E6 slide film processing is a method used to develop color transparency film, which produces positive transparencies that can be viewed by projecting light through them. The E6 process uses a series of chemical baths to develop the film and create the final image. The steps involved in E6 film processing include:
- Pre-treatment: The film is loaded into a reel and placed in a chemical bath to remove residual processing chemicals from previous development.
- First Developer: The film is then placed in a tank with the first developer solution, which activates the light-sensitive silver halide crystals in the film and begins the image formation process.
- Stop Bath: After the first developer, the film is placed in a stop bath solution, which halts the action of the first developer and prevents over-development.
- Second Developer: Next, the film is placed in a tank with the second developer solution, which further develops the image and determines the final color balance of the film.
- Fixer: After the second developer, the film is placed in a fixer solution, which removes the undeveloped silver halide crystals and makes the image permanent.
- Wash: The film is then washed in water to remove any remaining processing chemicals and to prepare the film for drying.
- Drying: The film is then hung to air dry or placed in a movie drier to remove any moisture. The final step is to cut the film into individual frames and mount the slides in protective holders for storage and viewing.
Mistakes can happen while filming!
The annoyance of mistakes is an inevitable aspect of photography. There will come a time when we are prone to making mistakes and then get back a roll that does not meet our expectations or is blank. This Halloween is a good time to look at the most commonly made (and frustrating) mistakes when taking photos with film.
Rewinding the film in error before you’ve completed the film
You’re walking around with your favorite point-and-shoot and have only taken about 10 pictures after you accidentally click the rewind button. Your movie returns to the canister.
In the beginning, you’ll need to wrestle the leader out (if you decide to bring it back and we’ll help you), But then you’ll face the ever-disappointing dilemma. Do you take a shot over the images you’ve already shot and then utilize the rest of the roll? Or do you give up the remaining photos and develop them because you’re not done with the registration?