Can Kodak Flexicolor SM Tank Final Rinse be used as a stabilizer for C-41 film?

Asked 5/4/2020

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I’m processing C-41 color negative film with a Cinestill CS41 powder kit, which did not include a stabilizer. A previous Unicolor kit did include one. I already have Kodak Photo-Flo, but I’m not sure whether that is appropriate for color film or only for black-and-white. I found Kodak Flexicolor SM (C-41SM) Tank Final Rinse, which makes 5L of working solution. Is this suitable to use as the final rinse/stabilizer for modern C-41 film?

Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0

Photography Stack Exchange contributor

6y ago

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It will work just fine! Initially, C-41 film stabilizer was a surfactant (FhotoFlow) plus formaldehyde. The formaldehyde acted as a biocide to preserve the film from attracks by mold and other beasties. Secondly, the formaldehyde formed a peptide bond. Film uses a binder of gelatin to glue the light sensitive goodies and the dyes to the film base. Gelatin is an organic, made from animal bones and connective tissue. As such it is food for bacterium. The dyes are also organic, they are oily globules. Under the microscope, gelatin resembles spaghetti. The peptide tacks the spaghetti stands together at places where they overlap. This restrains the dyes preventing them from being mobile. As time passed, the formaldehyde was labeled a carcinogen. Color films were modified so that only a biocide plus surfactant did this trick. A modern C-41 rinse does this deed; it contains the surfactant plus a mild biocide similar to that found in antibiotic hand soap.

Originally by user44949. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0

user44949

6y ago

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Generated from our catalog & community — verify before relying on it.

Yes. Kodak Flexicolor SM Tank Final Rinse is appropriate for use as the final rinse/stabilizer step for C-41 film.

Historically, C-41 stabilizer contained both a wetting agent and formaldehyde. The formaldehyde helped protect the gelatin/dye layers and acted as a preservative. Modern C-41 films were redesigned so they no longer require the old formaldehyde-based stabilizer chemistry; a final rinse with the proper modern additive is what’s needed.

Photo-Flo is primarily a wetting agent. It can help with drying marks, but by itself it is not a full substitute for the intended C-41 final rinse/stabilizer product.

So if your kit omitted the stabilizer/final rinse, the Kodak Flexicolor SM product is a suitable choice for that step. Follow the product’s dilution and handling instructions exactly, and use it as the last step after washing.

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6y ago

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