th at require a stabilizing agent for
image stability in minilab processes using KODAK FLEXICOLOR Fi nal
Rinse and Replenisher . These films a re KODAK VERICOLOR III Film,
VERICOLOR Slide Film / SO-279/5072, and VERICOLOR Print
Film 4111. Pro cess these films only in a processor that uses
FLEXICOLOR Stabilizer III and Replenisher.
©Eastman Kodak Company, 2000
Process C-41RA
This film process cycle is the shortest of the Process C-41
cycles, and the one most commonly used in minilabs. You
must use KODAK FLEXICOLOR RA Bleach Replenisher
NR and KODAK FLEXICOLOR RA Fixer and
Replenisher in this cycle.
Process C-41RA requires special equipment that
accommodates the shorter solution times, and the processor
must provide higher agitation in the bleach, fixer, and final
rinse. Check with your minilab manufacturer to determine if
your processor meets Process C-41RA specifications.
Although Process C-41RA is intended to be a washless
cycle, you can use it with a processor that includes a final
wash if it meets the time and agitation requirements.
Process C-41RA Cycle
*
Solution/Step
Time
min:sec
FLEXICOLOR
Developer
3:15
Replenis her LORR
FLEXICOLOR RA
Bleach Replenisher
†
NR
1:00
FLEXICOLOR RA
Fixer and
Replenisher
‡
1:30 to 2:00
FLEXICOLOR
Final Rinse and
Replenisher
§
1:00
Dry As needed
* Immersion time plus crossov er time to the ne xt tank. Bleach, fixer, and
final rinse times are minimums; longer times are acceptable.
† U se only KODAK FLEXICOLOR RA Bleach Replenisher NR. Your
equipment must provide the hi gher agitation required for this solution.
‡ U se only KODAK FLEXICOLOR RA Fixer and Replenis her. Use two
countercurrent-flow fixer tanks with equal times in both tanks (0:45 to
1:00 in each tank). Your equipment must provide the higher ag itation
required for this solution.
§ U se three countercurrent-flow final rinse tanks with equal times in
all tanks (0:20). Your equipment must provide the higher agitation
required for this solution. Replenish the third final rinse tank at
40 mL/135-24 roll (36 mL/m). If your processor has two
countercurrent-flow final rinse tanks followed by a single tank,
replenish the second countercurrent tank at 40 mL/135-24 roll
(36 mL/m) and the single tank at 20 mL/135-24 roll (18 mL/m). For
minilabs with a final wash after the fixer, use a wash time of 1: 40 and
reduce the final rinse time to 40 sec onds. Use a wash rate of
1250 mL/135-24 roll (330 mL/ft) for a two-stage countercurrent-flow
wash. Double this rate for a single wash. Use a final rinse
replenishment rate of 33 mL/135-24 roll.
Temperature
°C (°F)
37.8 ± 0.15
(100.0 ± 0.25)
38 ± 3
(100 ± 5)
38 ± 3
(100 ± 5)
38 ± 3
(100 ± 5)
40 to 68
(104 to 155)
Starting-Point Reple nish men t Rates—
Process C-41RA
Starting-Point
Replenishment Rate
Solution
FLEXICOLOR Developer
Replenis her LORR
FLEXICOLOR RA
Bleach Replenisher NR
FLEXICOLOR RA Fixer
and Replenisher
mL/135-24 Roll
(mL/m)
19 (17) 11.1 (10.2)
5 (4.5) 3.4 (3.1)
35 (32) 24 (22)
mL/25-Exp
ADVANTIX Film
(mL/m)
*
FLEXICOLOR
Final Rinse and
40 (36) 27 (25)
Replenisher
* These rates are averages based on an es timated film-speed mix in
25-exposure rolls of KODAK ADVANTIX Films.
Process C-41B
The primary feature of this cycle is that it is shorter than
the standard Process C-41 cycle. It eliminates both washes
and uses a shorter fixer time. Most minilabs that use
Process C-41B use the washless version. However, if your
minilab includes a final wash, see footnote
Process C-41B Cycle
Solution/Step
FLEXICOLOR Developer
Replenis her LORR
FLEXICOLOR Bleach III
NR Replenisher
FLEXICOLOR Fixer and
Replenisher
FLEXICOLOR Final Rinse
and Replenisher
†
‡,§
Dry As needed
* Immersion time plus crossover time t o the next t ank. Bleach, fi xer , and
final rinse times are minimums; l onger times are acceptable.
† U se two coun te rcurre nt- flow fix er t anks with eq ual times in both t a nks
(2:00 to 2:10 in each tank).
‡ U se three countercurrent-flow final rinse tanks with equal times in all
tanks (0:47 in each t ank).
