Early Kodak Ektachrome
Early Kodak Ektachrome
Early Kodak Ektachrome
Charlie Kamerman has recently (February 2012) sent me some pictures of items within his amazing collection of early Kodak films. Charlie says "I have hundreds of boxes of film
from 1891 through the 1980's."
To view just a few, please click here.
And do take a look at Charlie's site www.Kodakcollector.com
Like Agfa’s Agfacolor Neu film of 1936, any colour material, film or paper, having the colour couplers combined with the three emulsion layers at the time of manufacture, could be
processed in a much simpler, and much faster, manner than that of Kodachrome. Only one colour developer and one bleach bath were required.
The first film manufactured by Eastman Kodak containing “Protected Couplers” was Kodacolor Aero Reversible Film in 1940.
Despite the name “Kodacolor”, the film produced a transparency after processing, and bore no relationship, apart from the colour couplers, to the eventual Kodacolor negative film.
Kodacolor Aero was mainly used by the United States Army Air Force for reconnaissance purposes, the special feature of this film was that it could be processed anywhere without
elaborate equipment.
The processing sequence and chemical baths for Kodacolor Aero Reversible film were not unlike the processing procedure and baths for the earliest type of Kodak Ektachrome
sheet films. Kits of chemicals for making up the five processing baths were available. The procedure was much like Process E1 but with longer times, very likely at 68°F (20°C). The
time taken to process the film, not including drying, was around 90 minutes.
Two sets of filters were supplied with the film, one filter to correct for the various emulsion differences, and to balance it for average daylight. The other filter, or filters, were to
correct for “haze”, or blueishness in distant subjects. The “Haze” filters were likely to have been, “Wratten Filter No.1”, and “Wratten Filter No.2A”, 2A being slightly stronger.
It was replaced, or renamed, ”Ektachrome Aero film – High contrast”, possibly in 1946.
E-1 to E-6 ~ Ektachrome Processing Chronology
The chronology of the Kodak Ektachrome processing chemistry, E1 through to E6, can be learned by reading the Sections below. Because the colour couplers were included in the
emulsions (unlike Kodachrome), Ektachrome film could be processed using a much simpler procedure than Kodachrome, involving only one colour developer.
Essentially, the E1 Process, though not known by that title at the outset, was available from 1946 in the US and 1947 in the UK.
The early process was ammended at least once and the processing sequence that became known as E1 is not the same as the earliest sequence. It is arguable, therefore, whether
the E1 Process can be claimed to have appeared in 1946/47 or in 1954. From 1955, with the arrival of Process E2 films and chemistry (see this Section), the earlier 1954 chemistry
became known as Process E1.
The E2 Process appeared around 1955 for Kodak's 32ASA (ISO) film. Process E3 arrived in 1959 with a 50ASA film. Then a jump was made to a 160ASA Ektachrome (also known as
High Speed Ektachrome) later that year.
1966 saw the introduction of Process E4 for Ektachrome X and High Speed Ektachrome. Processes E3 and E4 were used during the same years and some films were occasionally
mixed up by users, so Kodak tried for a single new improved process with accompanying new films.
Process E6 appeared from 1976 and three new E6 Ektachrome films accompanied this introduction, namely Ektachrome 64, Ektachrome 200 (ISO; Daylight balanced) and
Ektachrome 160 (ISO; Tungsten balanced).
The Amateur Photographer magazine tested Ektachrome 200 and Ektachrome 64 in their January 18th 1978 issue, see below.
About a year later, a daylight type roll film was put on the market. The emulsion was exactly the same as the daylight sheet film. It was supplied in 620 and 120 sizes and the data
sheet warns “It cannot be used satisfactorily in box or other simple cameras”. It’s speed to daylight exposures was 8 ASA, but Michael Talbert has seen where some sources
mention a speed of 6ASA. It has also been reported that Kodak reduced the speed by one third of a stop for the daylight film in 1948 due to a re-assessment of the film’s
capabilities. The actual film was not changed and no evidence can be found of this appearing in the official Eastman Kodak data sheets for the daylight type film.
Both films were “code notched” for identification in the dark. It was not possible to use a safelight; both films had to be handled in total darkness. The daylight film had one notch
cut into the edge of the film and the Type B film had two notches.
It was possible to expose the Type B film to daylight using a Kodak Wratten filter No. 85B on the lens. The speed of the film then dropped to 6ASA. Flash exposures, with clear
flashbulbs, were made with a Kodak Wratten filter No. CC95 and the instruction sheet gives tables listing various guide numbers for average and large reflectors when using clear
flashbulbs.
From 1946, both types of sheet film were packed in boxes of 12 sheets. This quantity may have been changed to 10 sheets per box as from the early 1950s. Included in the earlier
boxes of 12 sheets were 12 “Kodapak” transparency sleeves. When each sheet of Ektachrome film had been processed and dried, the finished transparency was inserted into a
“Kodapak” sleeve for ease of handling to prevent fingerprints while also protecting the transparency from scratches.
Below is shown an Ektachrome 4 x 5 inch sheet film box, dating from 1948. This film was balanced for Daylight. The “Develop Before” date is July 1949, meaning that the film was
likely manufactured around September 1948. Some information has been taken from a 1948 Data sheet for the film.
The Daylight Type film had a speed of 8 ASA (ISO). Best colour rendering was obtained by exposing in bright or hazy sunlight. Blue casts would result in exposing on an overcast
day, or under a clear blue sky, or photographing distant views. To correct the blue cast Kodak recommended placing yellow filters over the lens such as CC13, CC14, CC15. The
CC13 was the weakest but CC15 would correct a fairly strong blue cast.
The rear label shows the “Code Notch” in the top left hand corner. The processing
procedure with the “Ektachrome Processing Kit” became “Process E1” in 1955. This
film would have likely been processed at 68°F, as film intended for 75°F processing
was not manufactured until 1949. The emulsion number stamped on the left hand
side of the box is: A 6101 91 31.
The actual box is fairly deep as it had to contain not only the 12 sheets of Ektachrome
film but also 12 protective Kodapak sleeves to be placed over the transparencies after
processing.
Below is shown a very early box of the Artificial Light, Type B, version of Ektachrome sheet film, in quarter plate size
A box of Ektachrome Type B (for artificial light) film, possibly manufactured in early
1947. This film is marked "Dev. before February 1948". It was a rare find on the
American e-bay site. Ektachrome was first marketed in 1946 so this box is one of the
very earliest.
It’s been opened and six sheets used, but luckily the instruction sheet was still in the
box, dated October 1946. It lists the film speed at 10 ASA for 3200°K lamps and
6 ASA to daylight exposures with a Wratten filter No.85B.
To the left of the box is a folder of “Kodapak” transparent sleeves. All boxes of
Ektachrome film at that time contained transparent sleeves to protect the processed
film.
“D 12” written on the box refers to the speed to daylight i.e. 12 ASA (ISO).
Was the $8.80 written on the box the actual purchase price at the time (around 1950)?
Possibly it was. A box of identical Ektachrome Process E3 film cost $8.65 in 1973, but
this didn't include state taxes.
Two Ektachrome 4 x 5 inch sheet film boxes dating from the early 1950s (perhaps 1951 and 1953). The Daylight film on the right is dated “Dev. Before August 1952”, and the
Type B film is dated “July 1954”. Type B film was balanced for 3200 °Kelvin studio lamps. During 1951, Eastman Kodak introduced the familiar blue printing for Ektachrome
film, replacing the previous black type as shown on the Ektachrome film box pictured above, dated “Develop before SEPT 1951”.
By 1953 the transparency sleeves were no longer packed in the Ektachrome film boxes. Both these boxes of film were manufactured at Rochester, New York, by the Eastman
Kodak Company. It is possible that the films were manufactured 10 months to a year before their expiry dates.
Enclosed in the Ektachrome Type B box was the main instruction sheet, dated December 1952, stating the speed of the film as 10 ASA (ISO), for an exposure time of 1 second.
Also enclosed in the box was a supplementary data sheet giving information on exposure times of 10 seconds and 120 seconds. These supplementary data sheets are
believed to have first been enclosed in the boxes of Ektachrome Type B film in 1949. The supplementary data sheet applies to film with emulsion numbers of 6102-537-1 to 3,
and 6102-537-61 to 63.
This particular batch of film turns cyan as the exposure time is increased, and a CC05R (a 5 Red filter), is advised with exposure times of about 10 seconds, with an exposure
increase of ½ stop over the normal exposure time of 1 second. For a 120 second exposure time, a CC10R (a 10 Red filter), is advised with an exposure increase of 2½ stops
over the normal exposure time of 1 second. The red notice printed on the box states: ”Please see revised processing time adjustments on the reverse side of enclosed data
sheet”.
The capacity of the Ektachrome processing solutions, to become known collectively as the E1 process in 1955, was increased from 10 square feet of film per gallon to
15 square feet per gallon, and the reverse side of the data sheet gives new development times for the First Developer and the Colour Developer at 75°F for capacities from
1 square foot to 15 square feet of film processed per gallon.
Ektachrome Type B Sheet Film, as made in the UK, 1949~1952
A very rare box of Ektachrome Type B Sheet Film, rare because it was made in the UK and not the USA. Ektachrome sheet film was made at Harrow from 1949 to 1952, and this box
dates from 1951. Apparently Kodak at Harrow only made the Type B sheet film, and no Daylight type. The reason is unknown.
A box of Ektachrome Type B sheet film size 3¼ x 4¼ inches, quarter plate. This film
was made in the UK about mid 1951.
Ektachrome sheet film was being manufactured at Kodak’s UK plant at Harrow from
1949 to 1952, but only the Type B film for artificial light (3200°K lamps) was produced
there. The address given in the instruction sheet would have been:
Kodak Ltd, Box 14, Wealdstone, Harrow, Middlesex.
At that time the Ektachrome Daylight type film was manufactured by Eastman Kodak,
at Rochester, USA and was not for sale in the UK. The Type B film could be exposed to In the early 1950s Kodak were operating a processing service for Ektachrome sheet
daylight with a Wratten No.85B filter on the lens to alter the colour balance. film because they were importing only a limited number of Ektachrome processing
kits from the USA. The kits were expensive and their made-up solutions did not keep
As the label on the box states, the film speed of this particular batch was rated at half well once used. Photographers who could not obtain a processing kit sent their
the “normal” speed of 10 ASA (ISO), 5 ASA under tungsten lighting. exposed sheet films to Harrow for processing. By 1953, the situation had improved,
and both the Daylight and Type B sheet film, plus the processing kits, were readily
Exposed in daylight, with the 85B filter on the lens, the speed would be down to available, although by then both types of film were manufactured in the USA and
around 3 ASA (ISO) ! imported into the UK. The processing service was discontinued.
The 3¼ x 2¼ inch is for sale at £1.16s.5d (£1.82p) per box. The quarter plate 4¼ x 3¼ inch is for sale at £2.10s.11d (£2.54p) per box. These prices did not include the cost of
processing the film. It is very likely that this is “in date” film.
However, the George Childe prices for the Ektachrome sheet film boxes may have been either trade prices or the price without Purchase Tax. This possibility exists because, in the
“Kodak Price Supplement” to a Kodak catalogue for May 1952, a box of 2½ x 3½ inch size Ektachrome film cost £1 15s 0d (£1.75) for 10 sheets. The quarter plate size film, of the
same quantity was £2 10s 0d (£2.50).
These were the costs without Purchase Tax which in 1952 was levied at about 45.5%.
Hence, the 2½ x 3½ inch size including Purchase Tax = £2 11s 0d (£2.55), and the quarter plate was £3 12s 8d (£3.63).
The “Kodak Price Supplement” for May 1952 lists both the Daylight and the Type B film for sale in sizes from 2¼ x 3¼ inches to 8 x 10 inches in boxes of 10 sheets.
The film listed for sale may have been manufactured by Kodak at their factory at Wealdstone, Harrow, although the advertisements for Ektachrome film in the British Journal
Photographic Almanacs for the early 1950s give the impression that only the Type B film was being made at Harrow, and the Daylight type film was not available.
The title printed in the price list: “Ektachrome Type B sheet film and Ektachrome Daylight Type sheet film (Not available for export)” further suggests that the film was being
manufactured in the UK.
Processing Service
Kodak UK were undertaking a processing service for sheet film Ektachrome in May 1952.
Kodak would accept film sizes from 2¼ x 3¼ inches to half plate 6½ x 8½ inches for processing. For some reason, 8 x 10 inch film was not processed by Kodak, but at that time
other trade laboratories were beginning to set up 3 gallon tank lines of the five solutions required to process Ektachrome film.
John Piercy, Ltd, 34A Bryanston Street, London (near Marble Arch), was one of the first colour processing laboratories in the country to offer a processing service for Ektachrome,
although I believe they first were established in Leicester Square, London as long ago as 1948.
The Kodak processing service operated on a basis whereby the more sheets of film sent in for processing at one time, the lower was the price charged to process each individual
sheet.
In 1950, a box of black and white sheet film, such as Kodak Super XX, size 4¼ x 3¼ inches, would have cost about 14 shillings (70p) for a 24 sheet box.
Glass Plates, packed in boxes of 12, were usually slightly more expensive.
In the same advertisement are “Ektachrome Processing Outfits” for sale at £1 10s 0d each (£1.50 ) but it does not say what size of outfit or how many films can be processed in
each outfit.
Kodachrome Professional sheet film was withdrawn from sale in May 1951 and was no longer manufactured. The processing service for this film was discontinued on 31st July
1952.
This is the First Edition, Second Printing, published in March 1948. The First Edition,
First Printing, was published in 1947, but the author believes there is very little
difference between the two books.
Ektachrome Exposure
Eastman Kodak recommended “Expose for the highlights and light the shadows” when exposing Ektachrome films. The instruction sheet contained a table of shutter speeds and
apertures for general exposure of the daylight type Ektachrome.
The instruction sheet and data sheet for the 'Type B' film included an exposure table for exposures to 3200°K lamps with subject to lamp distances ranging from 5feet to 20feet
(6.1m).
It is interesting to note that neither the instruction sheet nor the data sheet for the earliest made Ektachrome Type B film included any reference to increasing the exposure over a
certain exposure time length due to Reciprocity Failure effects. The book “Ektachrome/Kodachrome Professional Films” states in the chapter “Exposure of Color films”, that the
photographer must make his own tests using his own lighting set-up for exposure onto Type B film. For critical work film the same emulsion number was used to make the trial
exposures and the final exposures.
Eastman Kodak stated that the manufacturing variations between successive batches of film were small, with colour differences easily corrected within the range of Kodak CC23,
CC33, and CC43 filters. The CC range of Kodak Colour Compensating filters marked in subtractive colours did not exist in the mid-1940s. The equivalent to CC23, CC33, and CC43
was likely to be the 10 densities of Yellow, Magenta and Cyan. (CC10Y, CC10M,CC10C)
The speed of the film was unlikely to vary much more than half a stop at the time of manufacture. As far as Michael is aware, the standard exposure for the earliest Ektachrome film
was about 1 second, and production tests by Eastman Kodak may have been made at this exposure. It is likely that exposures longer than 5 seconds may have had to be increased
somewhat because of Reciprocity Failure effects. This increase would have varied slightly from one batch of film to another.
By the late-1940s, a supplementary instruction sheet was being packed into Ektachrome Type B film boxes giving exposure and filter recommendations for times of 10 seconds and
120 seconds.
An idea of the exposure increases are given by a later table dating from the early-1950s. An exposure of 10 seconds required an exposure increase of about 1 stop, (i.e. equivalent
tp an exposure increase to 20 seconds), and 120 seconds required an increase of around four times the 120 second exposure (i.e. equivalent to an exposure increase to
8 minutes !). At longer exposure times the colour balance would change necessitating the use of Colour Compensating filters to correct the balance.
Ektachrome Processing
From the beginning, the film was designed to be processed by the photographer in his own darkroom. Because the colour couplers were included in the emulsions (unlike
Kodachrome), Ektachrome film could be processed using a much simpler procedure than Kodachrome, involving only one colour developer.
