Processing KODAK Aerial Film in
Rewind Equipment and Spiral Reels
TECHNICAL DATA / CHEMICALBLACK-AND-WHITE REWIND PROCESSING
Most Kodak black-and-white aerial films have been
designed both physically and sensitometrically to beprocessed in roller-transport processors. However,satisfactory results for some applications may be achievedby the use of rewind-processing equipment such as theGordon/Morse M-10 Developing Outfit (Military
Designator: B-5).

KODAK Films
Starting-point development recommendations areprovided for the following films:
KODAK DOUBLE-X AEROGRAPHIC Film 2405
KODAK PANATOMIC-X AEROGRAPHIC II Film 2412
KODAK PLUS-X AEROGRAPHIC Film 2402
KODAK TRI-X AEROGRAPHIC Film 2403
KODAK Infrared AEROGRAPHIC Film 2424

KODAK Chemicals for Rewind Processing
Choice of developer may depend upon desired gamma;
refer to the sensitometric data listed in the tables under“Development.”
KODAK Developer DK-50, or others such as KODAK
HC-110 Developer (Dilution A) and KODAK Developer
D-19
KODAK Indicator Stop Bath *KODAK Rapid Fixer or KODAK Fixer
KODAK Hypo Clearing Agent **KODAK PHOTO-FLO Solution* A suitable stop bath can be made using 125 mL/L of
KODAK 28% Acetic Acid.
** Can be used to reduce washing time and conserve
water.

Agitation:
The film must be agitated by continuously winding it fromone reel to the other while it is in each of the solutions andeach time it is washed or rinsed.

Draining the Reel:
Before advancing the reel assembly from one solution toanother, perform the following operation:
Lift the reel assembly out of the solution, turn the reel
until the film is taut, and then tip the entire assembly over
far enough (more than 90 degrees) to permit any solution©Eastman Kodak Company, 2010

March 2010 • TI-2005
held in the pockets within the film convolutions or reelmechanism to run out. Hold the film and reel in thisposition for approximately 10 seconds in order to drain out
most of the solution.

Timing or Counting:
The timing or counting of each step begins after the film isplaced in the solution and wound from one reel to the otherso that the film will be uniformly wet with solution before
timing begins.

BLACK-AND-WHITE REWIND PROCESSING
STEPS
Choice of developer may depend upon desired gamma;
refer to the sensitometric data listed in the tables under“Development.”
For best results, keep the temperature of all solutions as
close to the developer temperature as possible.
Note: A “pass” means winding the film from one reelcompletely onto the other reel. A “cycle” means winding
the film from one reel completely onto the other reel andthen rewinding the film back onto the first reel. If at the endof the recommended time a pass is incomplete, finish thepass in progress before proceeding to the next solution.

Prewet—Important:
Both surfaces of the film must be thoroughly wet before
actual processing begins. This is accomplished by winding
the film through a tempered water bath. The prewet
prevents wrap-to-wrap sticking and helps to eliminate
developer streaks on films processed in rewind equipment.
A suggested procedure is as follows:
1. In total darkness, wind the film (emulsion side out)
from the camera spool onto one of the processor
reels. Attach the tail of the film securely to the otherprocessor reel, as required for rewinding.
2. With the reels horizontal and the empty reel at thebottom, lower the processor assembly into a washtank full of water at 68° F (20° C), until the empty reelis totally submerged. Do not allow the upper reel andthe film to become wet. It may be necessary to devise
some means for holding the processor assembly inthis position.
3. With constant speed, slowly wind the film completely
onto the submerged reel. Lift the processor out of thetank and place it in its normal operating position, withboth reels vertical and totally submerged in water.

Development:

4. Rewind the film, again at constant speed, onto theother reel. This will provide uniform and thoroughwetting of the film.

Make one complete pass of the film in the developer; thenstart the timer and develop for the time indicated.
If a pass is incomplete at the end of the recommended
time, finish the pass.

5. Place the motor in position, lift the processor out of
the tank, and let the water drain from the processor
reels and film.

