A Comparison and Interchangeability Study Among the Ilford, Kodak, and Unicolor Color Transparency to Print Processes

Mitzi Swenson

This thesis has been withdrawn as it is a duplicate, the original can be found here:

https://commons.und.edu/theses/2608/

Abstract

The purpose of this research was to investigate and experiment with three selected processes that can be used to produce color prints directly from color transparencies.

This research included: (1) a review the processes available to produce color prints directly from color transparencies, (2) identify and select three processes for producing color prints directly from color transparencies, (3) to experiment with the selected processes used to produce color prints directly from color transparencies for a comparative analysis in terms of processing time, equipment needed, cost, necessary facilities, simplicity of processing, and final results of prints, and (4) to evaluate and compare the processes for the purpose of recommending those most adaptable in a situation where limited equipment and/or funding exists.

Methods: The research design was laboratory experimentation. The Ilford, Kodak, and Unicolor color transparency to print processes were experimented with to provide comparative data. The data was recorded on tables to compare the processes so that a determination can be made as to which process is most suitable to a given situation.

An interchangeability study was completed by using chemistry and paper from the different processes together to determine the results. A contamination study was also done to determine the effects on the prints if the developer(s) were contaminated.

Conclusions: The primary conclusions obtained from this research were: (1) the Ilford processes for producing color prints directly from color transparencies would be suitable where funding would be available for materials but equipment would be limited, (2) the Kodak process produced good results with a lower material cost if a relatively large quantity of prints are processed, but required a temperature control system, (3) the Ilford processing chemistries or printing material cannot be interchanged with the Kodak or Unicolor materials, (4) the effects of contaminating the developer(s) of each process can be readily seen, and (5) although the evaluation of color saturation of the Unicolor process was rated second, the color hue result was the lowest of all three and it cost more than Kodak materials in terms of processing chemistries.

Recommendations: It is recommended that: (1) the Ilford process be used where funding is available for materials but equipment is limited and simplicity of processing is important (2) the Kodak process be used where a temperature control system is available and a large quantity of prints are to be made, and (3) further research with the Unicolor process be completed under more controlled conditions.