ingredients
1 flat-top thermometer1 clock with second hand
1 pair scissors1 clotheslline
1 hammer1 blow dryer
1 pair rubber glovesfor color: 1 Kodak Hobby Pak E6 Slide Kit
1 egg4 1-quart datatainers
1 measuring graduate for B/W: 1 Kodak TMAX Direct Positive Slide Kit
1 35mm 2-reel and/or 4-reel
stainless steel dev. tank
1 gallon fix
1 quart hypoclear
1 large, deep tray6 datatainers

both kits include simple instructions for mixing chemicals and producing "accurate ... high quality" images. the TMAX kit includes neither fix nor hypoclear. hypoclear, though not mentioned, should follow fix as it cuts wash time from 20 minutes to 4. the Hobby Pak will will only process Ektachrome supe 8 and VNF 16mm stocks (although exceptions are the rule! more later . . .)
are you hungry yet?! here's the basic methodology:

  1. follow kit instructions for mixing chemicals.
  2. in total darkness, hold film (if supe 8) cartridge at slight angle on edge against hard surface.
  3. strike with hammer from above on diagonally oppostie top edge. after 1 good crack, peel cartridge open by hand. you'll manage with no more than 3 good blows when ya get good.
  4. remove and completely unravel (important!) from cartridge or reel (if 16mm). briefly rinse with water (to facilitate chemical flow), bunch up and stuff entire mess into tank, and cover securely.
  5. follow kit instructions for processing.
  6. aster final washes, remove and dangle your tangles over clothesline, blow dry (not too hot or it'll curl) while gossiping with it about mainstream movies.
  7. attach tail leader. when just dry, find tail end which will read 'exposed', and begin spooling onto reel by hand. REMEMBER: if supe 8, sproket holes are closer to you when spooling from underneath reel left to right.
  8. attach head leader and project.

(now wasn't that yummy?)

--ken paul rosenthal3
CelluloidALL No.3