From 1946, all Ektachrome film was made by the Eastman Kodak Company at Rochester, N.Y., U.S.A. As far as Michael Talbert understands, the film was first marketed in the U.K. in
1947. As the film was intended to be processed by the user, kits of chemicals were available in 2 litre and 5 litre sizes.
In the U.K., in 1947 to 1948, only small amounts of Ektachrome sheet film and the necessary processing kits were imported into the U.K., mainly for bonefide professional
photographers. Owing to import restrictions at that time, and to make the most of the processing chemicals that could be imported, Kodak in the U.K. set up a processing service
for Ektachrome film at Harrow. By 1948, only the Type B film was available (see Early Ektachrome Film, above).
Michael believes (ref: the British Journal Photographic Almanacs) that Kodachrome sheet film was not actually sold in the UK after the war. Although the BJ Almanac for 1947
mentions “Kodachrome Professional Film” in the Kodak advertisement (referring to sheet film Kodachrome), this "Kodachrome Professional Film" had been replaced by
“Ektachrome Film” in the Kodak advert in the 1948 BJ Almanac. By 1950 Ektachrome film had replaced Kodachome in sheet film format and by 1951 Kodachrome sheet film
production had ceased altogether.
Eastman Kodak presumably wanted to sell an alternative to Kodachrome sheet film and hence made Ektachrome available. The main reason for Kodak deferring from Kodachrome
is likely to be that Kodachrome in sheet film format would have been difficult and expensive for them to process. 35mm film is quite the opposite, since multiple films can be spliced
together in the same way as Motion Picture film, and passed through machines as one continuous band of film. But you can’t splice together sheet film, and also it comes in
different sizes. No wonder they stopped making it altogether in 1951!.
Lower down are two pages of processing instructions, which date to October 1946. These instruction sheets have the number KP31336 with an A suffix, suggesting they are a first
reprint.
Solution Time (Minutes) Temperature (°F)
1. First Developer 15 68 +/- ½ F
2. Rinse 1 65 – 72
3. Hardening Bath 5 – 10 66 – 70
4. Re-exposure 10 seconds
5. Wash 5 65 – 72
6. Colour Developer 25 66 – 70
7. Wash. 5 65 – 72
8. Clearing and Fixing Bath 5 66 – 70
9. Rinse 1 65 – 72
10. Bleach Bath 10 66 – 70
11. Rinse 1 65 – 72
12. Clearing and Fixing
5 66 – 70
Bath
13. Wash 10 65 – 72
14. Wetting Agent Rinse 1 65 – 72
15. Dry
Notes:-
1. The first Developer time was extended to 20 minutes in the late 1940s but as far as I can find out, the time could vary according to different film batches.
2. The film could remain in the Hardening bath for up to 10 minutes. The re-exposure to light could only take place after the film had been in the Hardening Bath for 3 minutes.
Film was taken from the Hardening Bath, re-exposed, and then put back in the Hardening bath until all films were re-exposed.
3. The film could be exposed to white light after 3 minutes in the Hardening bath.
4. Re-exposure, step 4. The film was exposed for 5 seconds to a No.1 Photoflood lamp. Sheet films were exposed for 5 seconds each side and roll films were exposed in their
spirals, each end of the spiral exposed for 5 seconds. If the spiral was made of an opaque material, the film had to be taken out of the spiral, exposed both sides, and then re-
loaded. If the film was not exposed for long enough, the processed transparencies retained a colour cast, usually towards green.
5. The Clearing and Fixing Baths, steps 11 & 12, were the same solution The same bath was used twice.
By 1949 Ektachrome film was being made at Kodak’s Harrow plant in the U.K.
Various formulae for the five processing solutions were suggested in the late 1940s to early 1950s, many of them published in the British Journal of Photography magazine and
“BJ” Almanacs. Most formulae for the Colour Developer used May and Baker’s “Genochrome” for the colour developing agent. The quantity of this could be varied to alter the colour
balance when making up the colour developer.
In 1949, the process times were reduced by enabling the higher temperature of 75°F. The film was now hardened during manufacture, to withstand the higher processing
temperature. As far as Michael knows, by 1952 the film was only manufactured by Eastman Kodak at Rochester, N.Y., and Ektachrome film was no longer made in the U.K.
4. Re-exposure 5 seconds
5. Wash 3 73 – 77
6. Colour Developer 15 73 – 77
7. Wash. 5 73 – 77
8. Clearing and Fixing Bath 5 73 – 77
9. Rinse 1 73 – 77
10. Bleach Bath 8 73 – 77
11. Rinse 1 73 – 77
12. Clearing and Fixing Bath 3 73 – 77
13. Wash 8 73 – 77
14. Wetting Agent Rinse 1 73 – 77
15. Dry
Notes:-
1. Like the previous sequence, the Clearing and Fixing Bath was one solution, used twice.
2. It was possible to process the film at the lower (1947) temperature of 66 – 70°F, except for the First and Colour Developers, which had to be used at 75 +/- ½°F, and 73 – 77°F
respectively. The times for the 1947 previous processing sequence could then be used for all the other stages.
3. White light could be turned on after the films had been in the Hardening Bath for 3 minutes. The re-exposure step was the same as previously (see 1947 sequence) and the
films could remain in the Hardening Bath for up to 10 minutes.
E1 sheet films and E1 processing chemicals only were listed for sale in the February 1960 Kodak Professional Catalogue for the UK.
E1 chemicals were available in kits to make 2 litres and 3 gallons of each of the five solutions. Separate components of the chemical baths were also obtainable to make 3 gallons
of each bath.
Above is shown a box of 10 sheets of Ektachrome sheet film, type B, designed for
exposure to artificial light, (3200°K). It is thought this film was manufactured by
Eastman Kodak at Rochester, U.S.A and then sent (in bulk?) to Kodak Limited
London for cutting and re packaging. The design of the box is similar to
Ektachrome sheet film made and packaged in the U.S.A. The English version of the
word “Colour” is used and the quantity is noted as “10 films” instead of “10 sheets”,
the latter more usually printed onto U.S.A boxes. Above is the rear label of the box shown opposite.
The film has an expiry date of “May 1957” and was to be processed in Process E1.
Below are two further boxes of Ektachrome film for Process E1.
The left hand box has a mid-1950's label and is dated: ”Dev. Before April 1959”
The right hand box has the then new “Picture in a Dark slide” label and is dated “Dev. Before June 1959”. This was the first “picture label”. Both are “Daylight” type films rated at 12
ASA (ISO).
Rear label from Ektachrome E1 film box (left hand side, above) dated April 1959.
Exposure of Ektachrome Type B Process E1 film using the supplementary data sheet
Packed inside each box of Ektachrome Type B E1 sheet film was a general instruction sheet plus a supplementary data sheet giving precise instructions for that particular batch of
film. The supplementary data sheet gave the actual film speed of the emulsion which could vary from one third of a stop less to one third of a stop more from the normal speed of
10 ASA (ISO) i.e. 8 ASA (ISO) to 12 ASA (ISO).
It was also suggested that, for critical use, the photographer made a trial exposure at an exposure time of one second to find out if any colour correction filter was necessary at this
exposure time. If a filter was found necessary it would be combined with any other colour correction filter(s) when the film was exposed at longer exposure times.
The supplementary data sheet for this particular batch of film, batch No. 6102 873 gives the emulsion speed as “Normal”, i.e. 10 ASA (ISO). The data sheet also gave information on
colour balance correction for exposures at long and very long exposure times. For long exposure times of about 10seconds a CC05C filter, (5 unit Cyan filter) was suggested plus an
exposure increase of half a stop. For very long exposure times of around 120seconds a CC10C filter, (10 unit Cyan filter) was suggested plus an exposure increase of 2 stops. From
this information it can be concluded that the colour balance of the film turns red with longer exposures.
The supplementary data sheet also suggested any exposure adjustment when
using clear flash bulbs as the light source at 1/50th second.
The sealing label on the back of the above box can be seen to the left.
It is a bit odd, totally unlike the sealing label of the later E3 boxes, and may possibly have been made for a
special purpose, or perhaps Eastman Kodak ran out of the normal labels and had to print some improvised
labels for the very last batches of E1 film !
Above the expiry date of "Jan 1961" can be read "MIL. EXPIRY DATE".
MIL.EXPIRY DATE stands for “Military Expiry Date.” Perhaps the film was a special order for the U.S Army and
that explains the rather unusual label.
Ektachrome Daylight film was first sold in the U.K. in 1956 when the same film sizes became available as in the U.S.A., except that 828 film was not supplied. At the same time, kits
of chemicals for processing the film became available in 600ccs, 2 litres, and 3 gallon sizes. These chemicals were known collectively as “Process E2”. The 1954 process then
became known as “Process E1”.
The new films were marked "for Process E2“, and the E2 roll and 35mm films had to be processed separately from the older Process E1 Sheet and Daylight roll films.
The helpful book shown alongside is written on the subject of the new 32ASA Ektachrome films. The book was first published in 1955, but the one shown has a 1957 printing date.
It contains an “Ektachrome Pocket Exposure Guide” which can be taken out of the book.
Sections include: Daylight Exposure, Using exposure meters, Filters, How to use Kodak Ektachrome Type F film with flash and photofloods, and processing the film. Printed in
October 1957 by the Eastman Kodak Company. There may have been an English equivalent.
The Process E2 processing sequence was almost identical to the 1954 Process E1 procedure (see above). But it used a different First Developer formula and had other slight
differences, viz:
Step No.9, the “Rinse" changed from 1 minute to a time range from ½ minute to 1½ minutes.
Step No.14, a "Stabilizer" replaced the previous “Wetting Agent Rinse” with an identical time, i.e. 1 minute.
Films were dried directly after the Stabilizer and not washed or rinsed again.
In 1959, the E2 films were listed in the U.K. “Kodak Dealer’s Catalogue” for that year as E120, E620, and E135 (20 exposures).
Prices for the films in early 1959 were:
E120 and E620, ten shillings and sixpence per roll i.e. 10s.6d (53p).
35mm 20 exposure cassette, 14 shillings and two pence i.e. 14s.2d (71p).
Later that year a 127 size roll film was made available at the same price as the other two roll films.
Unlike all Kodachrome films, Ektachrome films were sold without the cost of the processing included in the price of the film.
Chemical kits for the original E2 processing solutions were still listed in the 1959 “Kodak Dealer’s Catalogue”. A complete kit of size 600ccs for processing 8 films cost 17 shillings
i.e. 17s (85p). A complete kit of size 2litres for processing 26 films cost £2.5shillings (£2.25p).
It was also possible to make exposures in other light sources such as:
Photoflood lamps with a filter No.82A at 16ASA (ISO).
3200°K lamps with a filter No.82C at 12ASA (ISO).
Daylight with filter No.85C at 16ASA (ISO). The exposure for subjects in bright
sunlight with a No.85C filter was about 1/50th second at f8.
For the 35mm user, it gave a choice of an alternative film to Kodachrome Type F
film, although Kodachrome Type F was two thirds of a stop slower.
The film is not listed in the U.K. Kodak catalogues for 1956 or 1959. The U.K.
“Kodak Professional Catalogue” for 1961 lists the film in EF120 and EF135 (20
exposure cassettes).
At the end of the 1950s, significant changes were made to the existing E2 roll and 35mm
films, resulting in an 'Improved' Process E2 procedure with a modified First Developer and
Bleach
The Improved Process E2 chemistry was introduced in the U.K. from 1959 with 600ccs
size kits, but this introduction occurred too late to be included in the “Kodak Dealer’s
Catalogue” for that year. The separate chemical components were packed in two plastic
boxes, one box, Unit 1, containing the two developers, and the other box, Unit 2 (see
image, left), containing the Hardener, Clearing bath, Bleach, Fixer, and Stabilizer
chemicals. With the “Improved Type” chemical solutions, the Clearing Bath and the Fixer
were now separate solutions.
A complete kit of “Improved Type“ E2 chemicals cost £1.2s.6d (£1.12p). The two
Developers cost 12s (60p). The remaining chemicals cost 10s.6d (52p). All of these are
late 1959 prices. The Unit 2 package shown alongside (left) is from an "Improved Type"
processing kit, but dates to 1967, by which time Kodak had ceased to print “Improved
Type” on the packaging.
All Ektachrome E2 films could be processed in either the 'Original' or the Process E2
"Improved Type” kits, but the Improved Type chemistry gave a better colour rendering and
clearer highlights.
You could also put E2 films through E3 chemicals, as long as you then kept the two E3
developers specially for E2 films. At Art college Michael found it best to put several cut
films through the process first to “ripen” the two colour developers, otherwise the freshly
mixed chemistry resulted in a green cast on the film.
Michael thinks it was 1968 or 1969 when Kodak finally stopped the manufacture of E2
chemicals.
Process E2 ~ Unit 2 (see image). Michael Talbert purchased this Unit 2 part kit, along
with the Unit 1 part, in January 1967, for his first attempt at processing colour film.
All the enclosed chemicals were powders, except for the Stabilizer, and had to be mixed
with water to make 600ccs working solution. The liquid Stabilizer was diluted with water
to make 600ccs of working solution.
The chemicals would (officially) keep for 8weeks, unused or partially used before needing
replacement. This was a very conservative estimate and many users found that the
chemicals would keep for at least another 4 weeks. Kodak enclosed a very informative
6 page instruction sheet with the Unit 1 part kit containing the First Developer and Colour
Developer.
Process E2 'Improved Type' Procedure
Films must be loaded into spirals in total darkness.
Total darkness for first three steps.
Solution or Wash Temperature °F Time (Minutes)
1. First Developer 75 +/– ½° 10
2. Rinse 73 – 77 1
3. Hardener 73 – 77 3
After the film has been in the Hardener for 3 minutes, room lights can be turned on
4. Wash 73 – 77 3
Expose each side of the film for 5 seconds at 1 foot from a No. 2
Photoflood lamp. If the spiral reel was transparent or metal, (Nikkor
reels), each end of the reel could be exposed to the light. If the spiral
5. Reversal Exposure reel was opaque, it was best to remove the film from the spiral, expose
it, and then rewind it back onto the spiral. If the films were not
exposed for long enough, the finished transparencies exhibited a
green colour cast.
6. Colour Developer 73 – 77 15
7. Wash 73 – 77 5
8. Clearing Bath 73 – 77 5
9. Rinse 73 – 77 1
10. Bleach 73 – 77 8
11. Rinse 73 – 77 1
12. Fixer 73 – 77 6
13. Wash 73 – 77 8
14. Stabilize 73 – 77 1
15. Dry Not over 110 °F
Notes
1. Compared with the E1 Process, the Clearing Bath and Fixer were now separate solutions. The Clearing Bath now acted as a “Stop – Bath”, to remove all traces of the Colour
Developer. If the films still had any Colour Developer remaining in them when placed into the Bleach, this would result in a pink cast, mainly in the highlights, in the finished
transparencies, which was impossible to remove. The new Clearing bath did not “fix” the film in any way.
2. As the Clearing Bath did not fix the film, the fixing time in step 12 was increased to 6 minutes. There were two types of fixer, a solution made up from a powder and a solution
made up from a concentrated liquid. The small sized kits contained the powder version, but the liquid version was used to make up larger quantities of fixer for professional
laboratories with continuous processing equipment. The film required 6minutes in the powder fixer, and 4minutes in the fixer made up from the liquid concentrate.
3. Films were now re-exposed after the wash, step 4, and were drained for at least 1 minute before colour development. The film could be taken out of the wash tank, re-
exposed, and then put back into the wash tank. Steps 4 and 5 could be done simultaneously as long as the films were drained for 1 minute before placing in the colour
developer.
4. The films were dried directly after the Stabilizer bath without further washing.
5. As the films looked blue from the base side and yellow from the emulsion side whilst wet, colour balance could only be judged when the films were completely dry.
The above process was also the sequence and timings for the later Ektachrome E3 process, described below.
