Hardening fixer or not ?

I found a paragraph is Kasermeier's book "SMALL MINXO-BIG PICTURES"<P>

The Minox processing king contains, in addition to the Hypo

crystal, a 'hardener' that goes with the fixing bath solution. This chemical hardens the emulsion and protects your negatives to some extends

from scratches,etc. This hardenr also protects your film against insect and baeria damage. For flies and many

types of bacteria, the gelatin layer of a film is particularly tasty--

a real lobster mayonnaise for insects."

<p> I always use Kodak hardening fixer for Minox film. I find this reduces scratches on Minox negatives.

Hi!

<p>

Currently I am using Ilford Hypam without hardener, and have been

considering adding a hardener, or using a hardening fixer. However

collegues have advised against this, on the grounds that hardened

negatives are more prone to thermal reticulation.

<p>

Currently I process at 20C, but wash in cooler (16 to 18C) water,

then wetting agent at 20C. No reticulation is evident without

hardener. Anyone used hardener with a cold wash that can advise?

<p>

Also I am experimenting with fine filtration of chemicals, to cut down

the likelyhood of dust entering during processing.. My local

photographic shops no longer sell filters. :-( So I am about to try

using coffee filters, petrol filters etc. I'll post on the results.

<p>

Cheers!

<p>

Mark.

Update on the filtration.

<p>

Funnel shaped paper coffee filters: I have to declare these

unsuccessfull, while this removes existing particulates, it adds in

the fibres from the filter itself.

<p>

It's never bothered me before, but I find myself using a lot more

magnification with the little 8x11 negs..

<p>

Cheers!

<p>

Mark.