Professional Documents
Culture Documents
AF3-0208E3
CP-49E
DIGITAL MINILAB
FRONTIER 340/500
FRONTIER 550/570/590
FRONTIER 700/710/720
FRONTIER 750/760/770/790
And thanks to their compactly designed cartridges, Process CP-49E chemicals re-
quire much less storage space than the previous chemicals, and generate about
one-half the amount of effluent, greatly reducing their negative impact on the envi-
ronment.
Note : Process CP-49E is not compatible with CP-48S processing chemicals de-
signed for the FRONTIER 330/350/355/370/375/390.
To prevent mistaken use, the design of the replenisher cartridge has been
partially altered, making it impossible to load into incompatible machines.
Attention should be given to this point, however, to avoid errors during order-
ing or cartridge use.
2
CONTENTS
3
1 PACKAGING OF PROCESSING CHEMICAL
COMPONENTS
The CP-49E processing chemicals are designed for dedicated use on the FRONTIER 340
/500/550/570/590/700/710/720/750/760/770/790. The P1-R, P2-RA and P2-RB replenisher
chemicals are provided in a single "PC Replenisher Cartridge", making it possible to load the
replenisher in a single operation. Start-up chemicals are also separately supplied for the initial
installation of tank solutions.
Package Con-
Product Code Components Remarks
tents
Processing capacity:
Replenisher Cartridge PC 2 Cartridges P1-R, P2-RA, P2-RB
111m2 per cartridge
Color
P1 Makes 3.7 L / 4.3 L A chemical, B chemical
Start-up Developer
Chemicals Bleach
P2 Makes 3.7 L / 4.3 L A chemical, B chemical
Fixer
Storing Chemicals Store processing chemicals away from direct sunlight and at
temperatures of less than 30°C.
4
2 SAFE HANDLING OF PROCESSING CHEMICALS
<Handling Chemicals>
■ When handling chemicals, always wear protective gloves and goggles. For further
safety, it is recommended that you wear protective mask and apron also. The wearing of
gloves and goggles is recommended even for chemicals without the danger mark.
■ Caution should be used to avoid mixing chemicals or solutions that may result in the
generation of noxious gases.
<Storing Chemicals>
<Work Environment>
■ While working with chemicals, you should always open a window or turn on a ventilation
fan to provide adequate ventilation.
5
<Emergency Procedures>
■ If you should get any chemical substances on your skin or in your eyes, flush the af-
fected areas with large amounts of running water.
■ If you should ingest chemical substances or get some in your eyes, take the label of the
offending substance and seek medical attention immediately.
6
3 MIXING INSTRUCTIONS FOR PROCESSING
SOLUTIONS
<Replenisher>
Replenishment is done by loading the replenisher cartridge and replenishing the water.
1 Open the replenisher supply port cover and remove the empty replenisher car-
tridge.
NOTE After gently detaching the cartridge, rotate it immediately so that the caps
face upward and remove it from the compartment. If the caps face down-
ward, some of the residual solution may leak out (this poses absolutely no
[PC]
danger).
P1-R
2 Load a new PC replenisher cartridge into the port.
P2-RA
NOTE Hold the cartridge with the caps facing downward, the arrow on the bot-
P2-RB
tom of the cartridge pointing towards the machine, and the arrow on the
side of the cartridge aligned with the "▲" indication inscribed on the left
side of the replenisher supply port.
3 Close the replenisher supply port cover.
(The machine then mixes the replenisher solution automatically.)
• Add deionized water up to the rim of the water supply port at the time of ma-
NOTE PS-R is used for preparing P1-R and P2-R (A, B) (as well as bottle washing and
dilution), for rack washing, and for compensating for water evaporation.
7
3-1 Processing Procedure for the FRONTIER 340
<Standard Processing Steps>
<Replenishment Rates>
P1-R 45 mL
P2-R 35 mL
PS-R 215 mL
8
<Tank Solutions for the FRONTIER 340>
Tank solutions are prepared using the start-up chemicals (2 Boxes) and are mixed directly in the
tanks.
Tank
Solution Preparation
Capacity
1 Add about 1 L of water into a 5-liter measuring cup, then pour the
solution into the processing tank through the P1 circulation filter port.
2 Add about 2 L of water and 2 bottles of A chemical into a 5-liter mea-
suring cup, then pour the solution into the processing tank in the
same way as in Step 1.
