Color Transparency Print Process R-3 and R-3000
Go To:
Process Times for R-3000 or R-3
Process Sequence for R-3000 or R-3
Process Information for R-3000 or R-3
Process Times for R-3000 or R-3
Recommended Process Times for Kodak R-3000:
Making prints from transparencies (slides) using papers manufactured by Kodak, Fuji, and others.
- Rotation Speed (with reversing directions) 'P'/75 for 1500 and 2800 drums, '4'/50 for 3000 drums
- Temperature 34°C (93°F)
- Pre-Rinse 0:30
- First Developer 1:50
- Rinse 2:00 (4x 0:30)
- Color Developer 3:15
- Rinse 1:00 (2x 0:30)
- Bleach-Fix 2:30
- Final Rinse 2:30 (5x 0:30)
- Dry As needed
Recommended Process Times for Tetenal Mono R 3:
Making prints from transparencies (slides) using papers manufactured by Kodak, Fuji, and others.
- Rotation Speed (with reversing directions) 'P'/75 for 1500 and 2800 drums, '4'/50 for 3000 drums
- Temperature 20°C (68°F)
- Pre-Rinse 0:30
- First Developer 2:10
- Rinse 0:30 (Minimum)
- Color Developer 3:50
- Rinse 0:30
- Bleach-Fix 1:00
- Final Rinse 3:00 (6x 0:30)
- Dry As needed.
Process Sequence for R-3000 or R-3
Pre-Rinse
The drum and paper are brought to the process temperature. The emulsion is completely soaked with water.First Developer
In the first developer the exposed silver halides of the paper coating are reduced to metallic silver. The first developer represents the most critical phase of the process. Time, temperature, and agitation, as well as storage of the working solutions affects density, contrast, maximum density, and fog.Rinse
This rinse quickly interrupts the development and prevents the first developer from contaminating the color developer. Insufficient first rinse can lead to changes in density as well as color.Reversal Exposure
This step is used only when the color developer does not contain a self-fogging agent for reversing the image. The unexposed and undeveloped silver salts are exposed to light so the color developer can develop them.Color Developer
In this processing step the remaining silver salt is converted to metallic silver. The color developing substances react with the film's color couplers and dyes. Changes in the color developer step affect color balance, contrast, minimum and maximum density, and evenness of the development. A reversal agent is usually contained in the color developer.Rinse
This rinse removes the color developer and should be continued for at least 1 minute (2 changes of water, each lasting about 30 seconds).Bleach-Fix
In the bleach-fix, the metallic silver is transformed to silver halide and is removed.Last Rinse
The last rinse removes the remaining chemicals and should be continued for at least 2 minutes (4 changes of water, each lasting about 30 seconds.)Dry
As needed.
Process Information for R-3000 or R-3
Except for the pre-rinse, the numbers of changes of water are important. Change the rinse water completely every thirty seconds during the other rinses.
It is good practice to be consistent in processing procedures. However, it may be useful to know that with the exception of the developers, all steps in the R-3 or R-3000 process are 'taken to completion.' That is, once the action of the chemical or rinse has done what it is supposed to (had its effect), further time in the bath or rinse will have no additional benefit or harm. If you are to err in the timing of the process steps other than the developers, it is safer to go longer, not shorter. Be aware however, that very long (over 20 minutes) immersion times in any solution or water could cause frilling or discoloration at the edge of the paper and other problems, and should be avoided.
The R-3 and R-3000 type processes are direct positive color print processes. The color developer will only work properly in redeveloping the parts of the print not exposed initially under the enlarger, when the paper has been 'fogged' or re-exposed to light after the first developer and rinse. Most R-3000 type chemicals have an integrated fogging agent that does this automatically (chemically, without any actual exposure to light) while the print is in the color developer. Kodak R-3000 does contain a reversing agent in the color developer. Kodak R-3 does not have a reversing agent in the color developer. Tetenal Mono R gives you the option of mixing a reversing agent into the color developer or excluding it. You may use a reversal exposure with a process using a color developer that has a reversing agent in it, but it is not necessary.
As with all color prints, do not attempt to make any judgment of the colors while the print is wet. Color can only be judged correctly when the print is dry.
With R-3000 type processes, no chemicals are used that would require more solution quantity than that printed on the drum. You can safely use the quantity printed on your JOBO Drum.
All modern color process bleach or bleach-fix chemical (with the exception of Ilfochrome bleach) requires oxygenation (exposure to oxygen) to perform its function properly and completely. Unlike developer or other chemistries, you should intentionally introduce air (with its oxygen) to the bleach or bleach-fix. Oxygenation is most easily accomplished while diluting the stock solution. Place the bleach or bleach-fix in a larger (about twice the volume of the mixed solution) sealable container. Seal the container and shake vigorously for about thirty seconds. For situations where this procedure is not practical, an inexpensive aquarium 'bubbler' may be used to aerate the solution. Leave the bubbler on for about a half hour. If the bleach or bleach-fix has not been aerated for a week or longer, repeat the procedure before using the chemical.
Be sure to complete the rinse after the first developer. Remove the drum from the processor. Open the lid of the drum. Hold the drum so that the room lighting completely illuminates the print(s) in the drum. You may need to move the drum around so that all parts are completely exposed. It should not be necessary to remove the paper from the drum. With normal room illumination the time required to completely fog the paper is about fifteen seconds to one minute. As long as the minimum level of exposure has been achieved, any additional light will not harm the procedure. You cannot over re-expose the paper. A lamp may be used to more quickly fog the paper. If a lamp is used, be sure to arrange positioning of lamp and drum so that there is no chance of water splashing or dripping on the bulb or electrical equipment! After the re-exposure, reseal the lid of the drum. Place the drum back on the processor. Pour tempered water into the drum, using the same procedure and time as a pre-rinse. Drain the water and pour in the color developer. Continue the process as outlined above in the appropriate process procedure.
