Push and
Pull Processing
If you push your film (see Pushing film) to a higher speed, you must increase development
time to avoid underexposure. If you push your films regularly, you know it costs a lot to
have the lab push process your film. You can easily push process your own films if you do
your own processing. The only difference between push processing and normal processing is
the increased time in the first developer. At 38 degree C which is the ideal temperature
for E-6 processing, normal first developing time is 6 1/2 min including the time it takes
you to pour in and pour out the chemical. Change the time according to the chemical
manufacturers instruction for push processing and you are done. I use 9 minutes with
Tetenal and Photo Color processing kits for one stop push processing, and 13 minutes for
two stops. The temperature can be raised higher to reduce develop time. The best way to
push process your film is to start with suggested time and temperature given by chemical
manufacturer. You will notice that each brand is different. Run a few tests with your
equipment to find the best time and temperature that gives you good results.
Pull processing is the opposite of push processing used for correcting film speed that was
accidentally rated at a higher speed or to reduce contrast for making duplicate slides
with normal daylight films. First developer time is now reduced. Other steps including
color developer and bleach-fix need not change. Normal processing requires exact timing.
When you push process films, being off by several seconds is really meaningless.
Experiment for best results.
Into Your Darkroom Step-By-Step
Provides
information on equipment, setting up a darkroom, developing negatives,
making proof sheets and enlargements, and special techniques for fine
prints.
E-6 First Developer (Makes 1 gal.)
Kodak
Professional First Developer Replenisher, Process E-6 and E-6AR, is an improved formulation for processing color reversal films in Professional
applications. This new chemical has enhanced stability that reduces the
formation of precipitates in the concentrate if it is accidentally exposed
to cold temperatures during shipping and storage. It also provides better
process consistency, a cleaner working solution, and reduced foaming in
the tank solution. Replenishment rates are the
same as those for the current Kodak First Developer Replenisher, Process
E-6, but the new chemical reduces the chemical load in processing
effluents. First-developer effluent will have lower levels of chemical and
biological oxygen demand (COD and BOD), as well as reduced Total Dissolved
Solids (TDS), to benefit the environment. In
addition, clearly marked expiration dates on the packaging ensure the
highest possible quality of the concentrate you purchase. Because of significant changes in the formulation, you'll need to
use a new starter, Kodak Professional First Developer Starter, Process
E-6, to prepare a working tank solution from replenisher. However, it is
not necessary to replace your entire tank solution when you convert to the
new developer. You can use your remaining supply of Kodak First Developer
Replenisher, Process E-6, and then replenish the tank with the first
developer replenisher.