KODAK DOUBLE-X AEROGRAPHIC Film 2405
KODAK Developer

Temp F (C)Film Length (Feet)

Dev Time (Min)

CyclesApprox Gamma

ISO A

D-min

DK-50

68 (20)68 (20)68 (20)75 (24)

75
125
250
125

15
10
20
10

8
4
4
4

1.2
1.0
1.0
1.0

250
250
250
320

-0.12
0.16
0.11

D-19

68 (20)

125

10

4

1.4

500

0.13

HC-110 (A)68 (20)75 (24)75 (24)

125
125
250

10
10
30

4
4
12

1.0
1.3
1.2

250
250
500

0.12
0.17
0.30

KODAK PLUS-X AEROGRAPHIC Film 2402
Temp F (C)Film Length (Feet)

Dev Time (Min)

CyclesApprox Gamma

ISO A

D-min

DK-50

KODAK Developer

68 (20)68 (20)

125
250

10
20

4
4

1.3
1.2

160
200

0.06
0.06

D-19

68 (20)68 (20)

125
250

20
30

8
6

1.1
1.0

160
160

0.06
0.06

HC-110 (A)68 (20)75 (24)

125
125

10
10

4
4

1.0
1.3

250
250

0.06
0.09

KODAK TRI-X AEROGRAPHIC Film 2403
KODAK Developer

Temp F (C)Film Length (Feet)

Dev Time (Min)

CyclesApprox Gamma

ISO A

D-19

68 (20)68 (20)

125
250

15
15

6
3

1.8
1.8

640
640

DK-50

68 (20)68 (20)68 (20)68 (20)

125
250
125
250

10
10
15
15

4
2
6
3

1.0
1.0
1.1
1.1

200
200
500
500

KODAK PANATOMIC-X AEROGRAPHIC II Film 2412
Temp F (C)Film Length (Feet)

Dev Time (Min)

CyclesApprox Gamma

ISO A

D-min

D-19

KODAK Developer

68 (20)68 (20)

125
250

10
20

4
4

1.6
1.6

50
50

0.12
0.27

DK-50

68 (20)

125

20

8

2.0

50

0.14

HC-110 (A)68 (20)75 (24)

125
125

10
10

4
4

1.6
1.8

50
50

0.15
0.38

KODAK Infrared AEROGRAPHIC Film 2424
KODAK Developer

Temp F (C)Film Length (Feet)

Dev Time (Min)

CyclesApprox Gamma

ISO A

D-19

68 (20)68 (20)68 (20)68 (20)

50
75
125
250

10
15
20
30

15
15
12
9

2.3
2.3
2.3
2.3

320
320
320
320

DK-50

68 (20)68 (20)68 (20)68 (20)68 (20)68 (20)

50
75
125
250
50
75

10
15
20
30
15
25

15
15
12
9
22
25

1.5
1.5
1.5
1.5
2.0
2.0

250
250
250
250
160
160

2

Processing KODAK Aerial Film in Rewind Equipment and Spiral Reels • TI-2005

Note: Aerial film speeds for infrared-sensitive films are notobtainable using radiometric log H values. The ISO A
values given have been determined from empirical data inorder to provide relative exposure values to correspond topanchromatic films with no appreciable infraredsensitivity.

Rinse:
Use KODAK Indicator Stop Bath at 65 to 75° F (18 to
24° C). Make one complete pass of the film in the rinse
solution; then rinse for 5 minutes (2 cycles for 125-footlengths or 1 cycle for 250-foot lengths).

COLOR REWIND PROCESSING
Kodak color aerial films are designed to yield optimum
results with modern, high temperature,continuous-processing machines. Although not a primary
recommendation, the following films may be processed inequipment such as the Gordon/Morse M-10 developing
outfit (Military Designator: B-5):
KODAK AEROCOLOR III Negative Film 2444
KODAK AEROCOLOR HS Film SO-846
KODAK AEROCHROME II MS Film 2448
KODAK AEROCHROME III Infrared Film 1443*

Fix:

KODAK AEROCHROME III Infrared NP Film SO-734*

Use KODAK Rapid Fixer or KODAK Fixer at 65 to 75° F (18to 24° C). When using Rapid Fixer, make one complete
pass of the film in the fixing bath; then fix for 4 cycles (20minutes for 250-foot lengths or 10 minutes for 125-footlengths). When using KODAK Fixer, double the fix times
recommended for Rapid Fixer.

