Gast
Hello,
I’ve got a really simple question:
How long do I need to fix the films, and also the paper prints? With developing, you can see it quite clearly or there’s a timing chart; the stop bath isn’t a problem anyway, but are there set times for fixing? I suppose it depends on the chemicals, doesn’t it?
Thanks for your replies, happy working
David Saiger
Gast
Hi David,
The basic rule is always: fixing time is half the clearing time.
I know, it’s a pain. With paper you can’t see it, but with film you don’t really want to look inside.
Generally speaking, the fixer’s instructions will state what it can handle, at what dilution, and how quickly.
Test for film: put a scrap of film into the fixer, see how long it takes to clear, and double that time.
Otherwise, check the packaging.
Best regards
Martin
cfb_de
Hi Martin, hi David,
A double clearing time for the film (which is quite easy to do with a scrap of waste film: just pick up the round-cut perforation from the base and add it) works well for classic emulsions. However, flat-chest^H^H^H^H^Hcrystalline films such as Delta-something or TMax-something, as well as Fomapan-200, should ideally remain in the fixer for three to four times the standard clearing time.
Why? These films contain high levels of iodide. And that stuff has to be removed in the fixer, but unfortunately it takes longer. Iodide content roughly determines the clearing time; nevertheless, ‘Tetenal Superfix 1+7’, for example, should be discarded after four TMax films if you cannot measure properly. Measuring means: titrating the silver content and titrating the iodide content. The test strips available in shops are absolutely useless for this and are a complete rip-off.
Then rinse thoroughly (to avoid the now embarrassing question about “pink TMax”): keep the can closed, pour in water. Swish 10 times, leave to stand for one minute. Drain the water, pour in fresh water. Swish 20 times, leave to stand for one minute. Drain the water, pour in fresh water. Swish 20 times, leave to stand for five minutes, then swish 20 times. Drain the water, add fresh water, and repeat the final tilting sequence three times (using fresh water each time). Afterwards, you’ll have used very little water (a 10-litre bucket is enough for me for two TMax films, including the developer batch and intermediate rinsing), your arm won’t be tired, and you’re guaranteed TMax prints as clear as spring weather.
Best regards,
Franz
