Monobath

Stephen L

Stephen L

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Any comments, experiences, etc on the use of monobath chemicals for film processing? Thinking of getting back into film developing after 40 years, and simplicity calls.
 
Stephen L said:
Any comments, experiences, etc on the use of monobath chemicals for film processing? Thinking of getting back into film developing after 40 years, and simplicity calls.
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Yes, works very well, and a good way to get back into it. Bellini, I'll get a link


ntphotoworks.com

Bellini FX6a Monobath Black & White Developer & Fix in a Single 1lt Bottle! - Nik & Trick Photo Services

Bellini FX6a Monobath is a reusable b&w film developer and fixl in a single bath. Reviews keep telling us that it is the best monobath around
ntphotoworks.com ntphotoworks.com
 
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Stephen L said:
That’s the one I had my eye on.
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We are using all their chemistry now, and very happy with it.
Their customer service is great (Bellini's) send them a question and you quickly get an answer.

Their Hydrophen gives very nice results on FP4 and FP5, also on Kentmere and Fomapan, very happy with it.

We don't use a stop bath (5 water washes) , and use a home made final wash.

On the monobathm we just put one stroke with a permanent marker on the bottle for 35mm and two for 120, but we went to 22 on the first litre, then chucked it out just in case :)
 
Sangoma said:
We are using all their chemistry now, and very happy with it.
Their customer service is great (Bellini's) send them a question and you quickly get an answer.

Their Hydrophen gives very nice results on FP4 and FP5, also on Kentmere and Fomapan, very happy with it.

We don't use a stop bath (5 water washes) , and use a home made final wash.

On the monobathm we just put one stroke with a permanent marker on the bottle for 35mm and two for 120, but we went to 22 on the first litre, then chucked it out just in case :)
Click to expand...
Thanks - I will be using Fomapan and Kentmere films also. I’m still debating whether to go monobath or conventional, and intend to get my chemicals from Nik and Tricks, so it will likely be Bellini.
 
Stephen L said:
Thanks - I will be using Fomapan and Kentmere films also. I’m still debating whether to go monobath or conventional, and intend to get my chemicals from Nik and Tricks, so it will likely be Bellini.
Click to expand...

My daughter had the same decision, and my answer was to use the monobath when you wanted quick convenience, and conventional otherwise, AFTER you have remembered to expose for the shadows, remembered to focus, remembered to hold it still or use a tripod and remote cable, remembered to compose nicely etc. May all seem obvious and simple, but after using modern camras (sp intentional) they are points that do come up.

On the other hand, there is only 5-10 minutes difference between the two methods.

My son (12) will be using mono until the process has become second nature to him, he has chosen a FED4 as his film camra (he could have had a Pentax or Canon with P mode), and is determined to learn from the start.
The two of them have brought me back to it, so all enjoying the learning experience :)

We have found Kentmere to be the most "predictable" and pleasing so far.
 
Sangoma said:
My daughter had the same decision, and my answer was to use the monobath when you wanted quick convenience, and conventional otherwise, AFTER you have remembered to expose for the shadows, remembered to focus, remembered to hold it still or use a tripod and remote cable, remembered to compose nicely etc. May all seem obvious and simple, but after using modern camras (sp intentional) they are points that do come up.

On the other hand, there is only 5-10 minutes difference between the two methods.

My son (12) will be using mono until the process has become second nature to him, he has chosen a FED4 as his film camra (he could have had a Pentax or Canon with P mode), and is determined to learn from the start.
The two of them have brought me back to it, so all enjoying the learning experience :)

We have found Kentmere to be the most "predictable" and pleasing so far.
Click to expand...
All valid points. I have been dabbling again in film cameras for a few years - I went digital back in 1999 after using film since about 1960! Between 1964 and about 1980 I often processed the film myself - both mono and colour, and even printed colour. But now that I've dusted off my Rollei 35LED (still with a working meter) and having just taken delivery of a mint(ish) Kiev 4 - minus its take-up spool - I feel the need to do some more film work. I've sourced a replacement take-up spool from the Ukraine which should be coming in the next week or so, so here goes!
 
Anyone find the films are sometimes a bit slimey/sticky after using the Bellini monobath?
It's good stuff though. I initially only bought it to see what it was like, but I think I might stay with it in future.
Have to say I do miss doing all the seperate stages. It felt more proper.
I'm up to film 19 at the moment. I'm going to see how far I can stretch it out :eek:
 
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garry71 said:
Anyone find the films are sometimes a bit slimey/sticky after using the Bellini monobath?
It's good stuff though. I initially only bought it to see what it was like, but I think I might stay with it in future.
Have to say I do miss doing all the seperate stages. It felt more proper.
I'm up to film 19 at the moment. I'm going to see how far I can stretch it out :eek:
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It occurs to me, when approaching exhaustion does a monobath start to loose the ability develop or 'fix' first, this may have implication as to how you determine just how far you can stretch it out.
 
zx9 said:
It occurs to me, when approaching exhaustion does a monobath start to loose the ability develop or 'fix' first, this may have implication as to how you determine just how far you can stretch it out.
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I'm hoping they would be evenly matched. It'll be interesting to find out, though.
 
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garry71 said:
Anyone find the films are sometimes a bit slimey/sticky after using the Bellini monobath?
It's good stuff though. I initially only bought it to see what it was like, but I think I might stay with it in future.
Have to say I do miss doing all the seperate stages. It felt more proper.
I'm up to film 19 at the moment. I'm going to see how far I can stretch it out :eek:
Click to expand...
Haven't noticed that.
Though we do do 5 water washes and a final wash with wetting agent, that may disguise it.

It does give very good results though, certainly not poor quality, I think quite suitable for general use.
 
I've chickened out - my first lot of films at least will be in "conventional" chemicals. Call it old-fashioned scepticism. I'm still interested in hearing experiences, good or bad, though.
 
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