in search of an automated B&W reversal film processor

[Konton]

I thought this might work, but I'm betting it would not handle 50 feet. Does anyone know?
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?Vi ... 7549782223

[monobath]

I doubt it will do b&w reversal. The chart with the times for various films lists only negative films. It is probably a three or four bath processor. For reversal processing, counting the wash steps that you really should not skip, you need 9 baths, and you need a way to reexpose to light during processing.

The processing steps for reversal b&w are first dev, wash, bleach, wash, clear bath, reexpose to light, 2nd dev, wash, fix, wash, dry.

[Konton]

Yes, but the blue top part of the list showed Tmax, PlusX and TriX. Those are reversal right? Hmmm . . . maybe there's something I'm missing. Why can't I get a B&W reversal film processor that's small for under a grand! I think I found one in LA, but it's like 8 feet long!

[leadlike]

T-max tri-x and plus-x are all black and white negative films in the world of 35mm still film. They can potentially all be developed as a positive with the t-max kit, but the results are pretty terrible. Also, this processor probably doesn't have enough bays to do the full reversal process.

[Actor]

Yes, but the blue top part of the list showed Tmax, PlusX and TriX. Those are reversal right?

Afraid not. Kodak has product names do double duty. In the 35mm world these three names refer to B&W negative films for still cameras. They are different from the motion picture films with the same names.

http://www.kodak.com/global/en/professi ... 4.23&lc=en

Cinematographers have long requested a Tmax movie film. Kodak has declined.

[monobath]

T-max tri-x and plus-x are all black and white negative films in the world of 35mm still film. They can potentially all be developed as a positive with the t-max kit, but the results are pretty terrible. Also, this processor probably doesn't have enough bays to do the full reversal process.

I suspect the Plus-X and Tri-X negative films can be reversed in the D-94 / R-9 / D-95 reversal process too. Results will probably not be optimal.

[Konton]

Damn. It looks like I won't be able to get anything small then. Well this baby (two of them) is 8 feet long:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?Vi ... 7546219793

It might work, but I think it's only got 8 tanks, not 9. Plus I think it needs 5 chemical hookups, not 4.

[John_Pytlak]

The B&W reversal process uses multiple solutions (more complex than B&W negative), and has very specific requirements for the materials of construction (the bleach can damage certain plastics). Usually, a professional "deep tank" motion picture machine is used by labs.

[Mick Peach]

Konton>
One of these is what you want

http://www.brayimaging.co.uk/processors/e-series.htm

Mine is an E-6 type (nice)

Mick.

[John_Pytlak]

Konton>
One of these is what you want

http://www.brayimaging.co.uk/processors/e-series.htm

Mine is an E-6 type (nice)

Mick.

Be sure to specify materials compatible with the process you intend to run:

http://www.kodak.com/US/plugins/acrobat ... 8.16&lc=en

[clivetobin]

I suspect the Plus-X and Tri-X negative films can be reversed in the D-94 / R-9 / D-95 reversal process too. Results will probably not be optimal.

In general, negative film does not process worth a darn as reversal. It comes out very dense and flat, and the chances are that it will not fully bleach or dry, resulting in poor quality sticky black leader.

[Konton]

What the difference between that and the magitrak?

http://www.brayimaging.co.uk/processors/mtrak.htm

Doesn't have to be designed to do B&W as opposed to E-6 or can you change it yourself? Any idea? Eh. What a pain.

[John_Pytlak]

To a certain extent, machines can be used for different processes. You just need to be sure you have enough tanks for the solutions required, enough racks to give the specified time in each solution, and that the machine materials are compatible with the process solutions. For motion picture films, it is also very important to have the proper agitation/turbulation of each solution to assure good uniformity of development --- usually a "deep tank" machine is needed, rather than a "roller transport" or "viscous" processor that might be used for microfilm or still film.

Unless you have enough volume to run the machine for more than a few hours per day, it's likely much less expensive to use the services of a professional motion picture lab.

The Kodak website has the process specifications for all the processes, including ECN-2, ECP-2D, E-6, C-41, D-96, D-97, B&W Reversal, etc.

[Actor]

Konton>
One of these is what you want

http://www.brayimaging.co.uk/processors/e-series.htm

Mine is an E-6 type (nice)

Mick.

How much does one of these cost?

What does is cost to ship it to this side of the Atlantic? Do they have a U.S. distributor?

The description does not seem to mention 8mm film nor film length.

[monobath]

Last I heard, the US distributor of Bray processors is Brooke Products. phone (360) 638-1658.

I think you'll need the version that has double-drop tanks, and you may need a special long roll magazine. As John Pytlak said, you have to be sure the parts that come in contact with the b&w bleaches, particularly the R-10 permanganate bleach if you decide to use it, are made of suitable materials. The b&w bleaches are far more corrosive than the bleach used in the E6 process that the Bray is really made for.