In 1959 an increased speed Ektachrome film was introduced, at first as 35mm film format
in 20 exposure cassettes for exposure in Daylight. It’s speed was 160 ISO (ASA), over two
stops faster than the regular Ektachrome film, (32 ASA). It was then the fastest colour
film in the world. Next fastest was Super Anscochrome D, which was rated at 100 ISO
(ASA)
About a year later an artificial light type for 3200°K was made available as “High Speed
Ektachrome Type B”, packed in 20 exposure 35mm cassettes, rated at 125 ISO (ASA). By
1963, 120 size roll films in both daylight and Type B films made their appearance.
Apart from processing High Speed Ektachrome using Process E2 into projectable colour
Above are shown three 120 roll film size Ektachrome films. slides (transparencies), it was possible to process High Speed Ektachrome as if it was a
High Speed Ektachrome for Daylight, dated July 1974. colour negative material, using the Kodacolor Process C-22. For examples, see below.
Ektachrome X film for Daylight, dated May 1971.
High Speed Ektachrome Type B dated November 1965.
All could be processed in E2 or the later (from 1966), Process E4.
The colour “cross over” shows most in the “old barn” picture
as red shadows with no detail, and the highlights, (the
geese), are “burnt out”.
First Developer.
6g
Metol They also state Phenidone
0.5g
Hydroquinone 6g
Sodium Carbonate
40g
(anhydrous)
Sodium Sulphite
40g
(anhydrous)
Potassium Bromide 2g
Sodium Thiocyanate 2g
Potassium Iodide (can be
0.006g
omitted)
Nitrobenzimidazole nitrate
(0.2 solution ~ can be 15ml
omitted)
Water to 1 litre
Water to 1 litre
Colour Developer
Trisodium Phosphate
40g
(crystalline 12H2O)
8.6g
Caustic Soda (pellets) Note: The 1967 BJPA
recommends 5.6gms
5g
Sodium Sulphite (anhydrous) Note: The 1967 BJPA
recommends 2.0gms
Citazinic acid
(2.6dihydroxyisonicotinic 1.3g
acid)
The 1980 BJPA says 10ml,
but CD3 is a solid, so this
must be an error. The BJPA
for 1967 says either:
10 grams of CD3 powder OR
10ml of a 20% stock
solution,
CD3 stock solution made up
CD3 as:
Potassium Metabisulphite=
5 grams
Tepid water= 50 ccs
CD3 powder= 20 grams
Add tepid water to make 100
ccs
Add 10ml to Developer with a
pipette or measure.
Water to 1 litre
Water to 1 litre
Bleach
Potassium Ferricyanide 112g
Potassium Bromide 24g
Disodium hydrogen
62g
Orthophosphate (12H20)
Monosodium Dihydrogen
Orthophosphate 15.6g
(anhydrous)
Water to 1 litre
Fixer
Sodium Thiosulphate,
160g
crystalline
120g
OR Ammonium Thiosulphate
Potassium Metabisulphite 20g
Water to 1 litre
4 minutes should be OK using Ammonium Thiosulphate.
Stabilizer
Formaldehyde (30-40%
2 - 3ml
solution)
Wetting Agent (10%
solution). Believed to mean,
wetting agent diluted 1+9, 10ml
then 10ml of that in 1 litre of
water.
Water to 1 litre
The roll films were identical to the sheet film emulsions. The Daylight Type roll film was introduced at the same time as the Daylight Type sheet film, in 1959. The Type B E3 sheet film was
year earlier (1958), but the Type B rollfilm was introduced much later, in 1971. Both rollfilms were replaced by Process E6 emulsions in 1976.
Size 2¼ x 3¼ inches and labeled with instructions to “only use Process E3” chemicals.
Same boxes as above.
Process E3 Procedure
This was identical as regards to temperature and timings to the 'Improved' Process E2. The solutions were replenished with
the same chemicals apart from the Process E3 First Developer.
There were separate replenisher solutions for the First Developer of Process E3 compared to Process E2. These were called,
appropriately enough:
First Developer Replenisher chemicals Process E2.
First Developer Replenisher chemicals Process E3.
An instruction leaflet was included with the 2 gallon replenisher chemicals giving information in tabular form of amounts of
replenisher to be added after each process for single or quantities of the various sizes of sheet film, roll film, and 35mm film
for both E2 and E3 processes. The two gallon size replenisher chemicals were intended for use with three gallon tank
installations and not for continuous processing machines.
The E3 Process was replaced by the E6 process about 1977 (began replacement around 1976) and by then most
laboratories had installed the necessary equipment to process the then new E6 films. But there must have been a short
period of time during the changeover when a few laboratories were running an E3 Process, an E4 Process, and an E6 Process
! By 1978 the E3 and E4 films still on the market must have been out of date or very near their expiry date.
The new sheet films and roll films designed for the Process E3 were processed in exactly the same way as the Process E2
improved Type films (above), using the same bath sequence but employing a First Developer incorporating a different
developing agent. In consequence, films designated for the E2 process, (roll films and 35mm films), had to be processed
separately from the new E3 sheet and roll films by using separate First Developers and Colour Developers. All other solutions
were common to both processes. However, it was possible to process small amounts of E3 film through E2 developers
provided the process was operating within tolerance. Control strips of pre-exposed film were processed at regular intervals to
check that the process was operating within limits as regard to speed of films, contrast, and fog level.
In the USA. and the UK, both E1 and E3 processing chemicals and kits were sold concurrently for a time. Gradually E1 film
and chemicals were phased out, being replaced by the new E3 films and processing solutions. It is said (BJ Almanac 1961)
that the new E3 films gave improved definition and considerably better colour rendering of yellows and greens; also cleaner
whites.
The new Ektachrome sheet film was available in Daylight type, rated at 50 ISO (ASA), and also as an artificial light Type B version (3200°K), designed for exposure at times of ½second or l
speed of 32 ISO (ASA).
This sheet film was first available for sale in the USA in 1959, in formats from 2¼ x 3¼inches to 11 x 14inches, plus 5 sizes in square centimeters. The same emulsion was obtainable in ro
EP 620.
According to the BJ Almanac for 1960, E3 film was not available for sale in the UK in late 1959 and the same Almanac still gave information on the old E1 sheet film. A year later, E3 film w
and a 4 inch x 5 inch size box of 10 sheets of film cost £4 8s 2d in 1961.
A box of equivalent size black and white film in 1961, say Plus X, cost about £1 4s (£1.20), but this was for 25 sheets of film. It should be remembered that the Chancellor, Selwyn Lloyd, an
of 10% on Purchase Tax in July 1961, so the price of film would have risen during the latter part of the year.
The Data Sheet for Ektachrome Daylight film, dated March 1959, states that the best colour rendering is obtained in clear or hazy sunlight, and gives filter suggestions for other light sourc
for blue flashbulbs and electronic flash.
The speed of the film varied between 40 ISO (ASA) and 64 ISO (ASA). A supplementary data sheet, together with an instruction sheet of 4 pages packed with the film, stated the correct sp
Also printed on the supplementary data sheet was a filter suggestion for exposing the film with electronic flash tubes, usually a CC10Y filter = 10 Yellow. The emulsion number of the film w
sheet and on the left side of the box. Also, it was embossed on each sheet of film.
The above box of Ektachrome Daylight Film, Process E3, dates from around December 1962.
The "develop before" date stamped on the back of the box is October 1963. The edge label has a space, below the blue
'Ektachrome' name rectangle, where the "Dev. Before" date could be printed, and was printed on later boxes, possibly
starting from early 1963, the first dates being January 1964.
The "Dev Before" date can be seen on the edge label in the group of later Ektachrome E3 film boxes, below.
The “Dev. Before” date was originally printed on the back end
position was changed to the front end in about January 1963
the middle two boxes, and the box to the right hand side.
The rear label carries general usage data and has storage re
in English only.
A box of 4 x 5 inch Ektachrome sheet film balanced for daylight. This box, manufactured in late 1968, carries the last label The rear label of all Ektachrome sheet film manufactured
with only a brief description of the film and no film number (6115 or 6116, as below). 1969 show only the storage recommendations, printed in s
colour sheet film boxes were also of a different design (see:
dated March 1971, below).
The small box of Type B film (top of the 'pile') has its box sea
long side of the box. This change started in 1968 for Black a
sheet film but by 1970-71 Kodak had reverted to attaching th
short side of the box for 4 x 5 inch and 5 x 7 inch sizes. The e
2¼ x 3¼ inch Type B box is June 1971. This film was made a
It has a new design label and was probably manufactured ab
Note the film numbers, starting in the late 1960s, were printe
side of the labels – 6115 for E3 Daylight film, 6116 for E3 Typ
The Ektachrome box dated JAN 1970 (centre top box in the 2 rows of three boxes) has a starred sticker to the RHS, saying – ESTAR BASE. This was the trade name used by Kodak for “Po
sheet film Ektachrome Process E3 film was normally coated onto an acetate base, like Kodak Ektacolor Professional sheet film. This box of film is believed to be an experimental batch or
special purpose. On the side of the box is the emulsion number, SO 263 21 B, meaning a Kodak product which was supplied to Special Order (SO), not to be on sale indefinitely, and could b
market at any time. Michael Talbert used this film in his 2nd year at Medway College of Art, and apart from the film having a slightly thinner base, it was identical to any other box of Ektac
The sealing labels were increased in size and were now plac
the box for film boxes up to and including 5 x 7 inches. This p
by Kodak Limited London on their black and white sheet film
1940s and from 1962 to 1965 - see black and white section.
Above is shown a slightly different design for the top of the box, this one with a “Develop Before” date of January 1972.
The author remembers the “large sealing” label boxes of film. He first encountered them in his last year at Art College using Ektacolor Professional Type S and Type L, Ektacolor Interneg a
Duplicating film. At that time all Ektachrome sheet film (for cameras) sold in the UK was re-packed by Kodak Limited London into boxes that had “Colour Film” printed in red in a “blank” da
picture of box dated JAN 1970). He's fairly certain that by 1970 all camera sheet film Ektachrome was imported from the USA without being re-packed, like the January 1972 box above.
Front labels of Ektachrome Type B film manufactured in the USA and then repacked in the UK.
The boxes are of 4 x 5inch Ektachrome Process E3 Type B film for artificial light (3200°K – 3400°K),
with 'Develop Before' dates of January 1970 and November 1968.
Rear label of Ektachrome Type B sheet film for p
As the label shows, this film was manufactured by Eastm
but then sent to the UK to be repacked and labelled by Kod
The practise of re-boxing film imported from the USA began in 1965, but by 1970 Kodak in London were again importing colour film from Eastman Kodak, Rochester, USA, in original boxes
Ektachrome film box, daylight type, with a “Develop Before” date of January 1972 (see further above) is one such that has not been repacked.
As far as is known, Ektachrome Daylight Type, Ektachrome Type B, and Ektacolor Print Film were the only films to be imported and repacked in this manner.
Artificial Light Type B E3 film was available for sale in the USA from 1959 in sheet film format only and in the same sizes as the Daylight Type E3 film. It was sold for the first time in the UK
contained a general instruction sheet and a supplementary data sheet. Similar to the Ektachrome E1 film (see above), the supplementary data sheet gave the actual speed of the film plus
recommendations for correcting the colour balance when the film was exposed at longer times than ½ second.
In the description of exposing sheets of Type B film designed for the Ektachrome E1 process (see above), the photographer was advised to increase exposure by between ½ stop and two
reciprocity failure of the film. A different method of calculating the exposure was used with Ektachrome Type B E3 film.
Typical Supplementary Data sheet for a batch of Ektachrome Type B Process E3 sheet film
Suggested Kodak
Exposure Time Effective Speed ASA (ISO)
Filters
* colour balance
For critical use, Kodak recommended that the photographer made a “test” exposure at ½ second to determine if any colour filter was necessary to correct the colour balance when using t
longer exposures, this filter, if any, was combined with the two filters suggested for exposure times of 5 seconds and 30 seconds.
Normally, the correct exposure was found by setting the exposure meter at the middle ASA speed i.e. 20 ASA, and taking a reading. If the exposure time thus calculated was much greater
seconds, and a different speed given in the data sheet related to this time, this different speed was used to re-calculate the exposure. For times much beyond 30 seconds, say over 60 sec
definitely had to be made, as it was likely that the film speed would need to be decreased even further and the colour balance corrected with a higher strength filter than CC 20G.
Example:
The meter is set to 20 ASA (ISO), as if the photographer is expecting to use a 5 second exposure. A reading is taken from the subject and the photographer finds the indicated exposure tim
As this time is much longer than 5 seconds, but much less than 30 seconds, the speed on the meter is reset to an intermediate speed, say 16 ASA (ISO), and another reading taken. This g
of, say, 19 seconds, so the sheet of film is then exposed for a trial exposure at 19 seconds with a CC 10G (10 unit Green filter) and a CC 5G (5 unit Green filter) on the lens to make 15 Gree
correction between 10G and 20G, see table above).
Michael Talbert exposed many sheets of Ektachrome Type B E3 film and in his experience it was always best to take a “test" shot first, which would also tell the particular colour balance o
chemicals. In the above example, if the E3 process was tending towards a magenta balance, this might “cancel out” the results from a CC10 Green filter, making the finished transparency
despite exposing with the equivalent of a 15 Green filter on the lens. Thus, the "test" would give guidance of the likely need to use a stronger correction filter than CC15 Green.
Other common variables which might alter the colour balance of the processed transparencies include:
BUT....given the correct exposure and processing, this film was capable of producing outstanding results, far better than that of any rollfilm or 35 mm film designed for Process E2.
Ektachrome E3 Process sheet films were replaced by Ektachrome E6 sheet films in 1976.
Other sheet film Ektachrome, 6115 and 6116, Ektachrome Duplicating Film, 6119 and 6120, and Professional roll films, 50 ASA, and 32 ASA, could not be processed in E4. These
films could only be processed in E3.
As the films listed above were originally designed for processing at temperatures of 73 – 77°F, (Process E-2), emulsion reticulation would occur when processing these films at
higher temperatures. Therefore, two additional baths were required,
(i) a “Pre – Hardener” bath, to harden the films to enable the emulsions to withstand the process temperature of 83 – 87°F, an increase of 10F over processes E-2 and E-3,
(ii) a “Neutralizer” bath, to prepare the films for processing in the “First Developer”.
The Pre–Hardener bath contained two powerful hardening agents, (i) Formaldehyde and (ii) DMTF, 25 – dimethoxytetrahydrofuran.
When the two chemicals were mixed they released a gas, succinaldehyde. In their processing instruction sheet for E-4 processing in 3 gallon tanks and larger installations, Kodak
gave details of darkroom ventilation and the fitting of extraction fans over any tanks containing the Pre–Hardener solution.
The E-4 Colour Developer contained TBAB – tertiary butylamine borane. This chemical enabled the undeveloped parts of the film, having been developed to a negative image in the
First Developer, to react in the Colour Developer to form a positive image. TBAB is very toxic, and the chemical had to be handled with great care. Kodak supplied the chemical as
one part of the Colour Developer, and Colour Developer Replenisher, in pellet form, to reduce any chance of inhaling any dust or powder from the TBAB when mixing the Colour
Developer or it’s Replenisher. Again, the 3 gallon instruction leaflet gave precautions in handling and mixing the components of the separate parts of the Colour
Developer/Replenisher.
If the Colour Developer was mixed from separate chemicals, as to the formula, TBAB could be omitted. The films were then given a reversal light exposure after step 5, in the same
way as in the E2 and E3 procedures, before placing the films in the Colour Develper.
Although the process was initially designed for use in large tank installations and continuous processing machines, it was possible to use the E-4 process in small amateur
developing tanks. Small volume kits of chemicals were made available in 1 quart size (US), and 600ccs size (UK) by the end of the 1960s.
Processing Procedure for E-4 (i) large commercial tanks (ii) amateur processing tanks
(i) Processing Procedure for 3 gallon tanks and larger processing machines.
