Reversal
Processing Super 8mm Film
Video of hand developed Super 8mm Film created using the recipe below ↠↠↠
Recipe for Kodak Tri-X Super 8mm
This recipe involves mixing raw chemicals from scratch and is adapted from a technique for reversal processing T-MAX 35mm negatives, first developed by Hans F. Dietrich, originally published in the March/April 1988 issue of Darkroom Techniques; and now published/produced by Photographers Formulary Ltd.
Dangerous chemicals (use at your own risk):
METOL: Some individuals become sensitized (develop allergic symptoms or rashes) when using Metol read the warning label on this package of chemicals.
HYDROQUINONE: This chemical is toxic, a skin and eye irritant and may damage lungs. Please read the chemical warning
SODIUM THIOSULFATE PENTA: The dust from this chemical can cause irritation to the eyes, skin and lungs. Prolonged skin contact with a solution containing this chemical may cause skin burns. Read the warning labels.
POTASSIUM PERMANGANATE: Prolonged inhalation of dust can lead to magnesium poisoning. This chemical may also irritate eyes and skin.
Consult with local sewer and water authorities regarding proper disposal of darkroom chemicals in your area.
Ingredients & equipment:
Equipment:
-
Hammer
-
Flathead screwdriver
-
Timer
-
35mm Daylight developing tank (of at least 500ml capacity)
-
150w light bulb lamp
-
2 x Buckets
-
Plastic Tray (at least 11x14")
-
Laboratory Scales
-
Makeshift washing line and wooden clothes pegs for drying 50ft film
-
1 x 2ltr bottle (light resistant & preferable glass)
-
1 x 1ltr bottle (light resistant & preferable glass)
-
3 x 1lre glass bottles (clear or dark)
-
1 Roll of shot Super 8mm Film.
Safety Gear:
-
Splash proof apron
-
Safety goggles
-
Chemical face mask
-
Rubber Gloves
-
Waterproof boots
Chemicals:
-
Potassium bromide
-
Potassium Permanganate
-
Metol
-
Sodium Sulfite (anhydrous)
-
Hydroquinone
-
Sodium Carbonate (mono)
-
Sodium Thiosulfate (penta)
-
Sodium Bisulfate
-
Sodium Metabisulfite
-
Forma-Flo
-
Kodak Indicator Stop diluted 1:64
-
Edwal Quick Fix diluted 1:7 with anti-scratch hardener
-
Distilled Water (6ltrs)
Mixing the working Solutions:
First Developer:
-
Distilled water 2 litres
-
Metol 4 g
-
Sodium Sulfite (anhydrous) 200 g
-
Hydroquinone 10 g
-
Sodium Carbonate (mono.) 120 g
-
Sodium Thiosulfate (penta) 32 g
-
Potassium bromide 8 g
Place 1450 ml warm water (120°F/50°C) in the storage container. Add a pinch of sodium sulfite; this amount retards the initial oxidation of the metol. If more sulfite is added at this point the metol will not dissolve. Add the metol then stir (or cap and shake the container) until all of the metol dissolves. Next add the remaining sodium sulfite and stir until dissolved. Add each of the remaining chemicals in the order shown, dissolving each one completely before adding the next one. Finally add cold water to bring the final volume up to 2000 ml. Be sure to stir the solution after adding the final portion of water to ensure that it is homogenous.
Second Developer
-
Distilled water 1 liter
-
Metol 3.1 g
-
Sodium Sulfite (anhydrous) 45 g
-
Hydroquinone 12 g
-
Sodium Carbonate (mono.) 67.5 g
-
Potassium bromide 1.9 g
Place 750 ml warm water (120°F/50°C) in the storage container. Add a pinch of sodium; this amount retards the initial oxidation of the metol. If more sulfite is added at this point the metol will not dissolve. Add the metol then stir (or cap and shake the container) until all of the metol dissolves Next add the remaining sodium sulfite and stir until dissolved. Add each of the remaining chemicals in the order shown, dissolving each one completely before adding the next one. Finally add cold water to bring the final volume up to 1000 ml. Be sure to stir the solution.
Permanganate Bleach
You'll need two 1 litre bottles to store the beach.
