I got an email about this from Freestyle and while I am normally pretty content to let a lab develop my film, I watched the intro video and thought "should I be doing this?"
I'm curious if anybody has the AGO Film Processor - it changes development time based on temperature (which it reads).
This video might shed some light on the primary function of temperature compensation via extended development time. Fast forward is your friend. I’m guessing that it is mainly E-6 that requires such iron clad control of temperature, but it is relevant to a lesser degree with C-41 and mostly a non issue with B&W. Assumptions and methods can be challenged, but general conclusion is likely sound.
bwcolor wrote:
This video might shed some light on the primary function of temperature compensation via extended development time. Fast forward is your friend. I’m guessing that it is mainly E-6 that requires such iron clad control of temperature, but it is relevant to a lesser degree with C-41 and mostly a non issue with B&W. Assumptions and methods can be challenged, but general conclusion is likely sound.
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I'm not sure I would trust this to develop E-6 - would probably rather use a JOBO...or send it out.
I use one for B&W, C-41, and E-6. I use it for 35mm up to single sheets of 8x10. I do not use it for 8x10 C-41 or E-6 simply because it's so expensive.
I have found it to be completely reliable for all film types up to 4x5 for all three processes. Only problem I have had with E-6 was with expired E-6 (1993) and mod54 reels, the film curled out of the reels and fell out during development.
There is the option to develop vertically in the water bath water at temp also.
I use a Sous Vide heater with a small 6.5 gallon tub from amazon that I use to bring everything to temp and I use that heated water for the rinse cycles, and replace water back into the tank as I use it. The Sous Vide heater heats the new replacement water to temp very quickly.
The Ago compensates for temperature drops as it develops film, which I find to be very convenient. It has an audible beep at 10 seconds to end time of whatever development stage you are at, so you can do something else while it develops and have an audible warning to return back for the next step. Plus, it has the convenience of custom programs for different B&W chemistry development times and I don't have to sit at the machine with a timer or my phone the whole time.
I do make sure with C-41, E-6, and B&W that every step starts with the same temperature chemicals and water. I have used C-41, Kodak and Adox chemicals and for E-6, Adox and Film Photography Project (Unicolor). I haven't had any problems with them. The Film Photography Project (Unicolor) Chemicals do have instructions for development at 70°F but the 1st developer stage is 26 minutes vs 6.5 minutes for 105°F. I have never tried it at 70°F though I may try it now and see what happens.
Funny, I have been wondering if you could Sous Vide your film...as I've gotten into cooking with it, the thought has crossed my mind a few times. Thanks for the details!
Jess_Anderson wrote:
Only problem I have had with E-6 was with expired E-6 (1993) and mod54 reels, the film curled out of the reels and fell out during development.
What do you use for 4x5 if you stopped using the mod54 reels? 6 sheets at a time is pretty convenient.
corposant wrote:
What do you use for 4x5 if you stopped using the mod54 reels? 6 sheets at a time is pretty convenient.
I still use the MOD54 reels for C-41 and B&W and have never had a problem with those. For E-6, I now use Vintage Visual's "REEL – 4×5" which holds 4 sheets.
FWIW, I had been using the Adox E-6 kit with fresh Provia 100F (See Edit Note) numerous times before that and never had an issue. I had two new variables at play when I had the sheets fall out of the MOD54 during development. I just started using the Unicolor kit that has a higher temp 105°F vs 100.4°F of the Adox kit that I had been previously been using. I can't say for sure if the difference in temp contributed to the film curling and falling out of the reel or not. The other is that I don't know if the film being expired in 1993 had anything to do with it or if it was a combination of the two, or just bad luck. I can say that I wasn't the original owner of the film so who knows how it was stored also.
I may give it a go with at some point to try and figure out which variable it was but with the price of 4x5 slide film being what it is these days I may not get to it for a while.
Jess
Edit: I misspoke it was not Velvia 50 in sheet film it was Provia 100F, sorry about that.