Temperature (°C)
Step Time (minutes)
(°F)
In total darkness
29.5 +/- 0.5
1. Pre-Hardener 3
85 +/- 1
28 - 31
2. Neutraliser 1
83 - 87
29.5 +/- 0.25
3. First Developer 6
85 +/- 0.5
28 - 31
4. First Stop Bath 2
83 - 87
Remaining steps can be carried out in daylight
5. Wash
4 minutes in running 27 - 32
water 80 - 90
28 - 31
6. Colour Developer 9
83 - 87
28 - 31
7. Second Stop Bath 3
83 - 87
27 - 32
8. Wash 3
80 - 90
28 - 31
9. Bleach 5
83 - 87
28 - 31
10. Fixer 4
83 - 87
27 - 32
11. Wash 6
80 - 90
28 - 32
12. Stabiliser 1
83 - 87
13. Dry at a temperature not above 110°F
Notes:
1. The film needs to be agitated in the solutions continuously for the first 15 seconds, and then for 5 seconds per minute. Other agitation rates in the two developers is a more
vigorous 15 seconds initial rate, then agitation at 30 second intervals.
In the Pre–Hardener and Neutraliser the film requires to be agitated vigorously for the first 15 seconds, and then no agitation for the remainder of the times.
2. Both Stop Baths are of the same formula, but once used, they can NOT be interchanged.
3. The table above applies to the use of replenished solutions in large tank and machine processing systems. For unreplenished solutions and amateur processing kits, the
Colour Development time needs to be increased to 15 minutes (See next table).
4. In large automatic processing machines it is possible to wash the films in water at temperatures down to 50°F, as long as the machine operates at a sufficiently high water
flow rate.
5. This E4 process table dates from 1973.
(ii) Processing procedure for small tanks, 2 litres or less. This was the processing procedure for the Kodak (UK) amateur E-4 kits.
Temperature (°C)
Step Time (minutes)
(°F)
In total darkness
29.5 +/- 0.5
1. Pre-Hardener 3
85 +/- 1
28 - 31
2. Neutraliser 1
83 - 87
28 - 31
3. Wash 1
83 - 87
29.5 +/- 0.25
4. First Developer 6
85 +/- 0.5
28 - 31
5. First Stop Bath 2
83 - 87
Remaining steps can be carried out in daylight
4 minutes in running 27 - 32
6. Wash
water 81 - 90
28 - 31
7. Colour Developer 15
83 - 87
28 - 31
7. Second Stop Bath 3
83 - 87
27 - 32
8. Wash 3
81 - 90
28 - 31
9. Bleach 5
83 - 87
28 - 31
10. Fixer 4
83 - 87
27 - 32
11. Wash 6
81 - 90
28 - 32
12. Stabiliser 1
83 - 87
13. Dry at a temperature not above 113°F
Notes:
1. Agitation rates for roll film in spiral reels, loaded onto a processing rack such as the Kodak No.3RM rack.
Pre-Hardener and Neutralizer: Agitate continuously for the first 15 seconds. Lift the rack of films out of the solution and re-immerse it about 8 times. Then no further agitation
for the remaining time.
First Developer and Colour Developer: The same as the Pre-Hardener and Neutralizer for the first 15 seconds, then none for the next 15 seconds. For the remainder of the
time in each developer, lift the rack 2 or 3 inches and lower it to the bottom of the tank. Repeat this every ½ minute.
Other solutions: Continuous agitation for the first 15 seconds, then agitate once per minute by lifting the rack completely out of the solution, draining it from alternate corners
for 5 seconds then re-immersing it.
All times include a 20 second drain time at the end of each step.
Automatic processing machines used Nitrogen Gas burst agitation.
2. Agitation for films wound onto spiral reels and processed in small non invertible developing tanks, usually plastic, such as Paterson, Johnson, Nebro.
Rotation agitation: Initial – rotate the reel 4 to 5 times during the first 5 seconds. Subsequent – Rotate the reel 4 to 5 times every 30 seconds except for the Pre-Hardener,
Neutralizer, and Stabilizer.
Invertible tanks such as Nikkor, LPL, Soligor.(Stainless steel).
Pre-Hardener. Tap the tank to dislodge any air bubbles clinging to films.
Initial agitation: Each solution except for First Developer; Turn the tank over once per second for the first 15 seconds.
First Developer: Turn the tank over once per second for the first two minutes.
Subsequent agitation: No further agitation required in the Pre-Hardener, Neutralizer, and Stabilizer.
Other solutions: Turn the tank over 4 to 5 times every 30 seconds.
Include a drain time of at least 10 seconds when using small spiral reel tanks.
3. When processing in small amateur developing tanks it was necessary to wash the films for 1 minute between the Neutraliser and First Developer, to prevent too much
contamination of the First Developer with Neutraliser. This wash was not required with larger volumes of processing solutions (see table above). The 1 minute wash step is
omitted from the US E-4 processing procedure for 1 pint tanks.
4. The US E-4 procedures stated that the Fixer time should be increased to 6 minutes when using a powder type fixer (4 minutes with a liquid Fixer).
5. This E4 processing table dates from 1969 and is taken from the instruction sheet for a 2 litre and 600 ccs size E-4 chemical kit.
6. Two thirds of the first page of the instruction sheet is devoted to “Precautions in Handling Chemicals” and “Ventilation”. No special recommendations were advised by Kodak
when using the smaller sized kits of chemicals because only small surface areas of the solutions were exposed in the spiral reel tanks normally used with the kits.
Process E-6
The Ektachrome E-6 process began to supercede Process E-4 from 1976. Kodak stopped making Ektachrome X (a process E2 film) about 1978, replacing it with Ektachrome 64 film
for the (new) E-6 process. Thereafter, all previous Ektachrome films could only be processed if sent to a laboratory still providing the lower temperature Process E-4 (or the obsolete
E-2).
Ektachrome Professional 64
This was one of the first E6 sheet films to be marketed in the USA in 1976 and then in the UK from 1977. The speed rating could vary from 50 ASA (ISO) to 80 ASA (ISO) and the
actual speed of the film for each batch was given in the instruction sheet enclosed in the film box.
The 6118 film was designed for exposures from 1/10 second to 100 seconds. It’s speed when exposed using 1/10 second could vary from 32 ASA (ISO) to 50 ASA (ISO). An
instruction leaflet dated March 1978 was enclosed in the film box (see below) stating a speed of 40 ASA (ISO) for use at ½ second, and a speed of 32 ASA (ISO) at a 5 second
exposure.
For critical use a trial exposure could be made, especially if the exposure estimated was over 20 seconds. In this case an exposure reading would be taken with the meter set at
20 ASA (ISO). For exposures over 40 seconds, it was essential that a test exposure was made, and this would show if any extra filtration (including the CC 5 red filter) was needed to
correct the colour balance. For an estimated exposure of about 100 seconds, 10 ASA (ISO) might have been a good starting point plus a CC 10 Red filter.
Ektachrome Professional film 6118 Tungsten was replaced by Ektachrome 64T Professional film in 1989.
The rear label shows the “Code Notch” and storage details.
Ektachrome Professional 100 film for daylight, Sheet and Roll Film
This film was first marketed in the UK in 1984 in two sizes of sheet film, 4 x 5inches and 8 x 10 inches, film code 6122, plus a 120 size roll film coded EPN 120. The film was
described at the time in the UK “Kodak Buyers Guide Professional” as having very fine grain, very high sharpness, and high resolving power. Exposure times could be between
1/10,000 second and 1/10 second without incurring any reciprocity failure. The ASA (ISO) speed was 100.
Other features:
Excellent flesh to neutral colour rendering.
Improved reproduction of some types of “anomalous reflectance” e.g. some azo dyed fabrics and blue flowers.
Less tendency to blue shadows in daylight exteriors and less blue results in open shade positions.
Excellent colour reproduction, distinguishes well between similar colours.
In the later Kodak catalogues the film was claimed to be “………….designed to give a more accurate colour reproduction than Ektachrome 64 Professional film”.
By 1985 an 11 x 14 inch size sheet film was available as well as a 220 size roll film, 35mm and bulk 35mm in 100 foot rolls. In the late 1990s the sheet film number was changed to
7058 with the same catalogue numbers.
Other Ektachrome camera films were introduced during the 1990s incorporating Kodak's T grain for much finer grain, but Ektachrome 100 Professional film continued to be
manufactured using traditional technology.
A part description from the UK Kodak “Professional Products Profile” catalogue for 1999 reads:
A medium speed, fine grain colour reversal film designed to give a natural, more accurate colour reproduction. It is the only Kodak reversal film that is not enhanced in any way, so
that it gives accurate results.
By 2003 the film was available in 4 x 5 inch sheet film, 120 roll film, 35mm cassettes, and bulk 35mm.
Front of a box of 4 x 5 inch Ektachrome 100 Professional film
with a 'develop before' date of August 1987
Ektachrome 100 Professional in a 120 roll film size Ektachrome 100 Professional 120 film with a 'develop before' date of September 1987.
Above is a 100 ISO (ASA) speed film and below is the 200 ISO version. The 200 ISO film below has a 'develop before' date of June 1988.
Thanks to the Canadian ebay seller 'thrifttwins' for his permission to show the following images of an Ektachrome film E6 processing kit dating from 1979 for processing any E6
films. It combines the 1977 innovation of including two 473 ml units each of First Developer and Colour Developer, plus one 473 ml unit of all the other associated chemicals.
Kodak Hobby Pac Colour Slide Kit for Process E6
In 1987 the seven solution kits were replaced by a simpler process consisting of four solutions. The new kits consisted of chemicals to make 1 US pint (473 ml) of First Developer,
Colour Developer, Bleach-Fix, and Stabilizer.
This kit of chemicals was intended for amateur photographers to process any E6 film in small developing tanks at temperatures from 96°F to 110°F. This was the recommended
temperature range for best results. However, it was also possible to obtain acceptable results from processing films at temperatures from 70°F to 95°F.
The following processing sequence gives times for 96°F (35.5°C) using small capacity tanks holding half a litre of solution.
Notes:
1. The wash water, Bleach Fix and Stabilizer temperature could be between 70°F and 110°F.
2. The First Developer and Colour Developer times and temperatures were the most critical. A handy “Kodak Hobby Pac Color Slide Quick Reference Process Guide” was
enclosed with the kit giving times for the First Developer and Colour Developer at temperatures of 70°F to 110°F. The First Developer times ranged from 28 minutes at 70°F to
4¼ minutes at 110°F. The Colour Developer times ranged from 9 minutes at 70°F to 5 minutes at 110°F.
3. Each solution in the kit when mixed made 500ml of working solution. The total capacity of one kit before exhaustion was 6 off 35mm 36 exposure films, or 6 off 120 size roll
films, or equivalent area.
4. The First Developer time had to be increased after 2 off 36 exposure 35mm films or 2 off 120 size roll films had been processed. In the case of the table above, the first
35mm or 120 roll films would have been developed for 7¾ minutes, the next 2 off for 8 minutes and the last 2 off for 8¼ minutes, making a total of 6 films (either 35mm or
120 roll) before exhaustion. The Colour Developer time was adjusted according to the temperature but the time remained the same for the total life of the kit. The times of
the Bleach Fix and Stabilizer did not change regardless of the number of films processed before exhaustion point.
5. Initial agitation was 15 seconds of turning the developing tank over 7 or 8 times. Subsequent agitation was at ½ minute intervals, turning the tank over at least twice.
6. A 15 page instruction booklet was enclosed with the Hobby Pac kit, plus the handy “Quick Reference Guide”, which gave First Developer and Colour Developer times for the
initial time and extended times for the total of the 6 films processed at temperatures from 70°F to 110°F. The above processing sequence is taken from a Hobby Pac
instruction booklet dated May 1985.
7. Mixed solutions, unused or partially used, in full tightly closed bottles, could be stored from 40°F to 85°F and would keep in good condition for five weeks.
As far as is known, the Hobby Pac kits were discontinued in the late 1990s. In the UK in 1998 a 3.8 litre kit was obtainable for E6. The volume changed to 5 litres in 1999, comprising
of six solutions
This information has been taken from an early 1999 UK Kodak catalogue. In their later catalogues Kodak emphasise that their E6 films needed separate Bleach and Fixing baths.
They believed that other kits on the market comprising of three solutions – First Developer, Colour Developer, and Bleach-Fix, no longer gave good results with E6 films.
By 1992 the formaldehyde was removed from the E6 Stabilizer and the bath was re-named “Final Bath” or “Final Rinse”. E6 films were hardened in the Conditioner bath, now re
named "Pre-Bleach”. The formalin was locked into the solution chemically and was released onto the film only when needed, thus eliminating the irritating smell of formalin.
Although, at its very highest temperature of use, Process E-4 was only 10degF lower than Process E-6, an important inclusion within Process E-4 (compared to Process E2) was a
85°F Pre-Hardener stage, which toughened E-2 film emulsion layers sufficiently to withstand E-4 processing temperatures. You couldn't process E-2 Ektachrome films in Process E-4
without putting them through this Pre-Hardener step first.
Since Process E-6 did not include a Pre-Hardener, because E-6 films were intrinsically designed to tolerate the 38°C E-6 processing temperature, any E-2 film put through an E-6
process would be liable to irretrievable emulsion damage; the emulsion might even separate completely from its base.
For advice on how to process out of date E-2 films, see the following section.
The following table provides a summary of steps for Process E-6 in a typical amateur 600ml processing tank. The times shown include a 10 second drain time at the end of each
step. If your tank is not a daylight-loading model, you should load it in complete darkness, but for convenience of filling, emptying and agitating with solution, it is acceptable to
remove the lid of the tank at the end of step 3.
For a commercial large tank replenished system or continuous processor, the following times applied:
First Developer, 6 minutes; Bleach, 6 minutes; Final Wash, 4 minutes; Stabiliser, ½ minute.
Temperature
Step Time
(°C)
In total darkness
7 minutes (see note 6);
1. First
Agitate for first 15 seconds, then 38 +/- 0.3
Developer
2 inversions every ½ minute
2 minutes; static water bath.
USA "Kodak color films dataguide"
2. Wash (1978 ) says either two 1 minute baths 25 to 39
of static water or 2 minutes in running
water.
2 minutes; 'Rap' tank to dislodge
3. Reversal bubbles then no agitation.
33 - 39
Bath says bath time can be any time from 2
minutes to 6 minutes.
Remaining steps can be carried out in daylight
4. Colour 6 minutes;
38 +/- 0.6
Developer Agitate as Step 1
2 minutes;
5. Conditioner 33 - 39
Agitate as Step 3
7 minutes; Agitate as Step 1
USA "Kodak color films dataguide"
6. Bleach (1978 ) says 7 minutes for processing 33 - 39
in 1 pint kits, or 6 minutes for machine
processing.
4 minutes;
7. Fixer 33 - 39
Agitate as Step 1
6 minutes;
8. Wash flowing water or frequent changes off 25 - 39
still baths
1 minute;
9. Stabiliser ambient
Agitate as Step 3
10. Dry Film removed from reel, maximum temperature 50°C
Notes:
1. The KODAK 'Ektachrome' Film Processing Kit, Process E-6, for colour slide films, consists of seven solutions: First Developer, Reversal Bath, Colour Developer, Conditioner,
Bleach, Fixer and Stabilizer. All the chemicals in the 600ml size kit are supplied as liquid concentrates.
2. Two units of each of the First Developer and Colour Developer are included as the other solutions have double their processing capacity.
3. Full details of mixing and processing techniques are in the instructions supplied with the kit.
4. Once mixed, the solutions should be stored in full, tightly stoppered, glass bottles. For best results they should be kept at room temperature (5 to 30°C) and not kept longer
than 4 weeks for the First Developer, Reversal Bath and Conditioner, 8 weeks for the Colour Developer, and 24 weeks for the Bleach, Fixer and Stabilizer.
5. The First Developer time of 7 minutes is for initial films through the process. The Kodak instruction leaflet gives time adjustments for subsequent films.
