Kodak manual Process C-41RA Cycle, Process C-41B Cycle

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*	Temperature
	min:sec	°C (°F)
FLEXICOLOR		37.8 ±		0.15
Developer	3:15
		(100.0	±	0.25)
Replenisher LORR
FLEXICOLOR RA	1:00	38	±	3
Bleach Replenisher
		(100	±	5)
NR†
FLEXICOLOR RA	1:30 to 2:00	38	±	3
Fixer and
		(100	±	5)
Replenisher‡
FLEXICOLOR	1:00	38	±	3
Final Rinse and
		(100	±	5)
Replenisher§
Dry	As needed	40 to 68
		(104 to 155)

* Immersion time plus crossover time to the next tank. Bleach, fixer, and final rinse times are minimums; longer times are acceptable.

† Use only KODAK FLEXICOLOR RA Bleach Replenisher NR. Your equipment must provide the higher agitation required for this solution.

‡Use only KODAK FLEXICOLOR RA Fixer and Replenisher. 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 agitation

required for this solution.

§Use 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 seconds. 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.

Starting-Point Replenishment Rates—

Process C-41RA

	Starting-Point
	Replenishment Rate
Solution
	mL/135-24 Roll	mL/25-Exp
		ADVANTIX Film
	(mL/m)	(mL/m)*
FLEXICOLOR Developer	19 (17)	11.1	(10.2)
Replenisher LORR
FLEXICOLOR RA	5 (4.5)	3.4	(3.1)
Bleach Replenisher NR
FLEXICOLOR RA Fixer	35 (32)	24	(22)
and Replenisher
FLEXICOLOR
Final Rinse and	40 (36)	27	(25)
Replenisher

*These rates are averages based on an estimated 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 §, below.

Process C-41B Cycle

Solution/Step	Time*	Temperature
	min:sec	°C (°F)
FLEXICOLOR Developer	3:15	37.8 ±		0.15
Replenisher LORR		(100.0	±	0.25)
FLEXICOLOR Bleach III	3:00 to 4:20	38	±	3
NR Replenisher		(100 ±		5)
FLEXICOLOR Fixer and	4:00 to 4:20	38	±	3
Replenisher†		(100 ±		5)
FLEXICOLOR Final Rinse	2:20	38	±	3
and Replenisher‡,§		(100 ±		5)
Dry	As needed	40 to 68
		(104 to 155)

* Immersion time plus crossover time to the next tank. Bleach, fixer, and final rinse times are minimums; longer times are acceptable.

† Use two countercurrent-flow fixer tanks with equal times in both tanks (2:00 to 2:10 in each tank).

‡ Use three countercurrent-flow final rinse tanks with equal times in all tanks (0:47 in each tank).

§If your minilab uses a final wash, also install a wash between the fixer and final rinse with a wash time of 1:40. Reduce 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.

2 Choosing the Right Chemicals for Your Minilab • J-36