Re: E-6 Home processing & bulk loading Message-ID: <m0th1S1-0000IlC@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>

[threed@xxxxxxx (Bob Mannle)]

Some good points have been made here... both pro and con. 

Personally I've done both, and continue to do so on occassion. Although I keep the processing to processing of dupes that I make... I feel it's far to risky to home process some valuable images you may want... or worse yet... those of a client. 

The risk is not just turning "green" as George points out, but the ever so slight color shifts that take place when temps are off, or chemical quantities are not precisely measured, there's always the chance that your timing is slightly off when switching from one bath to the next... then there's cross-contamination, or dilution that can take place. There's nothing worse than seeing those flesh tones turn slightly magenta... green, or yellow.

Another concern is shelf life. Once mixed you'll want to use these chemicals as quickly as possible. Which could actually wind up costing you money (for film) if you hadn't planned on taking more images right away.

A final point is to mention that many of the chemicals are reused to process additional rolls of film. At this point the various times change for how long the film will stay in a particular bath. Obviously your chemicals are being diluted or weakened by use... One must pay close attention... know how many rolls have been processed with these particular chemicals... and apply the proper times. 

Of course satisfactory results can and have been be obtained... just be advised that there are RISKS here. Be very sure that you know what you are doing.

Bulk film loading can also save money. I haven't much choice when it comes to using dupe film. I use Kodaks 5071 in 100 foot rolls and usually by at least 6 of the same imulsion so I don't have to run color balance checks too often.

Only on 1 or 2 occassions have I used bulk loaded film to shoot a clients project. These were cases where we wanted the same film emulsion for the entire project. In 99.9% of the cases I'll just buy preloaded 36 exposure film. You try to keep the same immulsion, but it's not mandatory.

Bulk loading has it's risks also... namely scratches. I've had my share of dissappointments seeing entire rolls of film getting scratched due to a piece of dirt that got trapped in the bulk loader. Try to check your film as your loading... Just take a close look at the leader and see if you can find any scratches... look closely, sometimes they will skip. 

If cleaning the bulk loader doesn't help, you may have to take some very fine sandpaper to it (600 grit) and try to smooth out any rough edges. I have also found that the way you hold your bulk loader when rolling film will change things... I hold mine on it's side, relieving the downward pressure of the film dragging through the slot. 

You'll also have to make sure that your cannisters are clean, no dust in the felt liners, and light tight. Many folks suggest that these only be used once and then tossed... that doesn't really make sense to me. Just keep a close eye on them, and toss anything that looks bent, or damaged. Use lots of compressed air, and keep them clean. 

There is also a risk involved when sending bulk loaded film in for processing. I can't tell you how many cannisters have been destroyed by them opening these with a can opener... like the do pre-rolled film. It's understandable... because they are in the dark. Once these are bent up... just toss them. I hate it when this happens... these cannisters are not free, and it often means another trip to the store when I run short. What's even worse is when they simply forget to save them, and just throw them all away for you.

I also have fears that someone at the lab will drop one of my bulk loaded cannisters and the cap will pop off. Sometimes these do come off very easily, especially when you don't want them to. Often I'll drop my film off early through a mail slot... Use lots of bubble pack! 

The other disadvantage is that the last frame will be ruined due to bulk loading... but this is no big deal as long as you plan for it. 

Nowadays when taking bulk loaded film to a pro lab they require a few things. 

1) You must sign a form stating that you will pay for all chemical replacement and film damages just in case you gave them black and white film in your cannister... instead of E-6 I guess putting B&W film in an E-6 process can really screw things up.

2) They don't like you overloading the film cannister. One can easily get 40 shots on a roll... but this is really frowned upon... and many labs will just cut off your film

3) Always identify your cannisters as E-6... and number of exposures, 

I think every serious photographer should at least try both of these processes. At least that way... when and if you need them, you'll at least be familiar with it. Home processing has saved my butt a time or two 8-)


Best Regards,



Bob Mannle

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