fototiger
I have a question: in the FOTOIMPEX shop, there is the following note about fixers, which I’ve only just noticed for the first time.
‘If cloudiness or a sulphurous smell occurs, the fixer concentrate is no longer suitable for use.’
My problem, however, is that the concentrates (Adofix, Tetenal, Ilford, etc.) I have used so far all smell of sulphur. It isn’t necessarily a strong smell, but it is noticeable. I haven’t really been able to tell any difference between the various brands either. They all ‘smell of sulphur’, even when I buy them fresh and open them for the first time. However, I’ve never had any problems with the fixing process itself.
As I don’t believe that every fixer I’ve ever bought was off, I wanted to know what the warning was all about. I don’t want to start complaining about fixers and sending them back to FOTOIMPEX, even though the fixers are good, just because I’m unsure.
highscore
Hi Tiger
I reckon every fixer has a veeeery faint smell of its own. Maybe you’re much more sensitive to smells than I am?
A sulphurous smell?
I take that to mean it’s supposed to smell like rotten eggs!
But I’ve never had that before.
fototiger
OK, I'm still a long way off from smelling like rotten eggs! Thanks!
highscore
Well,
I'll wait and see what others have to say first.
Does anyone know if I'm right?
MirkoBoeddecker
It must smell really strongly of sulphur. X-thiosulphate always has a faint smell, of course, but once it has decomposed, we’re left with pure sulphur.
fototiger
Right then, thanks a lot for the replies!
