Alkaline Fixer, where to get it?

[Rhodes]

First of all, is there more besides Moersch and TF-4? And where to buy, in Europe?
Here, no online shop have it and from moersch or photoimpex site the shipping costs are expensive, putting the total price high. Macodirect have the Minimum purchase amount!

 

[goros]

You can get it from Ag Photographic
http://www.ag-photographic.co.uk/
They ship overseas and had recently reduced shipping costs, but still too expensive for just a liter or two of fixer.

Myself and some local friends use to join to make a big enough order to compensate and distribute the shipping cost.

 

[Rudeofus]

Are you sure you need alkaline fixer, and that neutral fixer won't work for you? If you are 100% sure you really need alkaline fixer, you can convert any normal fixer to alkaline fixer by adding Ammonia. You should be able to get at least 20% Ammonia in well stocked hardware stores. Just add as much as it takes, you know your fixer is alkaline if its Ammonia smell becomes very noticeable. This is even easier if you have pH indicator paper.

 

[Brook Hill]

Peter Hogan at www.monochromephotography.com supplies it, still not cheap. Just as a point how long do you keep alkaline fixer working solution? Is it OK to use up to you get twice the clearing time from a film test or should it be discarded after a day?

Tony

 

[Tom Kershaw]

I'm not sure alkaline fixers are really needed. You are probably fine with Hypam or similar.

Tom

 

[Rhodes]

Didn't know about monocrhomephotography.com, thanks. Well, I want to use it primarily when using Tanol or finol and when my normal fixer (ilford rapid) ends. If the Neutral fixer can be use with satin developers and not reduce the satin, I can go with it.

 

[bdial]

Ilford Hypam (similar to Ilford rapid) is near neutral PH and I've used it with Pyrocat and had no problems with the stain.
If you have a local shop where you can buy the Ilford rapid, you can likely have them order some Hypam which may help a little on the shipping.
It might also be worthwhile to send Moersch a note and ask what alternative fixers would work with Tanol and Finol. I am sure that Wolfgang has worked that out already.

 

[Rhodes]

Thank you, hypam is available here, so I get it! And I will go with your advice!