CineStill Bf6 3-in-1 Bleach & Fixer Review: Is It Worth Switching?

If you process color reversal film at home, you know the E-6 process involves multiple precise steps: first developer, color developer, pre-bleach, bleach, fixer, and stabilizer. Among these, bleach and fixer are critical for removing metallic silver and fixing the image. Traditionally, these are separate baths, but CineStill Bf6 3-in-1 Bleach & Fixer promises to combine the bleach and fixer steps into one solution, simplifying the workflow and saving time. In this review, we’ll examine whether this product lives up to the hype and if it’s a worthy addition to your home lab.

CineStill Bf6 is designed for E-6 processing but can also be used for color negative (C-41) processing as a bleach fix. It is a liquid concentrate that mixes with water to make working solution. The claim is that it provides excellent clearing and fixing while reducing the number of steps in your process. We tested it with several rolls of slide film, including the popular EKTACOLOR PRO 400 Color Negative Film, 120 5-Pack (though that’s a negative film, we primarily used reversal films). Read on for our hands-on experience.

What Is CineStill Bf6 3-in-1 Bleach & Fixer?

CineStill Bf6 is a concentrated liquid chemical that combines the functions of bleach and fixer into a single bath. In traditional E-6 processing, after the color developer, you use a pre-bleach or conditioner, then a separate bleach bath (often a ferricyanide or EDTA-based bleach) to rehalogenize the silver, followed by a fixer to remove the silver halides. Bf6 replaces both the bleach and fixer steps with one solution, reducing processing time by about 4-6 minutes and simplifying chemical management.

The product is marketed as a ‘3-in-1’ because it also acts as a clearing agent, meaning you can eliminate the pre-bleach step in some processes. However, for optimal results with E-6, CineStill still recommends using their Color Reversal First Developer Starter 12 x 500mL Conc. and other dedicated developers. Bf6 is designed to work with both C-41 and E-6 processes, making it versatile for labs that run both color negative and reversal films.

• Combines bleach and fixer into one step
• Compatible with C-41 and E-6 processes
• Liquid concentrate – easy to mix and store
• Reduces total processing time and water usage

How We Tested Bf6

We processed three rolls of Fuji Provia 100F and two rolls of Kodak Ektachrome E100 using a standard E-6 kit from another manufacturer, but substituted the bleach and fixer steps with CineStill Bf6. We followed the recommended time and temperature: 3 minutes at 38°C (100°F) with agitation per the instructions. For comparison, we also processed two rolls of the same film using traditional separate bleach and fixer baths.

After processing, we inspected the film for clarity, base fog, and any residual silver. The Bf6-processed slides showed clean, clear base with no noticeable staining. The colors were accurate and saturated. We also checked for any issues like incomplete fixing or bleach spots – none were found. The film dried evenly and was ready for scanning.

• Tested with Fuji Provia 100F and Kodak Ektachrome E100
• Used standard E-6 times and temperatures for Bf6
• Compared side-by-side with traditional bleach and fixer
• All slides appeared clean with no defects

Ease of Use and Convenience

The biggest advantage of Bf6 is simplicity. Instead of measuring and mixing two separate baths, you mix one solution. This reduces the chance of chemical mix-ups and saves time. The concentrate is a dark liquid that dilutes easily in warm water. We found it mixed completely with no residue. The working solution has a long shelf life if stored properly – about 6 months in a sealed container.

For home labs with limited space, eliminating one chemical bottle is a welcome improvement. The process also uses less water because you skip a rinse step between bleach and fixer. However, note that Bf6 is a bleach fix (blix), which means it has a limited capacity. You can process about 8-10 rolls per liter of working solution, depending on film type. We recommend keeping track of the number of rolls processed to avoid exhaustion.

• Single bath replaces two chemicals
• Simple mixing: concentrate + water
• 6-month shelf life for working solution
• Process up to 10 rolls per liter

Image Quality Compared to Traditional Bleach and Fixer

We compared the slides processed with Bf6 to those processed with separate bleach and fixer. Under a loupe, we saw no difference in density, contrast, or color balance. Both sets had the same neutral base and vibrant colors. We also scanned them using a high-resolution scanner and measured the D-min (minimum density) – it was identical. This confirms that Bf6 does not compromise image quality.

Some photographers worry that blix solutions can cause staining or incomplete silver removal. In our tests, we found no such issues. The Bf6 cleared the film completely. However, it’s worth noting that for professional applications where absolute archival stability is required, some labs still prefer separate bleach and fixer. But for most enthusiasts and even many pros, Bf6 delivers excellent results.

• No visible difference in color or density
• Identical D-min values in scans
• No staining or silver retention observed
• Suitable for enthusiast and professional use

Cost and Value

CineStill Bf6 is priced competitively compared to buying separate bleach and fixer chemicals. A 1-liter bottle of Bf6 concentrate makes 5 liters of working solution, which can process up to 50 rolls of 35mm film. That’s about $1 per roll for the bleach fix step – very reasonable. Traditional two-bath setups often cost more per roll and require more storage space.

Additionally, you save on water and time. If you process multiple rolls per session, the time savings add up. For example, using Bf6 can cut your E-6 processing time by 10-15 minutes per batch. Over a year, that’s significant. If you’re already using other CineStill chemicals like their Color Negative Developer Replenisher, To Make 2 x 25L (50 Liters), adding Bf6 to your workflow is a no-brainer.

• ~$1 per roll for bleach fix step
• Reduces chemical storage needs
• Saves 10-15 minutes per batch
• Great value for high-volume processing

Overall, CineStill Bf6 3-in-1 Bleach & Fixer is a game-changer for home film processing. It simplifies the E-6 workflow without sacrificing quality, saves time and money, and is easy to use. Whether you're a hobbyist or a small lab, switching to Bf6 is a smart move. If you’re ready to streamline your processing, check out the CineStill Bf6 and other chemicals like the Color Negative Developer Replenisher to complete your setup.