P1 7.1 L
3 Add about 2 L of water and 2 bottles of B chemical into a 5-liter mea-
suring cup, then pour the solution into the processing tank in the
same way as in Step 1.
4 Set the level gauge into the P1 circulation filter port, then add water up
to the P1 line. (Approx. 0.5 L.)
9
3-2 Processing Procedure for the FRONTIER 500
<Standard Processing Steps>
↓ *1 ↓ *2 ↓ *3
Code P1 P2 PS-1 PS-2 PS-3 PS-4 DRY
<Replenishment Rates>
P1-R 45 mL
P2-R 35 mL
PS-R 215 mL
10
<Tank Solutions for the FRONTIER 500>
Tank solutions are prepared using the start-up chemicals (2 Boxes) and are mixed directly in the
tanks.
Tank
Solution Preparation
Capacity
11
3-3 Processing Procedure for the FRONTIER 550/570/590
<Standard Processing Steps>
↓ *1 ↓ *2 ↓ *3
Code P1 P2 PS-1 PS-2 PS-3 PS-4 DRY
<Replenishment Rates>
P1-R 45 mL
P2-R 35 mL
PS-R 215 mL
12
<Tank Solutions for the FRONTIER 550/570/590>
Tank solutions are prepared using the start-up chemicals (3 boxes) and are mixed directly in the
tanks.
Tank
Solution Preparation
Capacity
1 Add about 3 L of water into a 5-liter measuring cup, then pour the
solution into the processing tank through the P1 circulation filter port.
2 Add about 2 L of water and 3 bottles of A chemical into a 5-liter mea-
suring cup, then pour the solution into the processing tank in the
same way as in Step 1.
P1 11 L
3 Add about 2 L of water and 3 bottles of B chemical into a 5-liter mea-
suring cup, then pour the solution into the processing tank in the
same way as in Step 1.
4 Set the level gauge into the P1 circulation filter port, then add water up
to the P1 line. (Approx. 1.8 L.)
1 Add about 2 L of water into a 5-liter measuring cup, then pour the
solution into the processing tank through the P2 circulation filter port.
2 Add about 2 L of water and 3 bottles of A chemical into a 5-liter mea-
suring cup, then pour the solution into the processing tank in the
same way as in Step 1.
P2 11 L
3 Add about 2 L of water and 3 bottles of B chemical into a 5-liter mea-
suring cup, then pour the solution into the processing tank in the
same way as in Step 1.
4 Set the level gauge into the P2 circulation filter port, then add water up
to the P2 line. (Approx. 1.5 L.)
13
3-4 Processing Procedure for the FRONTIER 700/710/720
<Standard Processing Steps>
↓ *1 ↓ *2 ↓ *3
Code P1 P2 PS-1 PS-2 PS-3 PS-4 DRY
<Replenishment Rates>
P1-R 45 mL
P2-R 35 mL
PS-R 215 mL
14
<Tank Solutions for the FRONTIER 700/710/720>
The FRONTIER 700, FRONTIER 710 and FRONTIER 720 tank solutions can be prepared in the
same manner since the tank capacities of all three models are identical.
15
3-5 Processing Procedure for the FRONTIER 750
<Standard Processing Steps>
↓ *1 ↓ *2 ↓ *3
Code P1 P2 PS-1 PS-2 PS-3 PS-4 DRY
<Replenishment Rates>
P1-R 45 mL
P2-R 35 mL
PS-R 215 mL
16
<Tank Solutions for the FRONTIER 750>
17
3-6 Processing Procedure for the FRONTIER 760
<Standard Processing Steps>
↓ *1 ↓ *2 ↓ *3
Code P1 P2 PS-1 PS-2 PS-3 PS-4 DRY
<Replenishment Rates>
P1-R 45 mL
P2-R 35 mL
PS-R 215 mL
18
<Tank Solutions for the FRONTIER 760>
19
3-7 Processing Procedure for the FRONTIER 770
<Standard Processing Steps>
↓ *1 ↓ *2 ↓ *3
Code P1 P2 PS-1 PS-2 PS-3 PS-4 DRY
<Replenishment Rates>
P1-R 45 mL
P2-R 35 mL
PS-R 215 mL
20
<Tank Solutions for the FRONTIER 770>
21
3-8 Processing Procedure for the FRONTIER 790
<Standard Processing Steps>
↓ *1 ↓ *2 ↓ *3
Code P1 P2 PS-1 PS-2 PS-3 PS-4 DRY
<Replenishment Rates>
P1-R 45 mL
P2-R 35 mL
PS-R 215 mL
22
<Tank Solutions for the FRONTIER 790>
23
4 MANAGEMENT OF PROCESSING SOLUTIONS
If the pH and specific gravity of the prepared processing solutions are not within the limits
indicated below, the solutions cannot be used. Since the system is designed for fully auto-
mated solution preparation after insertion of the cartridge, abnormal pH or specific gravity
values will not normally occur.