6. The Reversal Bath chemically fogged the silver halide that had not developed in the First Developer. It took the place of exposing the film to light during its processing, as
was required with Processes E-2 and E-3.
7. The Conditioner was a Stop Bath, stopping colour development. It was essentially the same as the Process E-2 and E-3 Clearing Bath, and you could substitute the E-2 / E-3
Clearing Bath for the E-6 Conditioner.
8. Its understood that the E-6 Stabiliser Bath was the same as used for E-2, E-3 and E-4.
9. After processing, the film should be removed from the reel and air dried in a dust-free atmosphere or drying cabinet at a temperature not higher than 50°C. Your film is then
ready for cutting and mounting in slide mounts if required.
10. For optimum quality, Process E-6 films should be exposed at the exposure index marked on the box, but they can be uprated by one or two stops, in conjunction with a
modified process procedure, if a slight reduction in quality is acceptable. Also, when films are wrongly exposed by accident, this makes it possible to provide some
compensation for the incorrect exposure. The following table gives guide values to show how the first development time can be adjusted to compensate for camera
exposures other than at the normal exposure index.
11. If you wish, it's possible to produce colour prints from your slides. When selecting slides for printing, it's best to view them by reflected light from a light coloured surface.
KODAK 'Ektachrome' 14 Paper is suitable for making prints from slides and may be processed in KODAK 'Ektaprint' R14 Chemicals.
The British Journal of Photography Annual for 1985 gives advice for processing E-6 film at 32°C (rather than the official 38°C), being the lowest temperature recommended. The
BJPA text says that processing below 32°C “the permeability of the emulsion diminishes too greatly to permit adequate exchange of solutions through the gelatin”. In other works,
below 32°C, the gelatin is too cold to let the flow of chemicals through to work on the bottom emulsion layers (but see the following section, where Photo Technology claimed
processing to be possible down to 20°C).
Amateur Photographer test of Ektachrome 200 for Process E6 (January 18th 1978)
KODAK recently introduced three new Ektachrome transparency films to photo-graphers. The fastest one is Ektachrome 200 (ISO) film balanced for daylight. All the new
Ektachromes are designed to be used with the E6 process, which is a comparatively faster processing technique with greater stability and improved conservation of water and
energy.
The new Ektachrome 200 has significantly improved grain characteristics while offering a 1/3stop increase in speed over the former E4-process High Speed Ektachrome (160 ASA).
It has improved colour reproduction with better separation of subtle hues of the same colour. The new film is not only sharper than High Speed Ektachrome, but seems to have lost
the traditional blue/green bias. The makers also say that the new product gives excellent results when push-processed by one f/stop to obtain an effective film speed of 400ASA.
This is one of the most useful advantages of this new film. Fast film speed ratings do, however, come with certain disadvantages - something has to be slightly sacrificed in order to
achieve the speed. You'll still have to go a long way to beat the colour saturation and sharpness of Kodachrome 25, but the new film isn't far off the quality of Kodachrome 64.
Professional users of the new Ektachrome 200 claim that the Professional version shows better flesh tones, neutrals, greens and browns; especially better brown tones found in
wood grain and other "rich" surfaces. Professional films, though, are aimed at a specific user and therefore these films must be carefully stored in refrigerated conditions. The
capacity of a film to faithfully reproduce colours can change over a period of time, so the new films aimed at the amateur take this into consideration. Amateur users have nothing
to worry about if they use the film before the expiry date on the carton. However, it is reported by some users to be less forgiving, storage-wise, than High Speed Ektachrome.
Processing services for Kodak Ektachrome films of the E4 process will continue to be available for an undetermined length of time. This will be until the manufacturer feels that
photographers have had sufficient time to finish all their E4 films and have gone over to the new E6 films. Amateurs who wish to process their own new E6 Ektachrome films can
obtain an E6 processing kit which will make 600ml of solution. At the moment the new Ektachrome 200 is available only 35mm cassettes viz: 20 exposures for about £1.58 and
36 exposures for about £2.50.
In our user tests of the films compared here, three cameras were used - a Nikkormat FTn, a Canon AT-1 and a Fujica ST705. All three of the films were then sent to Kodak for
processing to obtain the best results. The advantage of the new 200ASA film is only slight when compared to the former 160ASA variety, but when used at 400ASA it really does
become more important. This means that a faster shutter speed may be used to stop action or alternatively a smaller aperture may be used for increased depth-of-field.
The difference between Ektachrome 200 and Ektachrome 64 is quite small and the extra speed of the 200ASA film has the advantage that you can stop down your lens during
shooting to cash in on the definition advantages of the smaller aperture. Although the difference in grain characteristics between the faster Ektachrome films and the slower
Kodachrome films has not been completely eliminated, the new films are sharper than the older Ektachromes but marginally more grainy than Kodachrome 64. Kodachrome 25 still
stands out as the sharpest, but with the attendant lack of speed. Although the slightly increased grain of Ektachrome 200 (compared with Kodachrome) will probably not be noticed
on the projection screen, it will be a bit more noticeable when using the slides to make Cibachrome prints.
Due to reciprocity characteristics, some small amount of film speed is lost when using the new films with electronic flash due to the extremely short exposure time. This is also the
case with exposures longer than about 1sec.
The reversal part of the E6 process is a chemical one, so the film spiral need not be removed from the developing tank and held up to a bright light; in fact reversal is not complete
by this method with the new films. All the processing chemicals are liquids and there are seven of them; first developer (6min), then first wash (2 min); reversal bath (2min); colour
developer (6min); conditioner (2 min); bleach (6min); fixer (4min); final wash (4min) ; and finally the stabiliser (½min). Total time 32½min. The first developer temperature is the most
critical for maintaining correct results. This should be 38.0 degrees C; +/-0.3 degrees. This is not easy to maintain, but it does affect density for effective film speed. To push
process the film for a 400ASA rating, the only step required is that the first developer time must be increased by about six to eight minutes. Then carry on as usual. However,
remember that this procedure of up-rating films increases contrast and grain and decreases exposure latitude. If you're really bold, or need to save a film under-exposed by two
stops, then try extending the first development time to around 11½min.
So when it comes down to colour rendition, grain, sharpness and exposure latitude, which film really scores? The short answer is that Kodak deserve a big pat on the back and a
hearty "thank you" from photographers, because the new Ektachrome 200 seems to take the honours on all points. This is taking into consideration that Kodachrome has had
traditionally better colour saturation and grain than the E4 High Speed Ektachrome.
Gone is the traditional Ektachrome habit of changing flesh tones in shade areas to a cadaverous blue. But now with the extra speed of the 200 film and careful exposure, this new
film is a winner. Keeping Kodachrome 64 on the market ensures a good medium speed transparency film, but I would guess that the majority of photographers will choose between
either the sharpness of Kodachrome 25 or the speed of the new Ektachrome 200.
The left one was taken on the new Ektachrome 200 and has not only better colour
saturation, but a "richer" type of colour reproduction. Colours are more accurate
compared to the real flowers.
The middle shot taken on High Speed Ektachrome (160ASA) and shows a bit of the
traditional blue bias. The reds are slightly more washed out looking and the difference
between the various hues of red are not as distinct as in the new Ektachrome shot.
In the shot on Kodachrome 64 (right) the colours appear to have an overall green'ish bias.
This shot has slightly more exposure so all colours appear lighter and brighter, though not
quite as accurate as those seen in the new Ektachrome shot.
Flesh tones reproduced in the lower pictures are more natural, yet 'rich' at the same time
in the far left example on the new Ektachrome 200 film.
The exposure for all three shots was exactly the same. Compared with the High Speed
Ektachrome shot in the middle, the new film shows not only better colour saturation in the
highlight areas (note the deeper green grass), but also in the shadow areas (note the
whiteness of the blouse). The example taken on Kodachrome 64 (on the right) still has
the slight overall green bias, but you will probably be able to notice that this shot appears
slightly sharper due to the finer grain of this lower speed film.
Colour saturation and accuracy may be seen perhaps a bit easier in these three examples.
The top one was shot on Ektachrome 200. The colours are more true-to-life than in either
of the other two examples.
The Kodachrome 64 shot (bottom) appears slightly sharper due to its lower film speed,
but shows a slight greenish colour bias.
The middle shot, taken on High Speed Ektachrome, still exhibits some of the traditional
blue/green colour bias for which Ektachrome was noted. This, thankfully, is gone now and
even many Kodachrome 64 users will probably switch over to the new Ektachrome 200
for its slightly better colour rendition even though it is marginally less sharp.
1. Use a low temperature (unofficial) C-41 process as described on the Photomemorabilia website here. Keeping the process temperature at 75°F or below should give
unmasked negatives which could be printed digitally. Michael Talbert has some precedent knowledge for this advice, having put a 120 roll of High Speed Ektachrome film
through C-22 (previous to C-41) chemicals. The resulting negatives were rather contrasty, very pink and (of coutrse) unmasked, but they did print with a high yellow and cyan
filtration. That was in 1971, and the HS Ektachrome film was still 'in date'.
2. Considering the uncertainties involved and the age of any E-2 film (35 or more years out of date), perhaps black and white processing at 68°F would be the best option, as
here.
3. If there is an urgent need to try to obtain colour transparencies from an old E-2 film, it might be possible to improvise a low temperature E-6 process. For starters, Michael
Talbert suggests the following "E6 process at 75°F" improvisation. But there is no certainty this would work !! It is based upon the old “double the time for every 10°F degrees
downwards“ rule: Thus, the official E-6 First Developer time is 6 minutes at 100°F, so that would make it around 35 minutes for 75°F. Do the same with the Colour Developer,
6 minutes at 100°F, so maybe 35 minutes at 75°F. The other solutions could also be increased, perhaps by a x4 factor on each of their times, most are 2 and 4 minutes. The
Bleach is 6 minutes at 100°F, so try 24 minutes at 75°F. The longer in the First Developer the better as any E-2 film will be out of date. Note that similar low temperature
processing of E-6 film is not possible because (according to the BJPA for 1985) below 32°C “the permeability of the E-6 emulsion diminishes too greatly to permit adequate
exchange of solutions through the gelatin”. In other works, below 32°C the E-6 gelatin is too cold to let the flow of chemicals through to work on the bottom emulsion layers
(but see below; Photo Technology seemed to have found a way around this problem !).
4. Photo Technology, in their Photocolor Chrome Six kit for processing E-6 colour slide films, gave instructions with processing times for temperatures varying from 113°F
down to 68°F, though they recommended processing at the official Kodak temperature of 100°F. The Chrome 6 times and temperatures are shown in the table below. This kit
is no longer available and any remaining 'out of date' kits may now be unuseable - their long term shelf life is unknown.
5. Or see the E2 chemistry published the in British Journal of Photography in 1980.
1 minute at 110°F
Tank Pre-Heat
Moderate this appropriate to 68°F
3 minutes & 40 seconds 113°F
First Developer 6 minutes & 30 seconds 100°F
28 minutes & 15 seconds 68°F
3 minutes at 93 - 108°F
Wash
Increase to perhaps 12 minutes at 68°F
5 minutes 113°F
Colour Developer 6 minutes 100°F
9 minutes 68°F
1½ minutes at 93 - 108°F
Rinse
Increase to perhaps 6 minutes at 68°F
Bleach Fix 10 minutes 68 - 113°F
4 minutes at 93 - 108°F
Wash
Increase to perhaps 10 minutes at 68°F
Dry
1. The above is for the first film processed. The First Developer times were increased for subsequent films processed. The Colour Developer and Bleach Fix times didn't change
for the life of the kit.
2. You could also obtain a “Stabilizer” separately, or use a Wetting Agent rinse.
3. The kit made up to 600 ml of each solution and would process 6 off 120 films or equivalent area. The table above is drawn from the kit instructions which contained a chart
showing First Developer and Colour Developer times from 68°F to 113°F. In the table above it has been presumed that the wash times could be increased for lower
temperatures but Photo Technology didn’t say. The kit from which this information was taken is dated "Use by August 1992", so is now well out of date. To what extent any
out of date kits might still be useable, is unknown.
In Conclusion:
Overall, trying simple black and white processing chemistry seems the easiest and as likely as any to give some sort of useable images, albeit without any colour.
In 1954, the US Supreme Court ruled that the Eastman Kodak Company were required to release technical information on the printing and processing of Kodacolor films and
Kodacolor paper. This ruling also extended to the making of colour prints produced directly from Kodachrome and Ektachrome transparency films. At that time, Eastman Kodak
were making Kodachrome prints and Kodachrome enlargements from colour transparencies in any size film format up to 5 x 4 inches. Print sizes ranged from
2¼ inches x 3¼ inches to 8 inches x 10 inches. It was possible that these prints were made on a white pigmented cellulose acetate base material similar to the Eastman Kodak
“Kotavachrome” prints ten years earlier.
In the early 1950s, Eastman Kodak were also making colour prints from 35mm transparencies by first making an internegative on Kodacolor roll film, and then printing this
internegative onto Kodacolor paper.
In 1953, each internegative cost 25 American cents.
At this time, there was no actual film designed for use solely as a colour internegative film, apart from certain Eastman Color negative films being used in the Motion Picture
industry.
Kodak Color Print Material, Type R, originated in 1955 jointly from Kodak Pathe, at Vicennes, France, and Kodak Ltd. Harrow, UK. It was first manufactured in roll form only, in France
and the UK, solely for use in Kodak processing and printing laboratories in the UK and Europe for making reversal colour prints directly from amateur photographers’ transparencies,
but was later manufactured by Eastman Kodak at Rochester, New York. Eastman Kodak marketed the product in roll and various sheet sizes in the USA to colour laboratories and
professional photographers.
Although 'Type R' was sold in the USA to professional photographers, and possibly amateur photographers in the late 1950s, there is no obvious evidence that the paper was
marketed or distributed to anyone in the UK other than colour laboratories operated by Kodak Ltd before 1965. The paper is not listed in the UK Kodak Professional Catalogue for
1964 – 1965.
The paper was balanced for about 3200°K, and when making prints with an enlarger the colour balance was altered by the use of, at first, Kodak Color Compensating filters, and
later Kodak Color Printing filters. Enlargers equipped with colour heads could also be used, such as, Agfacolor or Chromega colour heads.
It was recommended by Kodak that the enlargers were fitted with an ultra violet filter, such as a Wratten 2B, and an Infra Red cut off filter. The Infra Red filter prevented extreme red
casts in the print requiring a very high cyan filtration leading to lengthy exposure times. A first trial filtration given by Kodak was “10 Yellow plus 30 Cyan” (10 — 30).
The layer arrangement was identical to Kodak Color Print Material, Type C, with the red sensitive layer on top, the green sensitive underneath the red, and the blue sensitive layer at
the bottom of the pack. Unlike the material used for making Kodachrome prints, the emulsions for 'Type R' were coated onto a paper byrata–coated base. The paper was about
twice as thick as Kodak single weight Bromide paper made in the UK in the mid-1950s (Bromide WSG 2S).
Processing Type R Paper, using Kodak Color Print Process P-111, from 1955
Color Print Material, Type R, was designed to be processed in Kodak Color Print Processing Chemicals, Process P-111. Process P-111 was mainly intended for deep tank and
machine processing of the paper using print baskets or continuous processing machines.
In 1960, a Kodak Color Print Processing Kit for Process P-111 could be obtained in a 3½ US gallon size. This kit contained the chemicals to make the six processing solutions, the
Stabilizer being made up by the user to the Kodak formula. Separate packs of the six solutions were also available in sizes of 3½ US gallons, 10 US gallons, and 25 US gallons of
each processing solution excepting the Stabilizer. A First Developer Replenisher, Process P-111, and a Color Developer Replenisher, Process P-111, were available to make 5
US gallons and 25 US gallons of each solution.
This sequence is the procedure for Tank Processing, in 3 gallon tanks or larger, using the Kodak Color Print Processing Basket. Times may have been different for continuous
processing machines.
Load paper in total darkness, and total darkness for first three steps.
Not permissible to handle the paper under the Wratten 10H or 10 safelights.
