CROSS-PROCESSING

Cross-processing (also known as 'x-pro') is the procedure of deliberately processing one type of film in a

chemical solution intended for another type of film. As particular chemical solutions are optimized for

specific kinds of film, you will get unpredictable and interesting results when they are combined

differently.

Before anything else, let us tell you about the different chemicals used for the 2 most common types of

consumer film.

Colour negative film uses C-41 chemicals for

processing. You will get negatives as a result of this

type of processing.

Colour slide film (also known as 'reversal' or

'transparency' film) uses E-6 chemicals for processing.

You will get slides as a result of this type of

processing. Think of slides as the slides that your

grandparents used for slide projectors to bore

everyone with their photos from their last vacation!

Now comes the fun part. When you cross-process, you

use the chemicals for colour negative film with your

colour slide films, and vice-versa. So, when you cross-

process colour negative film you process it using E-6

chemicals. And when you cross-process Slide film you

process it using C-41 chemicals.

Cross-processing Colour negative film in slide film chemicals (E-6) generally yields soft, subtle and

grainy results. A little art-house, a little lo-fi, it's the intimate face of cross-processing. Each particular

film brand and emulsion will give different shifts in color, alternate levels of contrast, and disparate

proportions of sheer insanity. Browse through the dedicated film galleries for a small glimpse at the

signature looks and grand possibilities by brand. Here a few examples to give you an idea!

If you cross-process your slide film in C-41 chemicals, the results are shocking (in a good way!!). The

entire colour balance and contrast level of your images is thrown out of whack. Photos turn out saturated

or with high contrast and you might get all kinds of other unexpected results as well! Different slide films

have different characteristics when cross-processed. Some turn out more yellow or more green while

others turn purple or red. Here are a few examples of the results you can achieve with this kind of

cross-processing.

The best thing about cross processing is the element of surprise. Try as you may, it is nearly impossible

to predict exactly what effect cross processing will have on your images. But this is where the fun lies.

Every roll of film you develop is like a box of rabid hamsters. You never know what you're gonna get!

http://www.crossprocessing.info/