Should you detect an abnormality in the pH or specific gravity, it will likely be due to an ab-
normality in the chemicals themselves or a malfunction in the automatic mixing system. In
this case, contact a service representative.
Tank Solutions
Fresh Solution Running Solution
Solution
pH Specific Gravity pH Specific Gravity
Replenisher
Solution pH Specific Gravity
Unit: weeks
Tank Solution*1 Replenisher
P1 1 P1-R 4
P2 1 P2-RA 4
1 4
PS P2-RB
4
PS-R
Note : The durations above are for tank solutions that are stored in the tanks without pro-
cessing activity.
24
Note 1 : When preparing the PS-1 to PS-4 tank solutions, do this in each of the pro-
cessing tanks with the processing racks removed.
Note 2 : Referring to the figure below, dissolve a single FSC100 tablet in advance by
placing it into a plastic film case along with deionized water, closing the lid
and then shaking the film case.
Gloves
Note 3 : After pouring the solutions into the PS-1 to PS-4 tanks, the processing racks
are attached; however, this should be done in order starting with PS-4.
If the racks are attached starting with PS-1, the tank solutions may overflow
and become deficient. Care should thus be taken to attach the racks in the
proper sequence.
25
5 CONTROL OF PROCESSING CONDITIONS
<Processing Solution Temperature>
B Temperature Calibration
A discrepancy sometimes develops between the actual temperature of a solution and
the displayed temperature output by the thermal sensor used to monitor the solution
temperature. If this occurs, the temperature display of the thermal sensor should be
calibrated.
<Circulation Volume>
An inadequate circulation volume will cause variations in the processing tank temperatures,
which will adversely affect photographic characteristics. To prevent this, do the following
maintenance checks.
A Circulation Filter
If the circulation filters clog, the circulation volume is reduced. To prevent this, replace
the circulation filters once a month.
B Circulation Pump
Since circulation failure is conceivable due to a malfunction in the circulation pumps or
a short in the circulation pump circuit, it is important to visually verify that circulation is
continuing.
26
<Solubility and Precipitates>
When the tank or replenisher solution storage temperature falls below 15°C, the dissolved
chemicals become less soluble and begin to precipitate out. Excessive precipitation may
cause abrasions in the sensitized materials and/or equipment malfunction. It is therefore im-
portant to avoid an excessive drop in the storage temperature during the winter.
<Replenishment Rate>
The replenishment of processing solutions restores chemical substances that have been
exhausted during processing. The replenishment rate is set as a proportional amount (pre-
scribed volume) which is added to a particular processing solution. If the actual volume of
replenisher added does not meet the prescribed volume, the processing capacity will be al-
tered and the finished product quality will be affected. To prevent this, particular care should
be paid to the following points.
B Replenisher Filter
If the replenisher filter clogs, replenishment rate is reduced. To prevent this, replace the
replenisher filter once a month.
27
6 PROCESSING PERFORMANCE MANAGEMENT
In the management of processing performance, the most precise way to judge the
processing results of a paper is through densitometric measurements. Since it is impossible
to attain consistent and precise exposure levels in normal prints, paper that has been
precisely exposed with a specific pattern is used for this purpose. This paper is called a
"control strip."
Each set of control strips includes a "reference strip," which is a control strip that has been
exposed under the same conditions as the others, but processed under minutely controlled
conditions. Whenever a control strip is processed, densitometric measurements are taken
of that strip and of the reference strip from the same set. Using the reference strip values
as reference values, a comparison is then made to determine how much the processing
performance deviates from standard performance.
<Evaluation Standard>
Given target ranges and control limits are used as references for evaluating processing
performance. Target ranges represent the desired parameters for the maintenance of good
results. As long as the processing parameters stay within these ranges, then good results
can be obtained. The management of processing performance is therefore necessary to
ensure that the parameters stay within (i.e., do not deviate from) the target ranges.
