Telescope Reviews: Re: E200 - E6 Home Processing

I just recently tried E-6 processing at home for the first time. I needed to develop short pieces (2 to 3 frames long) of E200 film shot w/ my Schmidt camera; these films are too short to take to your local drug store. Also, I wanted fast turn around / feedback. The local shop took 1 1/2 weeks for my last roll of E-6 film; if you are learning AP, that's too long.

I bought Kodak Single Use Kit #1077643 (makes 5 liters which does a lot of rolls of film) from Adorama for $58.50 http://www.adorama.com/KKE6SU5L.html You don't have to make up all 5 liters worth at once, but you still end up with a lot of bottles to store.

A few observations: Temperature is VERY critical in the first few baths (like plus or minus 1/2 *F !!!). I don't think adjusting developing time for temperature works with the kit I used anyway. I used a JOBO bath. I think you could build your own temperture bath, but you will need good control.

I think you would want to try B&W processing first. Other than temperature control, it was really no more difficult than B&W developing; there are many more steps however. You will need all the same basic equipment (dark bag, tanks and reels, a good thermometer, film clips, graduated cylinders, lots of 500 ml bottles that seal well).

I was pleased with the results, and it was fun

However the color was shifted towards the red a bit. For Astrophptography no big deal, color correction after scanning was no problem.

My two cents though: for general photography, I think a Pro Lab would be much more consistent (and as long as available, the way to go). For AP, E-6 at home developing is very doable and has advantages.

Hope this helps! Gary

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