Features
-
For processing any color negative (C-41) film
2 bath kit (Developer and Blix)
No special processor needed (use standard processing tanks and reels)
Flexible processing temperatures
Instructions for processing and Push/Pull processing included
Reusable for up to 24 rolls of film (1000mL) or 12 rolls of film (500mL)
Product Details
Processing ANY color negative film at home is easy with these 2 simple chemical mixtures. No special equipment needed!
The CineStill Cs41 “Color Simplified” 2-Bath Kits have been designed to consistently produce high quality results at home with maximum yields. Processing your own color film doesn't have to be complicated or expensive! These two bath (Cd41 Developer and Bf41 Blix) processing kits, offered in both powder and liquid concentrate forms, are reusable for up to 24 rolls and are compatible with the same developing tanks you might already use for processing black and white film. Don't have any of the equipment and don't know where to start? Consider picking up our flagship JOBO DUO Color + B&W Film Processing Kit for 35mm & 120. It's got everything you need for color and more!
Cd41 “Color Developer” is formulated with the highest quality components and the maximum concentration of color developer agent (CD4) on the market. This makes it more robust than other color developers and allows it to be reused to process up to a recomended 24 rolls of film per liter/quart. To compensate for the weakening of the chemistry through reuse, simply increase the Developer time by +2% per roll previously processed. While the standard 102F processing temperature is recommended, we have also thoroughly tested processing at lower temperatures for longer times, making it the most flexible. Full details are available in the “Push/Pull Processing & Variable Temperature Development Chart” of the instructions. CineStill Cd41 "Color Developer" is also available for sale on its own here.
Bf41 “Bleach&Fixer Bath” combines the bleaching and fixing step in our Cs41 “Color Simplified” process. The powder or liquid concentrates are mixed with water to make a total volume of 1 liter/quart of reusable solution capable of clearing at least 24 rolls of color negative film. Unlike the Developer, you do not need to increase the Blix time as you continue to use the chemistry.
This chemistry is designed and manufactured in the US without compromise for modern color negative films. A stabilizer bath is not required when processing modern film stocks. Modern color negative film emulsions have built-in dye stabilizers and hardeners that are released through this simplified 2-bath process, ensuring beautifully developed, bleached, and fixed color negatives, ready to scan or print.
FAQ’s:
-
Q: Why does the Cs41 kit have a unique recommended developing time (3m:30s) compared to others on the market (3m:15s)? A: Though temperature control and processing time are not nearly as critical for color negative when compared to some other processes, it is preferable to err on the side of slight over-development rather than under-development to achieve optimal results. Our Cs41 kit is optimized for at-home use with small hand tanks and reels where temperature loss when pouring and agitating is unavoidable. To ensure consistent results and that sufficient color negative densities are achieved, we recommend a target temperature approximately 1°C higher and time 15 seconds longer than standard large tank C-41 processing to compensate for temperature drop and potential process timing errors.
-
Q: Do I have to have a separate tank and reels for processing color negative film vs B&W film? A: No! Just make sure to wash everything well after each processing session to avoid unintentional cross-contamination.
-
Q: Is there any significant difference between the liquid and powder concentrate kits? A: Powder kits have a longer shelf-life and take up less space which can save on shipping costs. Once mixed, both the powder and liquid variants function exactly the same. Liquid concentrates have an unmixed shelf life of about 2 years from date of purchase, whereas powdered concentrates’ unmixed shelf life can be indefinite, dependent on proper storage. The powder version takes longer to mix, and dissolves best in warm/hot water but the liquid quart kit also includes an optional Final Rinse bottle which can prevent organic growth if your negatives may be vulnerable to excessive moisture when in storage. Our Final Rinse is also available for purchase separately here.
-
Q: Can you use constant rotary agitation, and if so do you have to reduce the processing time? A: Constant rotary agitation processors like JOBO are compatible, and no adjustment to the processing time is needed to achieve high quality results. Of course, you are the final arbiter of how dense you want your color negatives and are free to adjust times as necessary to achieve your desired results.
-
Q: How should I dispose of used Cs41 chemistry? A: Regulations vary wildly by geography. For additional information, please review our post on Photochemical Waste Management.
Educational Resources:
VIDEO: Testing Your Film Chemistry: The Art of the Snip Test
VIDEO: Water Bath vs. Pitcher Method
VIDEO: Water spots on your film HATE these simple tricks…
VIDEO: How to Care for Your TCS-1000
Instructions & Safety Data Sheets:
Download Cs41 Quart Kit Complete PDF Instructions
Download Cs41 Powder Kit Complete PDF Instructions
Download Cs41 Quart Kit Safety Data Sheet
Download Cs41 Powder Kit Safety Data Sheet
Photochemical Waste Management