§ If your min ilab u ses a fina l wash, a lso i nsta ll a wash bet ween the fixer
and final rinse with a wash time of 1:40. Reduc e the final rinse time
to 40 seconds, and use a replenishment rate of 35 mL/135-24 roll
(32 mL/m). Use a wash-flow rate of 1250 mL/135-25 roll (1080 mL/m)
for a two-stage countercurrent wash or 2500 mL/135-24 roll
(2160 mL/m) for a single-stage wash.
Time
min:sec
3:15
3:00 to 4:20
4:00 to 4:20
2:20
§
, below.
*
Temperature
°C (°F)
37.8 ± 0.15
(100.0 ± 0.25)
38 ± 3
(100 ± 5)
38 ± 3
(100 ± 5)
38 ± 3
(100 ± 5)
40 to 68
(104 to 155)
2 Choosing the Right Chemicals for Your Minilab • J-36
Starting-Point Reple nish men t Rates—
Process C-41B
Starting-Point Reple nish men t Rates—
Process C-41
Starting-Point
Replenishment Rate
Solution
FLEXICOLOR Developer
Replenis her LORR
FLEXICOLOR Bleach III
NR Replenisher
FLEXICOLOR Fixer and
Replenisher
FLEXICOLOR Final Rinse
and Replenisher
* These rates are averages based on an estimated film-speed mix in
25-exposure rolls of KODAK ADVANTIX Films.
mL/135-24
Roll
(mL/m)
mL/25-Exp
ADVANTIX Film
(mL/m)
19 (17) 1 1.1 (10.2)
5 (4.5) 3.4 (3.1)
35 (32) 24 (22)
40 (36) 27 (25)
*
Process C-41
This process cycle is sometimes used in older minilabs. It most
commonly includes water washes. To use the washless version
of this cycle, follow the recommendations in the second
footnote under the table.
Process C-41 Cycle
*
Solution/Step
Time
min:sec
FLEXICOLOR
Developer Replenisher
3:15
LORR
FLEXICOLOR Bleach
III NR Replenisher
†
Wash
FLEXICOLOR Fixer
and Replenisher
†
Wash
‡
4:20 to 6:30
1:00 to 3:15
4:20 to 6:30
2:10 to 3:15
FLEXICOLOR
Final Rinse and
1:05
Replenisher
Dry As needed
* Immersion time plus c rossover time to t he next tank. Bleach, fixer, and
final rinse times are minimums; longer times are acceptable.
† Use a two-stage countercurrent-flow wash. For a single-stage wash,
double the replenishment rate.
If your minilab uses a final rinse step i nstead of a f inal wash, eli minate
both washes. Use three coun tercurrent-flow final rinse tanks with a
minimum final rinse time of 2:20 (0:47 in each tank). Use a final rinse
temperature of 38 ± 3°C (100 ± 5°F) and a replenishment rate of
40 mL/135-24 roll (36 mL/m).
‡ U se two countercurrent-flow fixer tanks with equal times in both tan ks
(2:10 to 3:15).
Temperature
°C (°F)
37.8 ± 0.15
(100.0 ± 0.25)
38 ± 3
(100 ± 5)
24 to 41
(75 to 105)
38 ± 3
(100 ± 5)
24 to 41
(75 to 105)
24 to 41
(75 to 105)
40 to 68
(104 to 155)
Starting-Point
Replenishment Rate
Solution/Step
mL/135-24 Roll
(mL/m)
FLEXICOLOR Developer
Replenis her LORR
FLEXICOLOR Bleach III
NR Replenisher
19 (17) 11.1 (10.2)
5 (4.5) 3.4 (3.1)
Wash 1250 (1080)
FLEXICOLOR Fixer and
Replenisher
35 (32) 24 (22)
Wash 1250 (1080)
FLEXICOLOR
Final Rinse and
35 (32)
‡
mL/25-Exp
ADVANTIX Film
(mL/m)
†
850 (734)
†
850 (734)
27 (25)
*
†
†
‡
Replenisher
* These rates are averages based on an es timated film-speed mix in
25-exposure rolls of KODAK ADVANTIX Films.
† F or a two-stage countercurrent -flow wash. Double this rate for a
single-stage wash.
‡ If your minilab uses a final rinse instead of was hes, use a
replenishment rate of 40 mL/135-24 roll (36 mL/m) or
27 mL/25-exposure roll (25 mL/m) of ADVANTIX Film.
Monitoring Your Film Process
Use KODAK Control S t rips , P ro cess C -41, to monitor your
film process. Follow the procedures described in KODAK
Publication No. Z-100, Using KODAK Chemicals in
Minilabs, or Z-131, Using KODAK FLEXICOLOR
Chemicals.
Choosing the Right Chemicals for Your Minilab • J-36 3
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