Solution A
-
Potassium Permanganate 4 g
-
Water to make (Distilled) 1 liter
Solution B
-
Sodium Bisulfate 34.5 g
-
Water to make (Distilled) 1 liter
It's best to use distilled water since this bleach must not be contaminated by chlorine or bromine. For use, mix one part A to one part B. Both stock solutions are stable for a long time if unmixed. This bleach is 'One Shot' so DISCARD after bleaching one roll of film; NEVER REUSE PERMANGANATE BLEACH.
Metabisulfite Clearing Bath
You will need one bottle with a capacity of 1 litre for this clearing bath solution.
Metabisulfite 30 g
Water to make 1 liter
This is a special clearing bath formula to be used with the permanganate bleach. Always use the metabisulfite clearing bath only with the permanganate bleach. Discard after clearing 8 cartidges of tri-X super 8mm.
The Developing Process
Loading the tank
1)
Taking the hammer, flathead screwdriver, Super 8mm cartridge, and developing tank: secure yourself in the darkroom, a closet can also be used so long as it is completely light tight (if unsure wait in the dark for 5-10 mins with a roll of black duck tape to block out any light as it appears). IMPORTANT NOTES: Because of the light sensitivity of Super8mm film no darkroom safelight can be used, the room must be pitch-black.
2)
In darkroom: kneel down, place cartridge on its side on the floor secured in between your knees. Place the head of the screwdriver on the top side against the inside of the outer wall of the cartridge. Being careful not to damage any of the film inside (or hurt yourself!), hit the top of the screwdriver with hammer firmly but gently until the screw driver enters the cartridge. Work the screwdriver around the casing attempting to pry it open by removing the plastic side - this is done in a manner not dissimilar to opening an oyster.
3)
Once the film is loose from the cartridge place the film inside the developing tank and secure the lid. IMPORTANT NOTES: a) Care should be taken to make sure all the film is unravelled from itself as any still coiled won't be reached by the developer (all 50ft of it - this can be difficult!) b) at the same time be careful not to over-handle the film by crushing, ripping, or scratching it as you will loose footage, c) when fastening the lid of tank make sure no film gets caught.
The Chemical Process
(following steps to be done with film in light proof tank)
4)
First Developer:
Undiluted 500 ml, 10 minutes 68°F (20c). Every minute rotate the tank upside down 4 times.
5)
Empty developer & water rinse at room temperature for one minute.
6)
Permanganate Bleach:
Mix 250ml solution A to 250ml solution B (to make 500ml). Bleach for 5 minutes using freshly mixed solution for each roll of film.
7)
Empty and rinse in water for three minutes. IMPORTANT NOTES: The film is incredibly fragile at this stage so keep the tap on a very gentle flow that's not blasting directly into the tank, once filled stop the tap and gently agitate before discarding. Otherwise you'll have to sadly watch as the film emulsion washes away (I have done this!).
8)
Metabisulfite Clearing Bath:
For 3 minutes - for the first 10 seconds of every minute rotate the tank upside down 4 times.
9)
Forma Flo
Empty, then add 4-6 drops of undiluted Forma-Flo to tank, fill rest of tank up with water at room temperature, rinse for 1 minute with agitation. Then rinse in water for 5 minutes.
10)
(following step done in a darkroom under a red safelight)
Remove the film from developing tank and place inside plastic tray ensuring the film is spread out, place plastic tray underneath 150-watt lamp (the bulb should be positioned roughly 1ft above tray)
Turn on lamp and re-expose the film for 2 minute, whilst this is happening gently turn the film ensuring even light exposure to all sides and taking care not to block the light with your hands (this stage is a bit like how you would mix homemade spaghetti in flour or dress a salad!).
11)
Second Developer
Diluted 1:2 (1 part developer 2 parts tap water)
68° F (20c)
For 3 minutes without agitation. One shot.
12)
Kodak Indicator Stop Bath
500ml
Pour away developer.
Kodak indicator Stop bath concentrate:
Diluted: 1:64
(1 part concentrate with 64 parts tap water)
30 seconds - very gentle agitation. Can be re-used.
13)
Edwal Quick Fix & Hardener
Diluted: 1:7 (1 part concentrate to 7 parts tap water)
with hardener 1:7
(e.g 1 part hardener to 7 parts diluted quick fix)
3 mins - very gentle agitation. See bottle instructions for re-use.
14)
Pour away hardener, add 4 drops formal-flo and fill tank. 1 minute with gentle agitation.
Rinse with flowing tap.
15)
Use clothes pegs to hang film from washing line overnight (this can be done inside or outside depending on chances of storms).