* For best results, if either 1443 or SO-734 Film is to be
rewind-processed, expose the film with a KODAK Color
Compensating Filter CC10M plus the usual KODAKWRATTEN Gelatin Filter No. 12 / deep yellow to offset
the different color balance produced by this process.

Processing Chemicals for Color Rewind Processing
Wash:
Make one pass of the film in running water at 65 to 75° F(18 to 24° C) and continue washing for 30 minutes.
Maintain a water-flow rate of 10 changes per hour at theprocess temperature.

Alternative Rapid Wash:To reduce washing time and to conserve water, use KODAK
Hypo Clearing Agent (prepared as directed on the carton).
First rinse the film in running water for one pass plus one
cycle. Then treat the film in Hypo Clearing Agent solution
for one pass plus one cycle. For lengths shorter than 75
feet, the minimum treatment time is 30 seconds. Finally,
wash the film in running water for 5 to 10 minutes (onepass plus two complete cycles). Maintain a water-flowrate of 10 changes per hour at the process temperature.

Use KODAK FLEICOLOR Chemicals for Process C-41 toprocess KODAK AEROCOLOR III Negative Film 2444 and
KODAK AEROCOLOR HS Film SO-846.
Eastman Kodak Company no longer offers packaged
chemicals for rewind processing of KODAKAEROCHROME Films. Customers wishing to use rewind
equipment or spiral reels must mix processing solutions
from bulk chemicals. Formulas for these chemicals may beobtained by contacting Aerial Imaging.

CautionThe bleach corrodes most metals and, therefore, should
not be left in metal equipment any longer than is absolutely
necessary. Bleach, however, can be stored in receptacles
made of red brass, polyethylene, porcelain, rubber, or
glass; it may also be stored in enamelware receptacles thatare free from surface cracks or chips.

Dry:
After washing, treat the film in KODAK PHOTO-FLO
Solution (prepared as directed on the bottle label) to
minimize drying marks. Dry the film in a dust-free area. It is
important that both sides of the processed film be dry to
prevent sticking when the film is wound in rolls. The film
should be dried to an equilibrium with 45 to 55 percent
relative humidity. This will keep size changes to aminimum.

General Recommendations for Color Rewind
Processing
The following general recommendations are for rewind
processing 9 1/2-inch x 125-foot rolls of color aerial films.
• Fresh solutions should be used for each roll of film andshould be discarded after use.
• For best results, keep the temperatures of all solutions
as close as possible to the developer temperature.
• The film must be agitated by continuously winding itfrom one reel to the other while it is in each of thesolutions and each time it is rinsed or washed.
• Before the reel assembly is advanced from one
solution to the other, the following operations must be
performed:
Lift the reel assembly out of solution, turn the reel until
the film is taut, and then tip the entire assembly over far
enough (more than 90 degrees) to permit any solution

Processing KODAK Aerial Film in Rewind Equipment and Spiral Reels • TI-20053

held in the pockets within the film convolutions ormechanisms to run out. Hold the film and reel in thisposition for approximately 10 seconds in order to drainout most of the solution. The drain time should be
included in the time specified for each processing step.
• The timing or counting of each step begins after thefilm is placed in the solution and is wound from one
reel to the other so that the film is uniformly wet withthe solution before timing begins.

COLOR REWIND PROCESSING STEPS
Using the times provided in the following table, develop thefilm at 85 ± 1° F (29.4 ± 0.6° C) as follows:
1. In total darkness, wind the film (emulsion side out)
from the camera spool onto one of the processor
reels. Attach the tail of the film securely to theprocessor reel, as required for rewinding.
2. Prewet the film in a tempered water bath, according
to the suggested procedure in the black-and-white
processing section.
3. Lift the processor reel assembly out of the prewettank and place it in its normal operating position, withboth reels vertical and totally submerged in thedeveloper Wind the film from one reel to the other touniformly wet the film with developer.
4. Place the motor in position, start it, and begin timing
the developer step. Near the end of the development
period, let the motor roll the film onto one of the reels.
Remove the assembly from the developer tank, anddrain the film and reel assembly. Include the draintime in the total development time.

