- GETTING THE BEST FROM YOUR E6 FILMS -

  For a long while now a number of keen reversal film workers have been working to produce a formula based as closely as possible to the official one, which will process all E6 emulsions to a high standard of quality.

The late Arnold Moorhouse and Brian Wheatcroft pioneered the work and had a fair degree of success. Recently Laurence Edwards who is
an analytical chemist has carried on the good work. The formula which is the result of their work is the nearest that can be obtained to
the official one. It uses chemicals which are all stocked by the Club.

While it is possible to get quite reasonable slides from substitute formula and from kits there is always a feeling that one could have
perhaps done better. I have taken hundreds of repeat slides for this very reason. With kits one never knows how long they have been on the dealers shelves.

We are a club of individualists and some of us will always want to buy bulk lengths of film and process with the minimal chemicals. That
is what we are for, but there are others who want the best quality that we can get and this processing will go along way towards them
reaching that goal.

Many of the solutions in the formula can be used as percentage solutions and this helps to cut down the work when mixing. Measuring the solutions is greatly helped if you can get hold of a pair of graduated syringes. A 2ml and a 10ml is great and measures out the correct small quantities easily. You do not need the sharp bit that goes on the end. A 50ml measuring cylinder should be adequate for the larger amounts.

Take care when you put a graduated syringe into Proprionic acid as it will remove the graduations quicker than you can say E6. A hairdressers type of rubber gloves is essential when handling a few of the solutions. Do not let that put you off, there are far worse ones in other formulae.

If you are one of the weigher and mixers who cannot bear to use a chemical reversal etc., the developers will to a certain extent work
with the formula in the Club Handbook, but you will not get the same results. There are bound to be slight casts or pink ends etc.

A pH Meter will ensure that you get the correct acidity/alkalinity to your solutions. There is a small portable sold by, Analog & Numeric Devices Ltd. Unit 25, Swannington Road, Broughton Astley, Leicestershire. LE9 6PD. Tel. 01455-283486.

To keep your temperatures accurate use a UNO Heater/Thermostat (available from Jessop) in your tempering bath.