Solution or Wash Temperature °F Time (Minutes)
1. Pre-Wet 73 – 77 3
2. First Developer
75 +/– ½°F 6
3. First Stop Bath 73 – 77 4
Remaining Steps can be done in White Light.
4. Wash 73 – 77 12
Expose emulsion side for 15 seconds 1 foot from a
5. Reversal Exposure
No.1 Photoflood lamp.
6. Colour Developer 73 – 77 8
7. Hardener Stop Bath 73 – 77 8
8. Wash 73 – 77 3
9. Bleach 73 – 77 8
10. Wash 73 – 77 6
11. Hardener Fixing Bath 73 – 77 7
12. Wash 73 – 77 10
13. Stabilizer 73 – 77 1
14. Rinse 73 – 77 ¼
15. Dry Not over 180 °F
Total wet processing time i.e. excluding Reversal Exposure and Drying = 74¼ Minutes
Notes:-
1. The “Pre-Wet” step was necessary to prevent “Mottle”. Mottle is the effect of uneven development, either from the First Developer or Colour Developer, or both. It shows on
the print as uneven density of colour in large areas of the same tonal range, such as blue skies, or concrete roads. It is caused by the developers not being able to access the
three emulsions fast enough, or developing the three layers unevenly, being “held back” by the fibres in the paper base. Print emulsions coated onto a “paper” base are much
more prone to mottle than Resin Coated papers, especially in long processing sequences, such as P-111. The “Pre-Wet” step soaked the three emulsions and the paper base
before the start of the First Development, to ensure a more even flow of developer through the paper.
In total darkness, the print processing basket was placed in the Pre-Wet tank and agitated for 5 seconds, then removed for 10 seconds. This was done three more times in
the first minute. For the remaining two minutes the basket was drained over the tank to prevent any excess water from diluting the First Developer.
Once the print basket was in the First Developer, it was agitated for 30 seconds. Then the basket was lifted out of the solution and drained for 5 seconds. This agitation rate
was continued every minute for the remainder of the first development time and followed for every other processing step and wash step.
Apart from Step 1, a 15 second draining time was included in each step time.
2. Reversal Exposure Step. Each end of the print processing basket was exposed to a No.1 Photoflood lamp for 15 seconds. Alternatively, the individual prints could be
removed from the basket and their emulsion sides exposed 1 foot from the lamp for 15 seconds.
3. The “Stabilizer” was made up to the formula:- 1¼ fluid oz. of Kodak Formaldehyde to 1 US gallon of water.
4. Drying. It was difficult to judge colour casts on Type R material while test strips and prints were still wet. Whilst wet, prints made on Type R appeared too blue and slightly
opalescent, much the same as Type C material and the later Ektacolor papers. This effect disappeared on drying.
From 1958, Kodak Color Print Material, Type R, became known as “Kodak Ektachrome Paper”.
Up to 1965, Ektachrome Paper was exposed and processed in exactly the same way as the previous “Type R” material. There seems to have been no change in the product apart
from its name.
By February 1965 the processing temperature was raised to 85°F, and the process name was changed to “Ektaprint R”. The 10 degree F rise enabled the total wet processing time to
be reduced to 48½ mnutes excluding drying.
Only three sheet sizes were “stocked”; other sizes may have been subject to delivery delay or had to be ordered specially.
In March 1966, Ektachrome paper was obtainable in four sheet sizes, from 8 x 10 inches to 20 x 24 inches. The Ektaprint R chemicals, which had to be imported from the USA along
with the paper, were available in 3½ US gallon and 10 US gallon sizes in each of the chemical solutions, plus a 5 US gallon size replenisher for the two developers and formalin fixer.
There was now a “Stabilizer”, the P-111 stabilizer being a “user make up” solution of formalin. There were no “kits”; the process was designed for colour laboratories, either as a
three gallon tank line using a print processing basket, or the larger quantity of 10 US gallons in continuous processing machines.
The sizes of paper included an 11 x 14 inch size, which could be processed on the Kodak rapid Processor, H11-L, using a special sequence of a mix of Ektaprint R chemicals and
CP-5 chemicals.
Before March 1966, Kodak Ektachrome paper, and the chemicals for the old P-111 colour print process, were being imported from the USA for D&P laboratories in the UK to make
en-prints and enlargements from amateur photographers transparencies.
The Kodak Trade Circular for 4th January 1965, printed December 1964, gives revised prices for all of the six P-111 chemical solutions. It is thought that the paper and P-111
chemicals were listed in a Kodak catalogue distributed only to large photofinishers and Ektachrome paper, plus the Ektaprint R chemicals, were included in the Kodak Professional
Catalogue for July 1966 for the first time, hence being termed as a “new product” in that particular catalogue.
Load paper in total darkness, and total darkness for first three steps.
Not permissible to handle the paper under the Wratten 10H or 10 safelights.
Solution or Wash Temperature °F Time (Minutes)
1. Pre-Wet 83 – 87 3
2. First Developer 85 +/– ½°F 3
3. First Stop Bath 83 – 87 2
Remaining Steps can be done in White Light.
4. Wash 83 – 87 7
Expose emulsion side for 15 seconds 1 foot from a
5. Reversal Exposure
No.1 Photoflood lamp.
6. Colour Developer 83 – 87 4
7. Hardener Stop Bath 83 – 87 3
8. Wash 83 – 87 2
9. Bleach 83 – 87 4
10. Wash 83 – 87 4
11. Formalin Fixer 83 – 87 4
12. Wash 83 – 87 10
13. Stabilizer 83 – 87 2
14. Rinse 83 – 87 ¼
15. Dry Not over 180 °F
Notes:
1. The procedure for agitation in the Pre-Wet step and agitation in subsequent solutions was identical to P-111.
Gaseous Burst agitation was also possible. Nitrogen or Compressed Air was used in the two deevloipers to raise their solution level about ½ inch with each burst of Nitrogen
or Air. It is likely that a 1 second burst every 12 seconds was used in each solution.
2. The “Stabilizer” for Ektaprint R was now a packaged Kodak chemical, instead of being “user make up” as in P-111.
3. The “Hardening Fixing Bath” of P-111 was replaced by “Formalin Fixer”, as in step 11 of the above sequence. The Formalin Fixer solution was common to both Ektaprint R
and Ektaprint C processes.
By August 1969, Ektachrome RC paper was available in roll sizes from 3½ inches in width to 11 inches in width.
Prior to 1969, the non-RC Ektachrome paper emulsions were coated on a regular paper base, like Ektacolor Commercial paper. Because of the change to RC, Kodak were able to
shorten tank & dish process times, as the resin coated base soaked up very little of the chemicals. Solution times and wash times were cut, and the “Pre–Soak“ step before “First
Development” was eliminated. Thus, the total time for processing in Ektaprint R chemicals was reduced from 48¼ minutes to 24½ minutes.
Processing Ektachrome and Ektachrome RC Papers using the Kodak H11-L and 16K Rapid Processors, 1965 to 1973
Kodak Ektachrome RC paper was introduced in 1969, being a Resin Coated (RC) version of the earlier Ektachrome Paper. However, the Kodak Rapid processor sequence was the
same for both papers.
Processing in the H11-L and 16K Rapid Processors consisted of partly using Ektaprint R chemicals and partly CP-5 chemicals.
Temperature was for the First Developer, and a 2degreeF latitude for the other chemicals and washes.
The first 4 Steps had to be in Total Darkness - the paper was so light sensitive that a
safelight couldn't be used.
Processing Step Temperature Time, (minutes)
1. Pre-Soak 98 - 102°F ½
2. First Developer 100°F +/– ½°F 1½
3. First Stop Bath 98 - 102°F ½
4. Wash 98 - 102°F 3
Remove print from drum and expose for 15
5. Reversal Exposure seconds each side to a No.1 photoflood
lamp
The above Step 5, plus all remaining Steps, could be done in normal room lighting.
8. Bleach 98 - 102°F 2
Notes:
1. Two lots of Bleach should be used, changing one for the other after 1minute.
2. Use CP-5 Bleach, Formalin Fixer, and Stabilizer. The other chemical baths should be "Ektaprint R" i.e. First Developer, First Stop-Bath, Colour Developer and Hardener Stop-
Bath.
3. The above process never had any official name and was not mentioned in any Kodak Data books or their Colour Dataguide.
4. The instruction sheet on “How to use Kodak Ektaprint R Chemicals” mentions that sheets of paper can be processed on the Kodak Rapid Color Processors and advises one
should write to Eastman Kodak for details of the processing sequence.
5. By 1973 the processing chemicals had gained the name “Ektaprint RD” chemicals, but now were a five solution process, based on the then new “Ektaprint R5” process.
Notes:
1. Developer temperature was 8°5F +/– ½°F or 29.5°C +/– 0.3°C. The other solutions and washes could be at 83-87°F or 28-31°C
2. This particular “Ektaprint R” process was for processing “Ektachrome R.C.” paper. There was an earlier “Ektaprint R” processing procedure, designed for “Ektachrome” paper.
Ektachrome paper was a fibre based product, and the earlier procedure was much longer, taking a total time of 48 ½ minutes. The older process had longer wash times, due
to the fibre base of the earlier Ektachrome paper. The solution and wash temperatures were the same.
3. This process was for batch processing in tanks, using the Kodak print baskets. It was not for continuous processing machines, although the times above could be used for
processing sheets of paper in dishes.
4. The Formalin- Fixer was the same as used for the Ektaprint C process.
5. Ektachrome R.C. paper was only available in a “High Gloss “ surface.
Below is shown an Ektaprint R instruction sheet of 7 pages as would have been enclosed in the “First Developer” chemical component to make up 3½ US gallons of solution. It
dates from August 1969 and was the first instruction sheet published with the new reduced process times for Ektachrome RC (Resin Coated) paper.
The final wash time was reduced dramatically from 10 minutes to 3 minutes. There was
no “Pre-Soak” step, and the wash between the Hardener-Stop and R3 Bleach was omitted.
The reduction in wash times was due to the water resistant Resin Coated base which
minimized the absorption of water and processing chemicals.
The instruction sheet mainly refers to batch processing in 3½ US gallon tanks, but gives
process times for two continuous colour print processing machines. Ektachrome RC
paper was the second colour printing paper to be manufactured with a resin coated base.
Chronology: Ektachrome Papers Manufactured in the USA from 1973 to 1990
Chronology: Ektachrome Papers used in the UK, imported from France and USA; 1973 to 1990
The products listed were not manufactured in the UK and as far as is known, Kodak Limited London never manufactured any type of reversal colour print material apart from Kodak
Color Print Material, Type R, starting in 1955. In the UK, this material may have been known as Kodak Color Print Paper, Type R, and it was only for use in Kodak processing
laboratories for producing colour prints from transparencies. It is unknown when the manufacture of the Type R material ceased in the UK. (Ref: Progress in Photography, 1955 to
1958, Focal Press).
Above are shown two front labels from Ektachrome RC paper, Type 1993. The top label Above are the back labels to the same Type 1993 packets. The top label is of the earlier
dates from 1975 and the other label dates from 1973-74. Ektachrome RC 1993 paper was packet of 1973-74 and shows the 1993 designation. The later label now includes the
compatible with the earlier Ektaprint R seven-chemical bath process as well as the later processes where the “R-500” replaced the earlier “Ektaprint RD” chemicals for the Kodak
Ektaprint R-5, five-chemical bath process. The “F” signifies a glossy surface, and the Rapid Processors. Both packets show the “Filter Correction” for changing between
paper was also obtainable with a Silk surface, coded “Y”. different batches of paper. Note the high Yellow filter correction on the later packet.
Total Darkness
Notes:
1. Developer temperature was 85°F +/– ½°F or 29.5°C +/– 0.3°C. Other solutions and
washes: 83-87°F 28-31°C.
2. This process was for batch processing in tanks using print baskets. The times
could also be used for processing sheets of paper in trays.
3. In 1973, the then new Ektachrome RC Type 1993 paper could be processed in
either Ektaprint R or Ektaprint R-5.
4. Ektachrome RC Type 1993 paper was obtainable at first only in “High Gloss”, “F”,
surface. Later a Silk surface “Y” was also available.
This Eastman Kodak publication gives information on making prints using
Ektachrome RC Paper Type 1993 and processing them through Ektaprint R5
Ektachrome RC Type 1993 paper could be dried in a drum dryer with the emulsion side Chemicals in dishes, drums, tanks and tube type processors. This is the First Edition,
out, or rolls of paper were fed through hot air dryers. First Printing, published August 1975.
To begin with it was available in roll form only, in “Y” silk surface, but by 1980 it had fully replaced the 1993 paper and was obtainable in sheets and rolls in “F” glossy surface, and
“J” smooth high lustre surface.
Ektachrome 2203 was designed for processing in (then new in 1977) Ektaprint R-100 chemicals for large continuous processors working with roll paper. Ektaprint R-1000 chemicals
were made available in small quantities for processing sheets of paper in drums and tube type processors.
Below is shown the front of a 25 sheet packet of Ektachrome 2203 paper in “F”
On the rear of the packet Kodak very helpfully printed a “check list” of Kodak
Glossy, surface. Made by Eastman Kodak in the USA, dating from the early
products necessary for a “printing session” with Kodak Ektachrome 2203 paper.
1980s. By the early 1980s, Eastman Kodak were printing a colour picture on the
For users of small tube processors, a Kodak Ektaprint R-1000 kit of chemicals,
front of their colour printing paper packets and boxes instead of the usual “red
in two sizes, were available to process the paper.
square”.
In keeping with the other types of Ektachrome papers, the rear label shows the
“Filter Correction” for batch changes for this particular emulsion.
Ektachrome 2203 was principally used for “Print from Print” viz: a service mainly for amateur photographers where only the original print (not the negative) was needed to make
copies or re-prints. The original print was copied by reflection directly onto the Ektachrome 2203 paper. The 'Kodak Color Print Copy attachment, Model 5S/5B-K' was available for
use with Kodak 'digital' printers and Kodak S Series colour printers, such as Models 5S, 8S and 11S, for making colour copy prints from amateur's original prints onto 8.9cm wide
Ektachrome paper. The print was loaded into a “print” carrier, which took the place of a negative carrier, a light was shone on the print, the shutter of the printer was opened and light
was reflected off the print onto the Ektachrome paper. No negative or transparency was required to make copies or re-prints.
The above reference to 'digital' printers should not be confused with the form of digital printing that became commonplace from the 1990s onwards. In the 1970s, 'digital' referred
to the printers making use of in-built micro-processors, programmed (by Kodak) using a digital computer language. This gave the printers the facility to 'recognise' and adapt their
exposure and colour filtration to suit a wider variety of 'non-standard' subjects. To read more detail of the Kodak MC Digital Printers, click the link here to download a pdf taken from
a UK Kodak catalogue dated June 1980.
By the mid-1980s, 2203 had been replaced by Ektachrome 21 and 22 papers (see below).
At first the paper was processed in Kodak Ektaprint R chemicals but by 1974 the paper was being processed in a modified version of the Kodak Ektaprint R-5 process. The modified
process was known collectively as Ektaprint R14.
Above: Front labels of two overlaid packets of Ektachrome 14 RC paper.
The lower blue and orange label dates from the mid to late 1970s. On the bottom of the
orange part, below the letters RC, is printed “TYPE 5262”. The paper still has its RC
designation.
The blue label packet dates from the early 1980s.
By then the “RC” and “Type 5262” had been omitted from the label.
Notes:
1. This process was generally used in the Kodak Printank, or other amateur rapid processing tanks, (Paterson, Simmard, Durst etc), or the Wilkinson Drum processor.
2. It is unlikely that the Ektaprint R14 process would have worked successfully with the American type Ektachrome paper, Ektachrome RC Type 1993, which required the
Ektaprint R-5 process.
3. A 10 second drain time was included in each processing step. This was important in Step 1, to prevent the First Developer becoming diluted with water.
Suggested three solution processing procedures at three different temperatures were published in the British Journal of Photography magazine on 15th April 1977 by Ernest
C.H.Gehret. Formulae were given for the First Developer, Colour Developer, and Bleach Fix.
