BW reversal: Iron Out vs Super Iron Out

pkr1979 · Aug 1, 2023

Hi all,

I just got some Iron Out to check out how well it fares when developing bw slides (as you probably already know it is supposed to replace re-exposure, second development and fixing). I discovered though, that there is also the SUPER Iron Out - and I am curious if anyone actually compared these two?

For those who are interested, the tech sheets are here:
Iron Out: https://summitbrands.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/Iron-OUT-Powder-English-GHS-Rev-02-12-2018.pdf
Super Iron Out: https://inspectapedia.com/hazmat/MSDS_Super_Iron_Out.pdf

Cheers
Peter

pkr1979 · Aug 1, 2023

@Tsubasa - is there any reason in particular why you would use the Super version?

Rudeofus · Aug 1, 2023

To be honest, these 2 products appear to be nearly identical products. While the "Super Iron Out" provides a higher range of possible Sodium Hydrosulfite contents (30-60 vs.15-40), both could in theory have 35%. There is a chance, that you will need less "Super Iron Out" than "Iron Out", but even that's a gamble.

I'd say use whatever you can get with less hassle.

pkr1979 · Aug 2, 2023

Thanks @Rudeofus !

destroya · Aug 2, 2023

I use them interchangeably and get the same results.

years ago I sent an email to the company asking them what the differences were between the 2 products and they basically said they are the same. I would send them a new email to confirm though. things change sometimes.

nmp · Aug 2, 2023

Looks like ingredient-wise the second one has salt (sodium chloride) and sodium bisulfite which the other one doesn't. No idea what sodium chloride would do. Sodium bisulfite is the product of dissolution of metabisulfite in water which they both have.

Sounds like the marketing department came up with the new formula.

pkr1979 · Aug 4, 2023

Thanks Guys. @destroya - do you mix it when you use it or is it possible to mix up a day in advance?

Bronson Dugnutt · Aug 4, 2023

Mix it in distilled water immediately prior to use. Treat it as if it has zero shelf-life, essentially.

Also, have you ever dissolved Iron Out before? Make sure you have proper ventilation.

pkr1979 · Aug 4, 2023

OK - thanks. I have never dissolved it before. I use a mask, gloves and open the window.

Bronson Dugnutt · Aug 4, 2023

This product can be somewhat 'dusty' depending on how you transfer it from its container. In addition to PPE, try to keep it away from unexposed film or other chemistry. Here's the Wikipedia page for the (very) active ingredient.

It is an effective 2nd developer with the added benefit of not requiring re-exposure. Reversal processing is as flexible as enlarging IMHO so good luck and have fun!

destroya · Aug 4, 2023

pkr1979 said:
Thanks Guys. @destroya - do you mix it when you use it or is it possible to mix up a day in advance?

i mix it up with distilled water while i have the film in the clear bath. so that gives it some time to dissolve. if you dont let it dissolve long enough, I sometimes get white specks from the dried particles that do not dissolve all the way. the longer the better. but I would not go longer than an hour. so if you want to mix it up prior to development that should be fine. its 1 shot only, no re-use

Ivo Stunga · Aug 5, 2023

Hmm, interesting, didn't know about this and sounds very tempting.

Could a kind soul share formula to make working solution?

pkr1979 · Aug 5, 2023

Thanks again for the feedback fellas. @Ivo Stunga - for whatever processes you are using (ie Ilfords) you replace re-exposue, second development and fix with Iron Out. 1-2 table spoons per film for 5 minutes (as far as I know). If anyone does this in any other way please let us know - I havent used Iron Out yet but thats the suggestion Ive found on.

destroya · Aug 5, 2023

pkr1979 said:
Thanks again for the feedback fellas. @Ivo Stunga - for whatever processes you are using (ie Ilfords) you replace re-exposue, second development and fix with Iron Out. 1-2 table spoons per film for 5 minutes (as far as I know). If anyone does this in any other way please let us know - I havent used Iron Out yet but thats the suggestion Ive found on.

I use 1 tablespoon per 200ml of DISTILLED water. 10 seconds initial agitation, then 10 seconds at halfway point, 2.5 min. 5 min total.

it is nice as it takes care of 2nd dev, re-exposure and fix

relistan · Aug 6, 2023

destroya said:
I use 1 tablespoon per 200ml of DISTILLED water. 10 seconds initial agitation, then 10 seconds at halfway point, 2.5 min. 5 min total.

it is nice as it takes care of 2nd dev, re-exposure and fix

For long life you really out to still fix that film. You really can't be certain that you've developed 100% of it, even with sodium dithionite.

Ivo Stunga · Aug 8, 2023

pkr1979 said:
Thanks again for the feedback fellas. @Ivo Stunga - for whatever processes you are using (ie Ilfords) you replace re-exposue, second development and fix with Iron Out. 1-2 table spoons per film for 5 minutes (as far as I know). If anyone does this in any other way please let us know - I havent used Iron Out yet but thats the suggestion Ive found on.

Thanks!

BW reversal: Iron Out vs Super Iron Out

Privacy & Transparency

Privacy & Transparency