Cross processing E4 reversal film?

[Flighter]

I've a roll of Kodak Ektachrome X 64 ASA film with what looks like a 1974 expiry date. Based on what I can see on the web, it would require E4 processing, not E6 (not that I have E6 chemistry in any case). The film was brought for the film cassette (Mamiya 16) but it would be nice to use the film if possible. Any thoughts on what would be likely to give the least worst results, C41 or black & white (Caffenol) chemistry? Given the age and unknown storage history (but unlikely to have been frozen) I suspect that any results will be 'interesting' at best.

 

[StephenM]

If you process with C41 you probably won't get the correct colours (slight understatement) and even E4 would be interesting with different rates of deterioration for the three colour layers. On that basis, I'd go black and white.

Disclaimer - I've processed E4 and E6 films, and innumerable black and white ones, but never C41 nor have I used Caffenol.

On the other hand, if you can preserve the three colour layers with C41, you might be able to use that information by selecting different channels to recover something like the colours. Just a guess, never tried it.

 

[Asha]

I've a roll of Kodak Ektachrome X 64 ASA film with what looks like a 1974 expiry date. Based on what I can see on the web, it would require E4 processing, not E6 (not that I have E6 chemistry in any case). The film was brought for the film cassette (Mamiya 16) but it would be nice to use the film if possible. Any thoughts on what would be likely to give the least worst results, C41 or black & white (Caffenol) chemistry? Given the age and unknown storage history (but unlikely to have been frozen) I suspect that any results will be 'interesting' at best.

Stand develop in b&w chemistry 1:100 solution for an hour.

Contrast will be naff but some adjustments can be applied in pp.

 

[StephenM]

Or as an alternative (process) I'm pretty sure that I have the formulae for the chemicals required to process E4 films. Substitute formulae were frequently published in books and periodicals, You might not wish to take this route though

I've been half considering doing this myself for a while as I still have some IR Ektachrome left, which is E4 (and gives the magnificent false colours so useful for forestry work).

 

[StephenM]

Just in case you decide on a DIY approach, there is useful info here

E-4 processing

Hello, I just acquired some E-4 film, unknowingly. Is there any way to process it as intended? Rocky Mountain lab does it as a color negative. Does this mean that they just run it through a C-41 process? If it is done in C-41, do you need to overexpose like with E-6 in C-41?

www.photrio.com

Note the comments from poster Photo Engineer who as a former Kodak chemist and proof reader of Grant Haist's wonderful 2 vol set on processing is someone whose comments are worth considering. It may be that all you need is an E6 kit and a homebrew bleach. But I've only skimmed that thread.

 

[Flighter]

Thanks Stephen and Asha, I shall get reading - lots to consider!