14RC Type 5262 was designed for making prints directly from colour transparencies. It could also be used for making copies of artworks and this included making copies of colour
prints directly from a colour print, provided a method of obtaining a right way round image was employed. Starting in the mid-1970s, various colour laboratories were able to offer a
“Print from Print” service to customers who sent in their colour prints instead of their negatives. This service was mainly aimed at amateur photographers, in cases where the
original negative may have been lost or damaged, or where it may have been more convenient to send the colour print to the lab for additional copies. The prints obtained from the
service were never as good as prints made from the negative, but provided the original print was of reasonable quality, and the contrast was not too high, a good copy could be
made.
A starting filtration given by Kodak for printing from transparencies using Kodak Colour Printing filters was CP40M + CP30C (40 Magenta, 30 Cyan i.e. – 40 30).
A starting filtration for copying artworks or “Print from Print” using Kodak Colour Printing filters was CP10Y + CP25M, (10 Yellow, 25 Magenta i.e. 10 25 –).
The French instruction sheet for “Papier Kodak Ektachrome 14” dated July 1981 gives a starting filtration of “40 Bleu” = CP40M + CP40C (40 Magenta, 40 Cyan i.e. – 40 40).
Notes:
1. The drum should be drained for at least ½ minute after pouring out the Pre-Soak water before pouring in the First Developer.
2. The First Wash should have a minimum of 4 changes of water. The rinse after the Colour Developer should have two changes of water.
3. For more precise First Development timing a Stop-Bath can be included between the First Developer and First Wash for ½ minute; 48 ml (28% acetic acid) to 1 litre is
suggested.
4. 10 seconds drain time, excepting the Pre-Soak, should be included in each step.
Processing Ektachrome 14RC Paper Type 5262 in Ektaprint R14, from 1978
This process was for tank and dish processing.
Notes:
By this time the “RC” abbreviation had been dropped from Ektachrome papers in some of the Kodak handbooks and literature.
Also by 1980, Kodak Ektaprint R14-3 processing kits were listed in the “Kodak Professional Catalogue 1980/81” published in May 1980. The kits were mainly for dish processing in a
1 litre size, or in small discard processors, such as the Kodak printank, Durst, Simmard tanks and similar, in a 5 litre size. The three solution kits contained the First Developer, Colour
Developer and Bleach Fix.
The “Kodak Professional Buyers’ Guide” for January 1981 also lists Kodak Ektaprint R14 chemicals in large quantities, including the Stop Bath and Stabilizer for 5 solution
processing of Ektachrome 14 paper Type 5262 and Ektachrome 19 paper. It is believed that Ektachrome 19 paper was being made in the UK, as it is listed in the “Kodak
Professional Buyers’ Guide” for January 1981 as “Kodak Ektachrome 19 Paper, F and N.
Ektachrome 14 Type 5262 is listed as “Papier Kodak Ektachrome 14 RC, F (and N), Type 5262. At this time “19 paper” was available in rolls as wide as 106 cms. (41¾ inches) in
15 metre lengths.
Processing Ektachrome 14RC Type 5262 and Ektachrome 19 Papers in Ektaprint R-3, from 1980
This table gives the summary of processing steps for a tank line or dish processing, and dates from 1980.
Total time: 24 minutes 30 seconds, not including the Reversal Exposure step.
Notes.
1. Wash times in steps 3 and 9 were increased to compensate for the Stop Bath and Stabilizer steps being omitted.
2. Ektachrome 14 and 19 papers could be processed using either the 5 bath or the 3 bath sequences but, by 1982, 3 bath processing had become standard practice
Below are shown images of the front and back labels from a box of Ektachrome 22 paper. This box dates from the mid to late 1980s.
The rear label (right, below) shows storage and handling information, catalogue number, and surface F = Glossy.
It was still being sold in 1990 but was replaced by Ektachrome Radience paper in 1991. It is believed that all Kodak reversal colour printing papers since Ektachrome 14 paper were
being manufactured in France by Kodak-Pathe.
The Eastman Kodak 1992 catalogue for the USA lists Kodak Radience paper as the first type of paper in the “Radience series”. Ektachrome Radience III paper was one of the last
colour printing papers to be manufactured by Kodak-Pathe for producing prints directly from colour transparencies without the use of an internegative.
Production ceased in 2003 due to increasing numbers of photographers using colour negative films for digital colour printing onto colour negative print materials, or obtaining
prints digitally by down loading their pictures from solid state memory cards for ink jet printing.
Ektachrome Radience III, from 1997
Kodak Ektachrome Radience III paper was introduced in 1997 as a colour reversal print material for processing in Ektachrome R-3 chemicals, Ektachrome R-3 LU (Low Utilisation)
chemicals, and Ektachrome R-3000 chemical kits. The paper was available in Glossy surface (F), and Semi Matt surface (N). In 2003, the available sizes for sale in the USA ranged
from 8 x 10 inches to 30 x 40 inches in sheets, and 3½ inches width to 50 inches width rolls of paper.
The rear label (right, below) shows a trial starting filtration of 20 Cyan, 10 Magenta and 0 Yellow. This filtration was common to all batches of Ektachrome Radience III paper and did
not apply to any specific batch. The same filtration was given in the Technical Data sheet. The Technical Data also gave typical Tri-Colour exposures, viz:
It seems that Radience III was the last reversal colour paper made by Kodak. By 2003, colour prints were being made digitally onto colour negative papers and Kodak were making
colour negative papers specifically for digital printing, see Kodak Professional Supra Endura on the Ektacolor web page.
Michael Talbert took opportunity in early 1971, while in his final year at Art College, to
make some prints using Ektachrome RC reversal paper. Most were from 5 x 4inch
Ektachrome Process E3 sheet film transparencies. He printed these to 10 x 8inch for his
final College Portfolio. He used the college's Beseler black & white enlarger equipped with
an Agfa colour head (similar to the blue coloured Agfacolor head here).
Each packet of Ektachrome RC paper was marked with a + and – filtration value of Cyan,
Magenta and Yellow. These figures were given for working out the filtration when
changing from one batch of paper to another (see photograph alongside, being two labels
from the back of packets of Ektachrome RC paper showing “Filter Correction” for altering
the filtration when changing batches of paper).
A six page instruction leaflet was included in every packet of Ektachrome RC paper which
gave a trial starting filtration of 25 Magenta and 10 Yellow, made up of Kodak Colour
Printing filters. Using the Agfa colour head, Michael found himself using a very low Yellow
filter setting and a Magenta filter varying from 10 to 87. A few prints were made with a
low Cyan filter setting and a high Magenta filter. (Agfacolor head filter units were
approximately two thirds the strength of Kodak Colour Printing filters).
Around this same time, Michael was also making prints from colour negatives on
Ektacolor Commercial paper using the same enlarger. Hence, it was easy to make
comparisons between the two different types of colour print. He found that the
Ektachrome RC paper was at least a stop faster than Ektacolor Commercial, and was also
much more forgiving to exposure errors
When filtering Ektachrome RC paper, it was necessary to add or subtract 20 to 30 filter
units on the Agfacolor head to correct a fairly strong cast. Half this filter change, or less,
was sufficient to correct the same strength of colour cast on Ektacolor Commercial
paper. Filtrations on Ektacolor Commercial paper were normally very high Yellow and high
Magenta values.
Ektachrome RC was slightly thicker than Ektacolor Commercial, handling like a sheet film
with more rigidity than a double weight black and white paper.
All prints were processed on a Kodak Rapid Color Processor Model H11-L, and took over
15 minutes wet processing time for one 8 x 10inch or one 11 x 14inch prints. Test strips
were processed up to the Bleach stage, washed briefly, and dried for assessment.
A box of 50 sheets of Ektachrome RC paper, size 11 inch x 14 inch dating from 1971.
The 11 x 14 inch paper was provided by the Art College for use by all students.
It was easier to judge colour casts and exposure density after drying as, when wet,
Ektachrome RC prints took on a blue appearance and looked too dark.
Two of Michael's 8 x 10 inch Ektachrome RC prints have survived from 1971. Looking at them closely they both give the impression of being slightly unsharp, compared with an
equivalent size print on Ektacolor or Agfacolor paper. The most noticeable defect in both prints is the lack of shadow detail. The shadow areas seem to be very dark, detail almost
disappears in one print. Highlight detail is reproduced well, and both prints have good, if not excessive contrast. The contrast level on Ektachrome RC paper was much higher than
Kodak Ektacolor Commercial paper; prints appeared much “brighter”.
Blacks were very dense, with no hint of colour cast, but this is true of most reversal materials and duplicating films. A clean white without a colour cast was almost impossible to
reproduce, mainly due to very minor fluctuations in first and colour development times and temperatures on the H11-L machine.
As Ektachrome RC paper had so much latitude to filtering, it was difficult at times to “home in” on a filtration which gave no colour cast in the print. This may have been partly due to
Michael's inexperience of colour printing at that time, but also he was trying (in his final college year) to become proficient with a variety of colour paper and film material, plus
attempting to produce the occasional colour internegative.
After leaving Art College, Michael found he never made prints on reversal printing material at any colour laboratory that he worked in, as nearly all professional colour laboratories
made prints from transparencies via an internegative. This way of working had several advantages. The contrast of the resulting print could be changed according to the contrast of
the transparency when exposing the internegative. Also, the shadow to highlight balance could be altered by varying the filtration of the internegative at the time of exposure. Very
little contrast variation was possible when processing a colour reversal paper. If the development times were shortened, to hopefully give a softer contrast print, other problems
occurred, such as less dense blacks, or colour contrast differences, e.g pink highlights and green shadows.
Another reason why internegatives were preferred is due to processing costs. Internegatives could be processed through an existing C-41 processing machine, together with
camera sheet and roll films. A separate processing line or machine was necessary to process reversal colour paper, and the machine could not be used to process any other type of
material.
Duplicating Transparencies
What is Duplicating?
Duplicating, in the photographic sense, means making a copy of, in most cases, a colour transparency. Basically, the working procedure is to:
Either, photograph with a camera, a colour transparency illuminated by a diffuse light source such as a lightbox, or
Print a transparency directly onto a piece of film, which when processed by reversal processing, (E2, E3, E4, or E6, see above,) will produce another transparency.
There are other ways of making copies of colour transparencies, but this section describes the procedure and types of films when copying (duplicating) onto reversal films, in which
the end-product, after processing, is a transparency.
Many years ago, duplicate transparencies were being made from “Reseau” or “Screen” colour photographic plates and films by re-photographing them onto another “Reseau” plate.
The reader who is interested in such early methods, would be advised to find a copy of the book :
“Colour Photography in Practice”, by D.A. Spencer, Third Edition, published in 1948, where a whole chapter is devoted to the subject of duplicating Autochrome and Dufacolor screen
plates and films.
In 1941, Kodachrome Duplicating Film Type 5265 was used specifically for duplicating 16mm Kodachrome motion picture film. It is possible that a similar type of film was used for
copying 35mm Kodachrome slides.
In “Colour Transparencies”, first edition, written by C. Leslie Thomson, published in 1948, two references are of special interest.
In Chapter 16 “Duplication”, he states that “Kodak have recently developed a special material for the duplication of Kodachrome, but this is not yet available for general use” The
material being referred to is most likely “Kodachrome Duplicating Film Type 5265” (see above). He goes on to state that, in the USA, Eastman Kodak were offering “a special 35mm
duplicating service by which masked copies of Kodachrome originals might be obtained. These special duplicates are known as Kodachrome Duplicates M”
This probably refers to the service where Eastman Kodak were printing large sheet film transparency duplicates from Kodachrome 35mm originals, in which case a black and white
negative contrast mask was first made from the transparency and then this mask was combined with the transparency when printing the duplicate to reduce contrast. For same
size duplicates, i.e. 35mm to 35mm, the author believes Kodak didn't use any masking system. For an explanation of the term 'masking', see the next Section.
Original Kodachrome Professional sheet film transparencies may have been printed directly onto ”Kodachrome Professional Type B” sheet film, using an enlarger to make the
exposures. At that time, the Type B sheet film was manufactured in sizes up to 11inches by 14inches.
From the late 1950s there were various Kodachrome films on the market specially made for duplicating transparencies. One of them (from 1960) was “Kodachrome Film for
Duplicate Printing, Type 5294”, sold in 50 foot or 400 foot lengths, and balanced for tungsten illumination. Being Kodachrome, it had to be processed by Kodak. The price of the film
included processing, but the processing plant required it returned in lengths longer than 15 feet.
Normal colour film, as used in cameras, is designed to make an accurate reproduction of natural colours in bright or hazy sunlight, or in correctly balanced artificial light depending
on the type of film, Type A or Type B. The contrast of the film is matched to average daylight scenes or artificial studio lighting, and will reproduce the natural contrast in such
scenes provided the film is processed according to the manufacturers’ instructions.
When the same film is used to make a reproduction of an existing photographic image (colour transparency or colour print), the camera film cannot accurately reproduce the colour
in the image being copied, partly:
a) because the contrast of the reproduction increases due to the film, especially transparency film, not being matched to the needs of copying a photographic image, and
b) partly because camera film is designed to reproduce “natural” dyes, and not “artificial” dyes as found in a photographic image (colour transparency or colour print).
If camera film is used to make a reproduction transparency i.e. duplicate, it is likely that accurate reproduction will be impossible, due to certain pastel colours shifting towards the
principal colour in their make up, such as pinks going too red, or greens going cyan. It is usually impossible to correct these colour shifts by using colour printing filters. Also, with a
contrast increase, highlights burn out, and shadows turn black and detail is lost.
The only way camera film can be used to make duplicates is by making a black and white negative contrast mask and then printing the transparency/mask combination onto
camera sheet film.
The mask is made by printing the transparency onto a black and white panchromatic sheet film. The desired result is a very much underexposed black and white negative showing
only the highlights and a very faint suggestion of the mid-tones. The mask is made “Unsharp”, as a perfectly sharp mask is extremely difficult to register exactly with the
transparency that is to be duplicated. An unsharp mask effect is created by including a physical “spacer” between the transparency and the unexposed black and white film, and
then making the exposure with the transparency on top, spacer in the middle, and black and white film on the bottom. Exposure is by contact printing using the enlarger as a light
source. The “spacer” was a clear piece of unexposed and fixed black and white film. The mask, produced by processing the black & white film below the clear film 'spacer', is
(almost) a clear piece of black and white film, but with the original's highlights showing feintly.
The purpose of the mask is to hold back some of the light from the original's highlight areas, giving the shadow areas of the duplicate transparency more exposure, thus lightening
the shadows in the duplicate.
Colours, such as greens, could be made lighter in the duplicate by exposing the mask with a magenta filter. Then any green light in the original, when exposing the mask, reduces
the exposure in the green areas on the black and white film. Then, when the duplicate is made using the black and white mask, the mask allows more green light through, making
the greens lighter on the duplicate.
This works for any colour, e.g. a yellow filter lightens blues and a red filter lightens cyans, to give two examples.
Eastman Kodak published an article on this procedure in the 1950s. This was a 12 page booklet entitled: "Making Duplicate Transparencies in Sheet Film Sizes”, No.E 28, published
in 1956.
Over forty years ago, the author attempted to make some duplicate transparencies by this method, but found it was much more difficult than by using duplicating film. Most of the
difficulties arose when trying to achieve the correct contrast on the black and white mask, but he could see that, if he had persevered, the duplicates made would have been of very
high quality. As far as he can remember, he made three or four 5inch by 4inch duplicates, and at least one 10inch by 8inch duplicate, by the masking method, but as the price of the
camera film was at least three times the price of normal duplicating film, he decided to give up the masking method because the cost (in time and materials) was prohibitive.
The economic answer was to use a 'Duplicating' film (see next Section) designed specifically for producing duplicate transparencies without the need for masking.
