RA-4 (color prints from negatives) is likely to be around for a while. There is a large established base of major users: WalMart and most drug store chains. The process is not difficult. In my opinion, the toughest part is the actual processing, and if you pick up a roller-transport machine, that makes it easy: insert the exposed paper, and in about 3-5minutes, out comes a dry finished print. I've never used tube type processing, but I understand that if you have multiple tubes/tanks, it's also pretty easy. I use Trebla brand chemicals- they are cheaper than Kodak, they keep longer, and are not hazmat. They are not available in small quantities; minimum is concentrate to make 25 gallons, but you can mix partial quantities.
Printing isn't difficult either, if you have a set of viewing filters. Make a test print just like in B&W printing and determine the exposure time. Once you have the correct density, then (and only then!) you adjust the color. Usually, my second test print gives me the correct exposure and color balance.
BTW, I'm looking to replace my processor. If anyone knows of an available 30" wide (minimum) roller transport processor, preferably close to SW Indiana, please let me know!
Also, if anyone wants to discuss/ask questions about RA4, I'd be glad to respond.
Ken Hart kwhart1@xxxxxxxxxxx
Hi Snoopy,After many years of B&W only printing, I made my first color prints this year. Very satisfying and easier than expected. I found much good advice on the APUG Color forum.I think there used to be a companion list (called Chroma?) to pure-silver for color work, but I never subscribed and think it may be defunct.--Ben ----- Original Message ----- From: "Snoopy" <snoopy@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx> To: pure-silver@xxxxxxxxxxxxx Sent: Friday, January 16, 2009 10:53:50 AM GMT -05:00 US/Canada Eastern Subject: [pure-silver] Re: Ilfochrome Dear Elias, Elias Roustom wrote:I'll have no trouble getting RA4 process materials - maybe we can start a new thread on reversal printing with negative paper.Life is full of coincidences: I just today picked up a used colour processing machine becuase I have decided to do my own colour prints this year. I had a few "digitally optimised photo lab desasters" last year, including one where they cut the film wrongly and gave me ninestrips of 4 negs, where the front and end negative were cut in the MIDDLE!!Enough is enough, quoth the BEagle plus the colours etc. came out crap. So I am now going to try this myself. At least then I know whose butt to kick, when things go wrong. I do not know if any others on the list are interested in the subject and if we should keep this on pure-silver or set up a new list or just mail off list. Any others on puer-silver who do prints from colour negatives and can give some advice ? Anyone interested ? Love, Snoopy -- "Ceterum censeo, digitalem esse delendam"
============================================================================================================= To unsubscribe from this list, go to www.freelists.org and logon to your account (the same e-mail address and password you set-up when you subscribed,) and unsubscribe from there.
