AndreasD
Hello,
As I’m switching from 35mm to large format, I’m switching to various ADOX chemicals.
There are differing specifications regarding fixing times. Are the following times acceptable in terms of archival stability?
Adofix 1 + 9:
Film: Adox CHS 25 sheet film: 3 mins
Paper: Fomaspeed PE, hard gradient: 90 sec
Many thanks for your advice
Andreas Dietermann
michael-kielgmxnet
Hello Andreas,
90 seconds should be fine for PE paper. For film, I’d prefer to use a higher concentration, at least 1+7 or even 1+5. You can work out the required time by checking the clearing time: place a piece of undeveloped film in the fixer and wait until it is completely clear. You then double the time measured, and that gives you the minimum time the film must remain in the fixer. It makes no difference whatsoever whether it is 35mm, roll film or sheet film. However, different types of film do have quite different clearing times.
By the way: for archival safety, adequate washing is at least as important as adequate fixing.
Patrick
Hi Andreas, well, in my experience, the films can easily stay in the fixer for 10 minutes, whether they’re 35mm, medium format or large format films. Once the films have developed, it still takes a while for the pink or purple tinge to fade on many types of film.
Enjoy,
Patrick.