In the case of a transparency of extreme contrast it was possible when processing the duplicate, to decrease the First Development time slightly, but this would often lead to colour
balance changes, poor blacks, and a loss of saturation in the colours. If it was especially important to make a good reproduction of a transparency with an extreme contrast range, a
black and white 'unsharp mask' would have to be made (see above) even when using Duplicating Film.
Another way to duplicate such a transparency would have been to make an internegative from the transparency where the contrast could be changed when exposing the
internegative film, and then printing the internegative onto Ektacolor or Vericolor Print Film.
The earliest reference that Michael Talbert has found to any kind of Ektachrome Duplicating film is a short paragraph in the British Journal of Photography Almanac (BJPA) for
1951. In the “Epitome of Progress” section it states that Eastman Kodak have introduced an “Ektachrome Duplicating Film”, designed for making duplicate transparencies directly
from Kodachrome and Ektachrome original transparencies. The author goes on to say that “the quality of these duplicates is claimed to be equal to that of the original transparency.”
Unfortunately he omits to tell us what film format the new duplicating film is, i.e. 35mm or sheet, or any other useful details about the film.
Michael possess a great many publications by Eastman Kodak company, plus many books on colour photography and processing colour films dating from the 1950s, but cannot
find any other reference to this duplicating film in any of these publications, so perhaps this was a premature announcement of material that didn't, at that time, become
commercial.
In the UK the film was obtainable in 35mm size only in 100 foot lengths. It was known as “Eastman Ektachrome Reversal Print Film, 5386” by the late 1960s. There was an
additional size of 46mm wide film, without perforations, sold only in the USA.
Type 5386 was replaced by Kodak Ektachrome Slide Duplicating Film, Type 5028, in 1972 for processing in Process E4 although both films were being sold concurrently for a time.
This film was essentially a sheet film version of 35mm Ektachrome Reversal Print Film, Type 5386, and was cut from the same film stock. The sheet film had the same base
thickness of 0.005 inches, thinner than the standard Ektachrome camera sheet film of 0.007 inch thickness.
As there was no gelatine backing on the film, it was easier to retouch on the base side of the film.
In the UK the film was stocked in an 8 x 10 inch size only, but sizes up to 16 x 20 inches could be obtained by special order.
In 1966, the Photographic Department of the Ford Motor Company in the UK were making 900 duplicates a week using the SO-271 film, having previously made duplicate
transparencies by making black and white masks and then exposing onto Ektachrome camera Process E3 sheet film.
Duplicating Film SO-271 became Kodak Ektachrome Duplicating Film (6119) in 1967 without any changes to the film.
The film was balanced for tungsten illumination and could be used for contact printing or enlarging. Handling was in total darkness; no safelight was permissible. A supplementary
data sheet was included with each box of film giving the correction filters, and a suggested increase or decrease in exposure (calculated in stops), from the “normal” exposure, or
the exposure compared with the last batch of film used.
A four page instruction sheet suggested a trial exposure, (if using the film for the first time), of 1 second, and to make three or four test exposures at this time, each exposure being
1 stop apart. The instructions also mention that the exposure time could be increased, but if so the quality of the duplicates may be affected because of the reciprocity failure of the
film.
Processing was in E3 chemicals, (see above), but dedicated First Developer and Colour Developer were recommended for the duplicating film if processing was carried out using an
existing E3 process line.
Below are shown boxes for the Ektachrome Duplicating films, 6119, 6120, and 6121 for the E3 and E6 processes. As shown on the 6120 box, by 1971 most of the Kodak sheet films,
black and white, and colour, were being packed without the interleaving sheets of black paper, starting with the American made films.
The supplementary data, included in the instruction sheet for the 8 x 10 inch 6121 E6 duplicating film, suggests a filtration of 30Y+20C, a 30 Yellow and a 20 Cyan filter, (30 – 20), as
a starting filtration assuming the film was exposed for a 10 second trial exposure. A supplementary data sheet, packed separately from the instruction sheet, for the Ektachrome
Duplicating film, size 8 x 10 inches dated “JAN 1970”, gave 20M+30Y, a 20 Magenta filter and a 30 Yellow filter, (30 20 --), as a starting filtration. The sheet also advises that all
exposures must be increased by 1 stop.
This assumes the exposure time given for a test duplicate is 1 second for an emulsion rated at “normal” speed.
Because of differences in exposing equipment, light sources, and processing techniques, the filtrations given in the supplementary data sheets were only of use for calculating the
new filtration when changing over from one batch of duplicating film to another.
The “Kodak Products for the Professional” catalogue of 1969 for distribution in the USA classifies this film as “Kodak Ektachrome Duplicating Film, Process E3, (for use with 3200°K
lamps)". It was available in the USA in five sheet sizes, from 4 x 5 inches to 16 x 20 inches. The catalogue was printed in early 1969 before the 6119 code was attached to the name
of the film.
The duplicating film was balanced for a 3200°K light source and the instruction sheet enclosed in each box of film suggested an exposure time of 1 second. It also stated that the
exposure time could be increased, but the quality of the duplicates would be adversely affected. The author has recently (Feb 2013) found that "Amazingly, four of my 8 by 10 inch
duplicates which I made on the thin base 6119 film have survived. They don’t seem to have faded much either, having been dark stored for the past 42 years !"
The film speed was extremely slow when used in the Beseler enlargers. A 5 inch by 4 inch Ektachrome transparency enlarged to make an 8 inch by 10 inch duplicate would require
an exposure time of around 20 to 25 seconds at F5.6 to F8, F5.6 being the largest available aperture. This exposure time was 25 times the recommended length of exposure. A
slightly over exposed (hence too little density) 6 cms by 6 cms (2¼ inch square) transparency, enlarged to 8 inches square, required 30 seconds exposure, plus an increase in the
first development time to prevent the duplicate from becoming too dark. This was the only 6 cms by 6 cms transparency from which Michael attempted to make an enlarged
duplicate, and was done because the original transparency was slightly over exposed.
The filtrations on the Agfacolor Head, (see the Agfacolor section), and using the Kodak Colour Printing filters, were mainly in the region of 80 yellow to 110 yellow, and from
55 magenta to 85 magenta. The filtrations were fairly similar between the enlargers but the bulbs in the enlargers were different. The Agfacolor heads took a massive bulb, 5 inches
long and 250 watts, while the Beseler black and white enlargers took a 150 watt bulb. Thus, it is probably pure chance that the filtrations were similar, considering a) the different
types of filter, CP filters in the Beseler and the Agfacolor head filters, plus b) the colours of the inside of the enlargers. Hence, maybe the colour of condensers or the characteristics
of the enlarging lenses, coincidentally made the colour of the light coming out of the enlargers a close match.
Increasing the exposures to over 20 seconds caused the duplicating film to turn green. Increasing the magenta filter in the Agfacolor Head or adding more Kodak CP magenta filters
to the filter pack, only served to increase the exposure time further. Because of this increase in exposure, it was impossible to make 10 inch by 8 inch duplicates from 6 cms by
6 cms transparencies, unless they were over exposed (low density) like the example referred to above.
Another problem was Contrast. Unless the transparency to be duplicated was of abnormally soft contrast, almost all duplicates exhibited an increased contrast compared to the
original, despite the duplicating film having low contrast characteristics.
Directly after the main exposure, the transparency was removed from the negative carrier and a Kodak Wratten Neutral Density filter, No.96, was placed under the lens of the
enlarger. The duplicating film was then exposed again for the same time as the main exposure, leaving the CP filters in the enlarger, or the same filtration dialed in to the Agfacolor
Head. Occasionally the “flash” exposure gave a colour cast to the shadow area of the duplicate. This could be corrected by adding a CP filter, or increasing the appropriate dial filter
setting on the Agfacolor head, when exposing the duplicate to the flash exposure. A magenta filter would correct a green cast in the shadow area, a cyan filter would correct a red
cast, and so on.
This method worked fairly well on the whole. All the duplicates Michael made in those days on 6119 Duplicating film were exposed with a "Flashing" exposure.
The flash exposure could be varied according to the amount of contrast reduction. The Flash exposure was 1/100 of the main exposure if both exposures were equal (due to the
light reducing power of the Neutral Density filter No.96).
The duplicating film had to be handled carefully when exposing and processing. Marks and scratches on the film were common, mainly being caused during processing.
Because of the very low speed of the duplicating film, necessitating much longer exposures than recommended, very dark shadow areas showed no detail in them and reproduced
as completely black. The black areas looked greenish when viewed with a fairly strong light source behind the duplicate.
(Footnote: Many years later the author used this odd characteristic, of completely black shadows with no detail in them, while making a digital colour print of a simulated 1920s
fashion picture. The colours were desaturated, contrast was lowered, and the shadow areas were made progressively darker until the deepest shadow areas became completely
black. Colour prints actually produced in the 1920s were made from colour separation negatives photographed directly from the subject. Tri Chrome Carbro and Jos Pe were two
principal methods for making colour prints in those days. The Jos Pe method of making colour prints was a very early version of a process similar to Kodak Dye Transfer).
Ektachrome Duplicating films 6119 and 6120 with “develop
before” dates of April 1972 and September 1972.
Below are shown the back labels. They are almost identical
apart from the film number and a new code notch for 6120.
This was the final label for 6119 and the first label for 6120.
Like the previous duplicating film, processing was carried out in E3 chemicals with a shorter First Development time and a higher agitation rate in the First Developer. The film could
be processed in the same First and Colour Developers of an existing E3 processing line but, because of the shorter time in the First Developer and higher agitation rate, it was
recommended that the duplicating film was processed separately from the regular camera sheet films. The First Developer time was 6 minutes at 75 +/– ½°F when processing the
duplicating film
The new film had the same base thickness as the E3 camera sheet films. Therefore, if need be, the duplicates could be butted up together with the camera sheet films for use in
displays.
In use, trial exposures of 10 seconds were suggested using tungsten illumination, exposing with the filters recommended in the supplementary data sheet enclosed with each box
of film. Three exposures of 10 seconds each were made at three intensity levels, usually at one stop intervals, varying the lens aperture rather than the time.
In the U.K. in 1973, the film was available for sale in sizes from 4 inches by 5 inches to 12 inches by 15 inches in quantities of 25 sheets per box. It sold for a somewhat lower price
than the Process E3 camera sheet films.
It is difficult to make comparisons with strengths of filters but the filter strength on the CLS 300 colour head were slightly stronger than the Kodak Colour Printing range of filters
and possibly twice the strength of the filters fitted in an Agfacolor head (see Agfa section). A Kodak Colour Printing filter of 50 units would have been the equivalent of dialing in 35
units into the CLS 300 colour head.
Although exposures below 7 seconds tended to decrease the contrast of the resulting duplicate, long exposures made little or no difference to the contrast, but as the film had a
fairly high speed, exposure times beyond 25 seconds were very rare.
When making duplicates on the Durst 138 enlarger it was usual to dial all three filters into the colour head, starting with a filtration for a trial duplicate of 60 20 40 (i.e. 60 yellow, 20
magenta, 40 cyan).
1. the exposure time was increased slightly so that the operator was more certain of exposing the film at a minimum exposure time of 10 seconds, even with over exposed
transparencies.
2. Secondly, it was easier to filter the duplicate in this way. If the first test duplicate resulted in a yellow cast, either the yellow filter could be reduced, or the magenta and cyan
filters could be increased. The neutral density in the filtration (see Note below) made negligible difference to the exposure time because of the high speed of the duplicating
film, and the latitude of the exposure range on duplicating film. Michael aimed to make exposures within the 10 to 25 second range without having to expose through the
wider apertures of the enlarging lenses. Most exposures were made at f 11 to f 16. These were possibly the sharpest apertures of the lenses.
Note: Neutral density in filtrations means that a certain amount of “Gray” colour is present in the filtration. A filtration of (say), 65 15 50 has 15 “gray”, in it. The filtration without the
"gray" would be 50 – 35. (i.e. 50 yellow, zero magenta , 35 cyan). The “gray” colour does not alter the colour of the duplicate, but does (slightly) increase the printing exposure
required.
This 3 colour method of filtering the colour balance of a duplicate (or colour print), went against the advice given to beginners in colour printing where the vast majority of books,
manuals, photographic magazine etc. articles on the subject recommended that at least one printing filter should always remain at zero, i.e. such articles advised that it was never
necessary to dial all three colours into the colour head, or place three different colour filters in the filter draw. However, the 3 filtration method was a technique which Michael used
for convenience with 6120 Duplicating Film, though he never used this technique when making prints from colour negatives. But the 3 filtration method would have worked when
printing on any type of multi-layer colour material, as long as the printer realized that any filtration with three colour printing filters has an element of "gray" within the filtration which
must increase the printing exposure compared to using the 2 filtration method.
The duplicates exposed on Ektachrome Duplicating Film, 6120 were of very high quality and it was possible to make a much improved copy from an under-exposed original
transparency, improving both the colour and the density. Over-exposed originals could be improved, but not to the same extent and the results often showed colour mis-matches
from high-light to shadow areas. (Pink highlights, green shadows as an example). Even so, the 6120 duplicating film had far more latitude in exposure compared to making colour
prints from colour negatives.
In use, it was similar to the previous 6120 E3 duplicating film, with approximately the same speed using the same exposure times. (10 seconds for a trial exposure using tungsten
illumination).
The film could be processed with E6 camera films, as there was no need for a reduced First Development time. The First Development time for all E6 films was 6 minutes at 100 +/–
½°F.
In the U.K. the “Kodak Buyers’ Guide” for January 1981 listed film sizes up to 16inches by 20 inches in 25 sheet boxes. By the mid-1980s some sizes were available in 50 sheet
boxes.
Pre-
Ektachrome Duplicating Film 6121 for Process E-6
1981
Ektachrome 14 film; a reversal film with a clear base designed for making
large transparencies for use in overhead projectors. It was a lower cost
1981 product compared to Ektachrome Duplicating Film, 6121, priced at below half
the cost of the duplicating film.
Processed in Ektaprint R-14 chemicals.
Ektachrome R-14 film replaced by Ektachrome 23 Film.
1984
This film could be processed in Ektaprint R-14, R-14-3 or R-3000 chemicals.
1985 Ektachrome 23 Film renamed Ektachrome 23 Transparency Material
Ektachrome 23 Transparency Material replaced by Ektachrome Overhead
1987
Material
It was available in sheet film sizes up to 8inches by 10inches with larger sizes to special order. 10 seconds trial exposure was recommended using tungsten illumination.
All Duplicating Films were to be handled in total darkness; no safelight was permissable.
Michael Talbert
Process E2 was the first colour process Michael Talbert used. He purchased a kit of E2 chemicals and a roll of Ektachrome X film, using money someone had given him for
Christmas in December 1966, and processed the Ektachrome X film at school in January 1967. It was hard work. The school darkroom in January was the coldest place on the
planet ! There was only a cold water tap and no way of heating the processing solutions, and he had to run up to the toilets every now and again to fetch hot water to heat the
solutions. He recalls having a dish warmer with a thermostat to keep the developing tank near the right temperature. Despite all this, the finished transparencies were fairly good;
"I’ve seen worse !" They were a bit dark, but he thinks this was due to under exposure. He didn't have an exposure meter at the time and every exposure was guesswork.
He didn't do anymore colour processing until mid-1969, being his first year at Art College, when he processed an Ektachrome roll film in the Medway College colour darkroom. Then,
later on that year, he started colour printing. During his second year at Art College he processed many Ektachrome sheet, roll and 35mm films in a three gallon tank line. The sheet
film, (4 x 5inch), used the E3 process, and the roll and 35mm films used the E2 process. Separate developers were required for each, but the rest of the solutions were common to
both processes.
He started making colour prints in 1969, using Kodak Ektacolor Commercial paper. He was a photographic colour printer in the 1970s, printing colour negatives mainly onto
Agfacolor paper. He also had experience using about 10 types of Kodak paper, plus other makes, Gevacolor, Fuji, Paterson, Konica.
Michael now sets up and takes “Retro” fashion pictures, but prints them digitally.
This page last modified: 27th November2022 (previous 21st February 2020)