Control limits represent the maximum deviation allowed for the maintenance of good results.
When the processing parameters exceed the control limits, then good results cannot be
obtained. It is essential that processing be conducted within the control limits. For this
reason, processing performance must be managed so that the control limits are never
exceeded.
If handled improperly, control strips may undergo changes in characteristics that make them
unusable for the management of processing performance. To prevent such changes, it is
essential to gain a firm understanding of the proper way to handle control strips and to use
them accordingly.
1) When a control strip is processed, five different patterns appear, as shown in figure
on the next page. Three of the patterns, HD, LD and STAIN, are used for processing
management. D-MAX and Y-MAX are used for checking color formation and the residual
silver concentration, respectively.
2) Each box of control strips contains 30 control strips (10 control strips in 3 moisture- and
light-proof envelopes) and one reference strip. The reference strip are provided in an
envelope, along with a correction chart. The photographic density of the reference strips
is normally expected to be uniform, but some variation may arise due to differences in
exposure or processing conditions. For this reason, a correction chart is included with
the reference strip in each envelope. The reference strip and correction chart are valid
28
only for the control strips with which they were packaged. Thus, if control strips share the
same code number, but are contained in different boxes, the correction chart that is used
will be the one in the respective box.
3) Storage
Control strip boxes should be stored in a freezer at -10 °C or below and used before
the expiration date printed on the box and envelope. To prevent soiling of the reference
strips, keep them in the envelope and store them in a cool, dark place, away from high
temperatures and humidity.
1) Opening the control strip envelope immediately after removal from the freezer will
cause condensation to form. The control strip envelope should therefore be left at room
temperature for about 30 minutes, and then opened in a darkroom. When handling the
control strips, take care not to touch the emulsion surface with your bare hands. Return
the remaining control strips to the envelope, squeeze out the air, put them into the box
and put the box back into the freezer for storage.
2) Insert the control strip to be used into the dedicated holder as far as it will go. Make sure
the strip is oriented so that the patterns always face the same direction. Process the
control strip according to the processing procedure of the respective equipment.
After processing the control strip, the photographic density of the control strip and the
reference strip are measured at the same time. Five places are measured: Y-MAX, D-MAX,
HD (High Density), LD (Low Density) and STAIN (fogging). Conduct the measurement
according to the procedure for the densitometer being used.
29
7 CHANGES IN PROCESSING FACTORS AND
THEIR EFFECTS ON PHOTOGRAPHIC
CHARACTERISTICS
As explained above, when variations occur in the processing conditions or processing solu-
tion performance, a change will occur in the processing performance if they are detected
by control strips as abnormalities. If you detect an abnormality on a control strip, determine
the cause of the abnormality by comparing the density measurement results on the control
strip with the following graphs, then take the appropriate countermeasures.
Replenishment Inadequate C
Rate C C M,Y C,M,Y
M,Y M,Y
2
Excessive M,Y M,Y
C C M,Y C,M,Y
C
Concentration Diluted C,M C,M C
P1 Y Y M,Y C,M,Y
3
Concentrated
Y M,Y C,M,Y
C,M C,M,Y C
P2 Small Y C,M
Contamination Y C,M,Y
C,M,Y C,M
Medium C,Y M Y
M,Y C,Y C,M 4
C M
Large C,Y M,Y Y
M,Y C,M
C M C
Temperature Low C,M,Y
C,Y C,M,Y
C,M,Y M 5
High
C,M,Y C,M,Y C,M,Y C,M,Y
Replenishment Inadequate M,Y M,Y M C,M
Rate C C Y Y
P2 C 6
Excessive
C,M,Y C,M,Y C,M,Y C,M,Y
Concentration Diluted Y C,M,Y
M C,M,Y C,M,Y
C 7
Concentrated
C,M,Y C,M,Y C,M,Y C,M,Y
Temperature Low C,M,Y
C,Y C,M,Y
PS C,M,Y M 5
High
C,M,Y C,M,Y C,M,Y C,M,Y
30
CP-49E Process
Condition Variation Figures ———— Contents
31
PROCESSING MANUAL Ref. No. AF3-0208E3
CP-49E
DIGITAL MINILAB
FRONTIER 340/500
FRONTIER 550/570/590
FRONTIER 700/710/720
FRONTIER 750/760/770/790