Processing Sequences
2444 and SO-846 Films: 9 1/2-in. x 125-ft. and9 1/2-in. x 50-ft. rolls
Processing
Step

Time1
(Minutes)

Temperature

FLEXICOLOR Developer
9 1/2 in. x 125 ft
9 1/2 in. x 50 ft3

15
990 ± 0.5° F (32.2 ± 0.3° C)
90 ± 0.5° F (32.2 ± 0.3° C)

Wash4

4

85 ± 2° F (29.4 ± 1.1° C)

FLEXICOLOR Bleach III

10

85 ± 2° F (29.4 ± 1.1° C)

FLEXICOLOR Fixer andReplenisher

10

85 ± 2° F (29.4 ± 1.1° C)

Wash

8

85 ± 2° F (29.4 ± 1.1° C)

FLEXICOLOR Stabilizer
III and Replenisher2

1

85° F (29.4° C)

Dry

—

—

1Includes drain time.
2Minimum of one pass.
3The processing of the short roll (50 feet) produces the same color balanceand overall speed, but also produces a negative of slightly higher contrast.
4Room lights may be turned on after completion of this step.

2448, 1443 and SO-734 Films: 9 1/2-in. x 125-ft. rolls
Processing
Step

Time1
(Minutes)

TemperatureFirst Developer
2448 Film
1443 and SO-734 Film

6 1/2
9

85 ± 0.5° F (29.4 ± 0.3° C)
85 ± 0.5° F (29.4 ± 0.3° C)

285 ± 2° F (29.4 ± 1.1° C)

First Stop3
Wash

4

85 ± 2° F (29.4 ± 1.1° C)

Color Developer

15

85 ± 1° F (29.4 ± 0.6° C)

Second Stop3

85 ± 1° F (29.4 ± 0.6° C)

Note: The developer time/temperature in the following
tables are a guideline to be used as a starting point only;
adjustments may be necessary.

Wash

3

85 ± 2° F (29.4 ± 1.1° C)

Bleach1085 ± 2° F (29.4 ± 1.1° C)

Fixer

10

85 ± 2° F (29.4 ± 1.1° C)

Proceed in a similar manner for the remainder of theprocessing solutions, using the times and temperatures
provided in the following tables.
A motor-speed control is recommended so that the film
will be wound onto one reel near the end of thedevelopment time.

Wash

8

85 ± 2° F (29.4 ± 1.1° C)

Stabilizer2

1

85° F (29.4° C)

Dry

—

—

4

1Includes drain time.
2Minimum of one pass.
3Room lights may be turned on after completion of this step.

Processing KODAK Aerial Film in Rewind Equipment and Spiral Reels • TI-2005

PROCESSING ON SPIRAL REELS

Spiral Reel Processing Notes:

Kodak aerial films may be processed on stainless steel
spiral reels; however, sensitometric and image-structure
characteristics will vary from the published data.
For processing black-and-white aerial films on spiralreels, the chemicals, times, and temperatures
recommended for rewind processing may be used as astarting point for testing.
The following instructions apply to the 70 mm size
AEROCHROME III Films in lengths up to 15 feet (4.6
metres) using the KODAK Processing Rack with 3 1/
2-gallon tanks. For AEROCOLOR III Negative Film 2444,
use a starting developer time of 8 minutes.

Check the temperature of all solutions, turn off all lights,
and load the film into the reels. Load the rack. The times
indicated include drain time.

Processing Sequence—70 mm x 15 feet (4.6 metres)
Refer to the processing notes following this table for
additional information.
KODAK AEROCHROME Films

1. Start by placing the loaded rack into the firstdeveloper, and start the timing operation. At the endof the development time, including the drain time,proceed to step 2. Strict adherence to therecommended time, temperature, and agitation
procedure is very important.
2. Stop the development by treating the film in the firststop bath for 2 minutes. Room lights may be turned
on after completion of this step.
Do not interchange first and second stop baths after
they have been used in processing.
3. Wash the film in running water for 4 minutes.
Do not use a reversal exposure. Reversal isaccomplished chemically in the color developer.
4. Develop the film in the color developer for 15 minutes.
(In a replenished system, develop for 9 minutes.)

