Colour Negative Developing C – 41 Process

The C-41 process is the same for all C-41 films, although different manufacturers' processing chemistries vary slightly.

Colour Negative Developing C – 41 Process During developing an exposed colour film passes through the following stages :- 1.Colour Developer 2. Bleach 3. Wash 4. Fix 5. Wash 6. Stabilize 7. Dry

Colour Negative Developing C – 41 Process

After exposure, the film is developed in a "color developer". The developing ingredient is a Paraphenylene Diamine-based chemical known as CD-4. The developer develops the silver in the emulsion layers. As the silver is developing, oxidized developer reacts with the dye couplers, resulting in formation of dyes.

Colour Negative Developing C – 41 Process The control of temperature and agitation of the film in the developer is critical in obtaining consistent, accurate results. Incorrect temperature can result in severe color shifts or significant under or over-development of the film.

Colour Negative Developing C – 41 Process

After the developer, a combined bleach-fix dissolves the silver generated by development and removes undeveloped silver halide. A separate bleach and fix can also be used, as it is more environmentally friendly. Some say that it also may provide better results. The final step is a thorough washing.

Colour Negative Developing C – 41 Process The final wet step in color negative film processing is the stabilizer. The main purpose of this solution is to provide a wetting agent to prevent spotting of the film and to prevent unused magenta dye couplers from attacking the newly formed magenta dye.

Colour Negative Developing C – 41 Process

No. 0C0C 0F0FMinutes 1.Colour Developer37.8 +/ / /4 2. Bleach /2 3. Wash38 +/ /- 53 1/4 4. Fix /2 5. Wash38 +/ /- 53 1/4 6. Stabilize /2 7. Dry