E6 Slide Processing

Kim,

From the Flash Thread, you recently mentioned E6 Slide developing.

As I am whacking through roll after roll of print while simply testing out gear and saving virtually nothing, I'm concerned about my bank account and the environment.

I know, Guys - This is where Digital shines! Don't worry, I'll get there sooner than you think.

Meanwhile, Kim, tell me all about E6, please?

Thank's again

Hi Mac,

a quick Google came up with this http://www.code-a-text.co.uk/E6.aspx and there's loads more besides - might save Kim from lots of typing

Oops, that was me............dunno why I wasn't logged in

If you are testing gear, using E6-process slide film is not only the cheapest way to do it, but also probably the best. You will instantly see whether the cameras are under or over exposing, you will not lose any special effects or filter effects you apply because there is no automatic printing machine trying its best to remove anything non-standard.

In addition, if you take a stunning slide you will have just about the highest quality original you can get.

John,

I knew you were a slide fan - and I'm excited that you think this is a good way to go.

Thank's,

And Kimbo, many thank's for the link (from me and Kim C).

Off I go....

Cheers

Hi Mac and Kimbo,
Thanks for the link Kimbo, it does seem to answer the basic questions. The disadvantage of doing your own slides is that most of the kits are good for about 6-10 films but once mixed, don't last all that long. If you are doing lots of slides it is a cheap way to go but only if you do several films in one batch.

Most of my best work has been on slide. I have yet to get the same colour saturation and vivid detail elsewhere. This is especially true in air to air shots. Velvia is my prime choice here. The only thing I don't like it for is wildlife. You can get good calender trpes shots but I find Reala gives a much more natural look to enlargements.

As to testing, I try to buy in bulk and get short dated film. Hunt the web where you are. In the UK, 7dayshop quite often have good deals. They were clearing some bulk packs of Velvia 100F recently for just over £1 a roll. It only had a month on it but as long as you keep it refrigerated it will go on for a long time. Freeze it and it almost lasts forever! (defrost it slowly and in plenty of time though!) I tend to use this for testing cameras and lenses to check accuracy of focus, shutter timeing etc.

Regards
Kim

Have you tried (just for fun) getting your slide films procsessed in print film chemicals? try over exposing your slides about 2 stops, your "negatives" can then be printed, or mounted, or better yet scanned.
Not relevant to the thread in any way. I'm an "outside the box" thinker..."so far outside the box.." a good friend once told me,"...that you're way out in left field, with a spotting scope, looking at the box.".