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In September of 2015, I posted my first attempt at color film processing using our sous vide. Since that time, film processing with a sous vide is no longer a new thing, but to date, I have only processed color negative film with C-41 chemicals. With the discontinuation by Fuji of Velvia 100 to comply with new EPA regulations, my lab would no longer process my rolls of that film. I returned from a trip to Grenada and realized I had one roll of Velvia 100, so it is time to process that film. I purchased the Unicolor Rapid E-6 Processing Kit from the fine folks at the Film Photography Project, and started mixing it up. The kit indicates that you can reliably process up to 8 rolls of 135 (36 exposures), with modifications after each use on the processing time, although the life can be extended if the processing occurs shortly after the chemicals are mixed. It is also recommended to use collapsible bottles to extend the life of the chemicals. Given the cost of materials lately, it’s not inexpensive. I would rather use my lab and gain their expertise in processing and scanning, but with this film, I had no choice.
Mix up all your chemicals per the instructions included in the kit. Note that there are different water temperatures for each part. Once the chemicals are mixed, I put each bottle in a plastic bag, just to avoid ruining my sous vide in the event of a leak, and place them inside the water bin with the sous vide. I set the temperature for 100 degrees, and let it run for an hour to make sure that it had time to bring all the chemicals to temperature.
The beauty of the sous vide is that you can maintain the temperature of your chemicals which is essential for color film processing. I do not rely exclusively on the temperature setting on the sous vide, but instead take a reading from each chemical from the bottle to be as precise as possible.
Load your film into your processing tank and you’re ready to process.
With the chemicals at 100 degrees Fahrenheit, you pre-wash for 60 seconds, use the first developer for 6.5 minutes, wash, use the color developer for 4.5 minutes, wash again, Blix for 6.5 minutes, and then wash again for five minutes, agitating throughout.
I use the Anova Sous Vide that we purchased back in 2015. The new version has bluetooth and can be controlled by your phone. I am always thrilled to see images no matter how many times I do this, and it’s even more exciting with slide film.
After the film has dried, I scan using my Nikon Coolscan V LS-50 film scanner with VueScan software to scan the images. I purchased this scanner many years ago when it was new, and it has provided many years of reliable service without fail, scanning both slides and negatives.
As with anything involving chemicals, be careful, watch for spills, and heed all warning labels. Also, read through the Safety Data Sheet and other literature from Fujifilm as to their reasons for discontinuing Provia 100 and decide for yourself if you are comfortable with the risks and wish to proceed. I would not hesitate to develop color slide film again. I still prefer to have the lab do my scanning. I struggle to get everything just right, and it’s worth it to me to pay professionals, but in a pinch, I can do it myself.
