rob_kunz1 Posted January 13, 2002 Share Posted January 13, 2002 This may be a dumb question but... <p> I recently ran out of Ilford Universal fixer. In my haste I picked up a bottle of Ilford Multigrade paper fixer instead of Universal fixer. Can Multigrade be used to fix film(FP4)? What would happen if I did use it? What is the difference between Multigrade and Universal fixers? <p> Thanks <p> Rob Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rob F. Posted January 13, 2002 Share Posted January 13, 2002 My experience has been with Kodak fixers. Generally, the one I use now recommends mixing at half the strength, when used for films, as when used for paper. You might try diluting some of yours 1:1 and trying it on a film leader to see whether the time required to clear is about normal for film, say, 2 to 4 minutes or so. But since it's sold for paper, with apparently no instructions for film, I think I'd limit this to emergency use until you know more. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rob F. Posted January 13, 2002 Share Posted January 13, 2002 Oh, wait, wait, don't do it. I said it backwards. Senior moment. Kodakfix is mixed TWICE as strong for film, not half as strong. SO: If you do try using the multigrade fix on a leader tongue use it full strength,and it will require longer than normal to clear, if it clears at all. Sounds like a risky business. Sorry for the backwards info. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rob F. Posted January 13, 2002 Share Posted January 13, 2002 Of course, if it comes as a concentrate, you *could* mix it to double strength. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ryuji_suzuki Posted January 13, 2002 Share Posted January 13, 2002 Ilford Multigrade fixer is a very good fixer for hand processing film and paper. The main difference is that it is not compatible with hardening additive agents. But this allows Ilford to make it a bit more concentrated compared to hardening or hardner-compatible fixer packages. You simply mix it 1+4 and use it for film or paper. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
john_hicks___ Posted January 14, 2002 Share Posted January 14, 2002 Rapid fixer is rapid fixer; I don't recall if MG fixer is mixed 1:3 or 1:4 but either way as long as you fix for two to three times the clearing time it'll work fine. <p> I don't believe hardener can be added to MG or Universal, but you don't need it anyway. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nigel_smith2 Posted January 14, 2002 Share Posted January 14, 2002 Is this Ilford 'Hypam' rapid fixer? That's what it's called here anyway. I use it 1:4 for film, 1:9 for paper. Only fixer I've used in 20 years! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ed b. Posted January 14, 2002 Share Posted January 14, 2002 You can get this sort of information for any Ilford product from their web site at <a href=http://www.ilford.com/html/us_english/homeng.html> http://www.ilford.com/html/us_english/homeng.html</a>. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
david_carper Posted January 24, 2002 Share Posted January 24, 2002 ILFORD Multigrade fixer is suitable for using with film or paper. For film, it is recommended to dilute 1+4, and fix for 2-4 minutes (3-5 minutes for Delta or T-Max films). In other words, use it just like Universal Rapid Fixer. <p> Multigrade fixer is not compatible with a hardener, but as others have stated, you don't need one anyway. <p> David Carper ILFORD Technical Service Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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