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

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
*
min:sec
* Immersion time plus crossover time to the next tank. Bleach, fixer, and
final rinse times are minimums; longer times are acceptable.
Temperature
°C (°F)
FLEXICOLOR
Developer
Replenisher LORR 3:15 37.8 ± 0.15
(100.0 ± 0.25)
FLEXICOLOR RA
Bleach Replenisher
NR
†
† Use only KODAK FLEXICOLOR RA Bleach Replenisher NR. Your
equipment must provide the higher agitation required for this solution.
1:00 38 ± 3
(100 ± 5)
FLEXICOLOR RA
Fixer and
Replenisher
‡
‡ 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.
1:30 to 2:00 38 ± 3
(100 ± 5)
FLEXICOLOR
Final Rinse and
Replenisher
§
§ 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.
1:00 38 ± 3
(100 ± 5)
Dry As needed 40 to 68
(104 to 155)
Starting-Point Replenishment Rates—

Process C-41RA

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

ProcessC-41B use the washless version. However, if your

minilab includes a final wash, see footnote

§

, below.

Process C-41B Cycle

Solution
Starting-Point
Replenishment Rate
mL/135-24 Roll
(mL/m)
mL/25-Exp
ADVANTIX Film
(mL/m)
*
* These rates are averages based on an estimated film-speed mix in
25-exposure rolls of KODAK ADVANTIX Films.
FLEXICOLOR Developer
Replenisher LORR 19 (17) 11.1 (10.2)
FLEXICOLOR RA
Bleach Replenisher NR 5 (4.5) 3.4 (3.1)
FLEXICOLOR RA Fixer
and Replenisher 35 (32) 24 (22)
FLEXICOLOR
Final Rinse and
Replenisher 40 (36) 27 (25)
Solution/Step Time
*
min:sec
* Immersion time plus crossover time to the next tank. Bleach, fixer, and
final rinse times are minimums; longer times are acceptable.
Temperature
°C (°F)
FLEXICOLOR Developer
Replenisher LORR 3:15 37.8 ± 0.15
(100.0 ± 0.25)
FLEXICOLOR Bleach III
NR Replenisher 3:00 to 4:20 38 ± 3
(100 ± 5)
FLEXICOLOR Fixer and
Replenisher
†
† Use two countercurrent-flow fixer tanks with equal times in both tanks
(2:00 to 2:10 in each tank).
4:00 to 4:20 38 ± 3
(100 ± 5)
FLEXICOLOR Final Rinse
and Replenisher
‡,§
‡ 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.
2:20 38 ± 3
(100 ± 5)
Dry As needed 40 to 68
(104 to 155)