Negacolor C-41 Developer - Confusing mixing instructions

[michael_ginex1]

I've been using Fuji's Negacolor C-41 Developer at 80ml part A, 10ml

part B, 10ml part C + 900ml H2O, to make one liter of developer as

instructed by the supplier, and it works great as a one shot

developer.I get about three or four rolls of 135-36 film per liter of

this mix. However, I visited the Fuji-Hunt website's spec sheet and

there are two different mixing instructions. One is for "Replenisher"

and the other for "Working Tank". The Working Tank mix requires a

developer "starter" combined with "replenisher" plus additional

water. Does anybody know what the reasoning is behind the differences

between the two mixing instructions? Why do they refer to what I have

been using as my "developer" as "replenisher" and if the "Working

Tank" requires dilution and a catalyst (starter) then why not just

say "add more water" and "add a starter" to the "developer".

Seems to me THAT'S pretty clear.

[john_shriver]

Ignore all the working tank and replenisher instructions if you're going one shot. Going replenished with C-41 developer is a whole other world. You need to be using large tanks for that (roller transport, leader card, or dip and dunk). Home users don't develop enough film to cost-effectively keep a replenished C-41 process in control.

[michael_ginex1]

Just spoke to "Bill" at Fuji-Hunt. He said they are aware of the confusion over there and are considering making changes to the mixing instructions. That's good to hear. With regard to the starter, it is used in working tank setups when they empty the tanks completely and refill with a fresh batch of chemistry. Since there is no film in the system, the developer's activity has to be diminished in order to compensate, otherwise it would be too concentrated. Thats what the added water and starter does.

Thanks for the reply.