Processing
Step

Time
(Minutes)

TemperatureFirst Developer
2448 Film
1443 and SO-734 Film5785 ± 0.5° F (29.4 ± 0.3° C)
85 ± 0.5° F (29.4 ± 0.3° C)

First Stop2

85 ± 2° F (29.4 ± 1.1° C)

6. Bleach the film in the bleach solution for 5 minutes.

Wash

4

85 ± 5° F (29.4 ± 3.0° C)

7. Wash the film in running water for 3 minutes.

Color Developer

15

85 ± 2° F (29.4 ± 1.1° C)

Second Stop3

85 ± 2° F (29.4 ± 1.1° C)

Wash

3

85 ± 5° F (29.4 ± 3.0° C)

8. Fix the film for 6 minutes.

Bleach585 ± 2° F (29.4 ± 1.1° C)

685 ± 2° F (29.4 ± 1.1° C)

9. Wash the film in running water for 6 minutes.

Fixer
Wash

6

85 ± 5° F (29.4 ± 3.0° C)

Stabilizer

1

85 ± 2° F (29.4 ± 1.1° C)

Dry—Remove film from reels; dry film at temperature notexceeding 110° F (43° C).

5. Stop the development by treating the film in thesecond stop bath for 3 minutes.

The appearance of the film does not indicate the degreeof bleaching.

10. Stabilize the film by treating it in the stabilizer solution
for 1 minute.
Do not rinse in water after this solution.
11. Dry the film by removing it from the reels and hanging
the strips up to dry in a dust-free atmosphere. It is
important that both sides of the processed film bedried thoroughly. If a drying cabinet is used, the air
should be filtered and its temperature must notexceed 110° F (43° C).

Processing KODAK Aerial Film in Rewind Equipment and Spiral Reels • TI-2005

5

Processing KODAK Aerial Film in Rewind Equipment and Spiral Reels

Agitation Procedures for Spiral Reels
First Developer and Color Developer
Lower the loaded rack into the solution and tap itvigorously against the bottom of the tank to dislodge any
air bubbles clinging to the film. Then lift the rack
completely out of the developer and reimmerse it several
times during the first 10 seconds. Allow the rack to remain
undisturbed for 20 seconds.
For the remaining time in each developer, proceed asfollows:
Lift the rack out of the solution, but just clearing thesolution by about l/2 inch. Avoid dwell time out of thesolution. Reimmerse the rack quickly, completing about
seven cycles in 7 seconds. Repeat this procedure every 30
seconds.
Just before the end of the development time, drain therack for 10 seconds.

First and Second Stop Baths, Bleach, Fixer, and Washes
Agitate continuously for the first 15 seconds by lifting therack completely out of the solution and reimmersing it
about 8 times. Thereafter, agitate once each minute bylifting the rack completely out of the solution and draining
it for 5 seconds from one corner. Alternate the direction oftilting the rack for draining.
For further information, write or call:
Aerial Imaging
Eastman Kodak Company
Rochester, New York 14653-7128(585) 253-1855
Toll-free in the U.S. (877) 909-4280
Note: The Kodak materials described in this publication
are available from those dealers normally supplying Kodak
products. Other materials may be used, but equivalent
results may not be obtained.
Note: The contents of this publication are subject tochange without notice.
Note: If you have questions or need assistance, contact
your local Kodak representative.

NOTICE: While the sensitometric data in this publication are typical of production coatings, they do not
represent standards which must be met by Kodak. Varying storage, exposure, and processing conditions willaffect results. The company reserves the right to change and improve product characteristics at any time.

Kodak, Aerographic, Double-X, Panatomic-X, Plus-X, Tri-X, Estar, D-19, DK-50, HC-110,
Photo-Flo, Aerocolor, Aerochrome, and Wratten are trademarks
Revised 3-10

Processing KODAK Aerial Film in
Rewind Equipment and Spiral Reels
KODAK Publication No. TI-2005

Aerial and Industrial Markets
EASTMAN KODAK COMPANY • ROCHESTER, NY 14650-0505