Re: cross processing for 35mm
Jack Fulton (jfulton@itsa.ucsf.edu)
Thu, 24 Oct 1996 09:40:42 +0000
Paul
Depends upon what you think "alternative" means. Certainly if the list
doesn't appear to discuss alternative work, bring that into the
discussion (as you have) ... for sure, the folks on here aint yer
ordinary batch.
But, about cross-processing..............color photography is just as
flexible in terms of chemical manipulations and incorrect useage as is
B/W. One thing many people do here is to use a contrasty film (lith
material) and develop it in non-contrasty developer (dilute D72). Cross
processed color is kind of oppostie that in the sense one is taking a
film capable of rich tonal values (slides, transparency or dia-positive)
and developing it in harsher chemistry (C41).
All color slide film (E6) can be developed in color negative chemistry
(C41) except for Kodachrome.
The film you use will dictate the ISO you'll use. Normally one would
take a film of 'X' ISO and double or triple it's speed and develop it in
C41. Cross processing means you are using the oppostie chemistry. A
harsher, more contrasty look is achieved. Colors sometimes become
aberrant and don't hold normal hue values. Like, for instance, skin
tone, rocks and sky...you could print for the skin but the rocks
(somewhat white we'll say) could have an abnormal yellow-green tone and
the sky could hold a reddish blue (magenta) value. So cross processing
sometimes leads to the layers of the film developing chromogenically
incorrect color hues and when you print them it is impossible to
correct.
This is one of the most endearing aspects of the process in that one
cannot control it like normal stuff. The capacity for being 'out of
control' attracts to hip group who may dis normal as passe.
One of the way most bad cool tricks is to use color Infrared, an E4
film, and process it @ lowered temps and make prints that way. Use a
Wratten 25 filter for best results. Try 300 ISO.
Best
Jack