Kodak powder fixer

Hi,

I read 2 fix method is the best. The catch 22 is with the increased

capacity of the 2 fix bath I will have the used chemicals around 3 or

4 weeks, which 4 weeks is the life for used Kodak fixer. I would

think using 1 fix for less capacity will have me using fresher fixer.

How many rolls of 120 film per 16oz could I fix, but I want to

process for "permance" of the negative. If I were to use a 1 fix bath

for fiber paper, how many 8x10 could I do per 32oz, again processing

for "permance" in mind. I know someone will tell me to go with non

hardening, rapid fix. I'm a bit old fashioned, and I called Kodak and

was told Tri-X, and Plus-X DO NOT have prehardened emulsion. Only T-

max type film.

 

Thanks so much,

 

Jennifer

I use RC papers and only use a single fixing bath. But I use Ilford Hypam. For film, fix for twice the clearing time. The clearing time can be determined by dropping a piece of film into the tank at the beginning of the fixing stage. Check it after 1 minute. If it's clear then fix for 2 minutes. TMax and similar new technology films take longer to fix. When the fixing time is twice as long as it was when the solution was fresh, then the fix is exhausted. I also check the fix for paper the same way, using a strip of film. But somewhere on the packet of fixer it should give you some info on capacity, i.e. how many sheets of 10x8 can be fixed per litre of solution.

Kodak Rapid Fix (or equivilent) is recommended for most films these days. If you fix with relatively fresh fixer for the proper time with good agitation, you will not have any archival problems due to insufficient fixing (equally important is a thorough washing).

 

I personally use a small amount of hardner (1/4 normal amount suggested by Kodak) with Ilford Pan F+. Maybe it takes a little longer to wash, but otherwise no problems. I also use it with paper.

 

Kodak publishes exhaustion rates on its website for most chemicals. Just to be safe, don't use right up until exhaustion.

A two bath fix is only really needed if you are trying to get the maximum capacity out of your fixer. I prefer to use a single fix

bath, and only use the fixer for half of the rated capacity

i.e. only fix half the number of films or half of the amount of

paper the manufacturer states. You should be able to get the

fixer capacity either from the packet, or from the manufacturers

website.