Bringing Automatic V30 Black & White Film Processing to High Wycombe

At Fotronix, we’re committed to keeping film labs running smoothly while adapting classic equipment to meet modern demands. Our latest project took us across the country to help Analog Wonderland in High Wycombe to complete their V30 BW Conversion for automatic black and white film processing. Here’s how we made it happen!

The Journey – From Essex to High Wycombe

Our adventure began in Harlow, Essex, where we sourced crucial components to bring the conversion to life. With the right equipment in hand, we made the trip across to High Wycombe, ready to get to work on modifying the Noritsu V30. Time was of the essence, and we were determined to complete the job in a single day.

How We Converted the Noritsu V30 for B&W Processing

The Noritsu V30 is a trusted workhorse for film labs, primarily designed for C-41 color film processing. However, with the right modifications, it can be optimized for black and white film development, ensuring consistent, high-quality results with minimal manual intervention.

Here’s what we did:

• Chemical System Overhaul: We reconfigured the machine to handle black and white chemistry, optimizing temperature control and replenishment rates to match the unique requirements of B&W film processing.
• Software & Settings Adjustments: The Noritsu V30 required fine-tuning of processing speeds and chemical dwell times to ensure that black and white films developed correctly without any inconsistencies.
• Thorough Testing: Once the modifications were complete, we ran test rolls through the system to confirm that the film processed flawlessly, with proper contrast and density.

Upgrading the Running Gear for Modern Performance

One of the biggest challenges in adapting older machines for a V30 BW Conversion is ensuring that they can support modern advancements in chemistry and workflow efficiency. To future-proof the Noritsu V30, we made the following upgrades:

• Roller & Transport System Adjustments: Since B&W chemistry differs from C-41 in viscosity and drying properties, we optimized the transport rollers and drying unit to prevent film drag or uneven drying.
• Power & Temperature Regulation: B&W chemicals require precise temperature stability. We enhanced the machine’s heating and circulation system to maintain a consistent processing environment.
• Chemical Efficiency Enhancements: We improved the replenishment system to extend chemical lifespan, reducing waste and ensuring cost-effectiveness for Analog Wonderland.

These modifications ensure that the Noritsu V30 runs smoothly, efficiently, and reliably for fully automatic black and white film processing, allowing the team at Analog Wonderland to offer faster turnaround times with minimal manual intervention.

A Fully Functional System & A Happy Customer

By the end of the day, the Noritsu V30 had been successfully converted to a dedicated B&W processor, thoroughly tested, and ready for action. The team at Analog Wonderland was thrilled to have a fully automated black and white film processing solution, allowing them to serve their customers more efficiently than ever before.

Why Choose Fotronix for Film Processing Upgrades?

At Fotronix, we specialize in upgrading and maintaining professional film lab equipment. Whether you need to convert a Noritsu V30, virtualize an SP3000 scanner, or modernize your film processing workflow, we’ve got you covered.

📍 Based in the UK, we provide on-site and remote support for film labs worldwide.

👉 Looking to optimize your lab? Contact us today to discuss your next upgrade!