Kilian
Hello everyone!
Perhaps someone could help me out? I’d be very grateful.
I’ve prepared the Calbe A300 film fixer. I’d like to add the Tetenal guard, but I’ve only just noticed the warning on the bottle stating that the guard isn’t suitable for powder fixers.
Can anyone tell me why this is the case? So, what risk am I taking if I combine the A300 and the Hüter anyway? Does anyone have any experience with this and would be willing to share it with me? Many thanks in advance.
Kind regards, Kilian
Wolfgg
Hello Kilian,
Fixers prepared from liquid concentrates usually have a lower pH than those made from powder. The heat-activated additive only works within a limited pH range. But you can test this out on a small amount of fixer. At worst, it won’t work, or sulphur will precipitate (the fixer will become cloudy). You can also add hardener to the stop bath. However, you should check with Tetenal by email or phone to find out what the optimal acetic acid concentration would be.
Also consider whether the hardener is really necessary. It significantly extends the rinsing time and only makes sense if gelatine damage occurs frequently.
Regards, Wolfgang
Kilian
Hello Wolfgang!
Thanks for your reply. I’ve now noticed the same issues with the fixer when adding Tetenal hardener.
At times, I have unfavourable lab conditions where the water is only around 24°C. I can’t get it any cooler with the resources available to me. In these cases, I’ll follow your advice and add the hardener to the stop bath. Otherwise, I’ll try to develop my film when I’m back in the country and normal water temperatures are possible.
Regards, Kilian
