Process
The C-41 process is the same for all C-41 films, although different manufacturers' processing chemistries vary slightly.
After exposure, the film is developed in a "color developer". The developing ingredient is a paraphenylene diamine-based chemical known as CD-4. The developer develops the silver in the emulsion layers. As the silver is developing, oxidized developer reacts with the dye couplers, resulting in formation of dyes.
The control of temperature and agitation of the film in the developer is critical in obtaining consistent, accurate results. Incorrect temperature can result in severe color shifts or significant under- or overdevelopment of the film.
After the developer, a bleach removes the metallic silver generated by development. After the bleach, a fixer removes the unexposed undeveloped silver halide. This is followed by a wash, and a final stabilizer and rinse to complete the process.
There are simplified versions of the process that use a combined bleach-fix that dissolves the silver generated by development and removes undeveloped silver halide. These are not used by commercial C-41 processors, and are marketed for home or field use.
Read more about this topic: C-41 Process
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