Carl Follstad 
, Sep 07, 2010; 11:35 p.m.
Hello.
I decided to try my hand at E6 home slide development and, of course, searched the PN archives to learn a bit about it before posting my questions. I got quite an education and am a bit disappointed by what I discovered.
First, I saw a recent posting saying the Kodak 5L kit was now discontinued. Unfortunately, the only other E6 kit I've found while patrolling Freestyle and other sites was the Arista 3 bath kit, which most people have made some disparaging comments about.
So ... Kodak kit is bye-bye and Arista's is not so good. Does that sum it up? Sounds like I should stick to B&W ...
Are there other options for E6?
Thanks.
Juergen Sattleru 
, Sep 08, 2010; 01:28 a.m.
You can always buy the individual chems for Kodak's E6 process - the issue is quantity and storage.
Larry Dressler 
, Sep 08, 2010; 06:25 a.m.
Well I think Rollei has a new kit out now for E6 I have not tried it yet but it is on my bucket list for this winter.
Kodak kits are still around and the 5L kit is still under 60 bucks.
http://www.calumetphoto.com/item/KP02680/
Carl Follstad , Sep 08, 2010; 07:34 a.m.
Larry brings up a good point. I had seen the kits at Calumet and was wondering how long you can store OPENED bottles of the concentrated chemicals. The Kodak data sheet specifies lifetimes (1-4 weeks, depending) for mixed chemicals but I didn't see anything listed for "shelf" storage of unopened and opened chemicals, in their unmixed form. I'd love to buy one of the remaining Kodak kits, but it might take me 6 months to use it up. I don't want to waste it -- not for $60. Thanks.
Larry Dressler , Sep 08, 2010; 07:38 a.m.
Mixing from Syrup/concentrate I bet if you did the boiled marbles or canned air thing should extend them just like it does with many chemicals.. Oxygen and light are what destroy solutions...
I may just order one as I can't afford to lose 60 bucks but I can afford to make a 5Lt kit last longer than even the Aristia kit advertises to last.
Jerry Thirsty , Sep 08, 2010; 07:49 a.m.
The Kodak kit is supposedly good for about 18 months after manufacture. There should be an expiration date printed on the box, but it's never been clear to me whether that's a "Sell By" date or a drop dead date. I've used them up to a year after that date without blatant problems. Before recapping the concentrate bottles try to displace the air inside (I give a squirt from a can of dust remover).
Robert Vonk , Sep 13, 2010; 08:55 a.m.
The problem with E-6 chemicals is that they need to be packed under inert gas. When the seal is broken it starts to oxidize.
In this way C41 is less critical and can be simply repacked. The Rollei Digibase is a C41 kit, not E-6. The kit has been made from Fuji Hunt chemicals and they are pretty good.
Apart from Kodak you can use the Tetenal E-6 chemicals.
