Can someone tell me about TF-4 fixer?

I've heard some positive reviews on TF-4 but not sure what this is and how it works. Reviews indicate that it fixes film pretty fast, in around 30sec-2 min. Is this true? I'm planning to use his exclusively with film only with HC-110/Perceptol/D-76. Just ordered a bottle from B&H. What should I know before I start using it?


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Adding to Michael, I would say that TF4's quick fixing/less washing assets becomes all the more important with large fiber based papers (1 minute), as a matter of workflow, and should not be discounted. I mix up 4 gallons at a time and it stays pretty well in solution in floating lid containers for at least 6 months. I use it for all my fixing these days. It clears sheet films in 30 sec. to a minute. That's fast. Just make sure you observe the manufacturer's capacity recommendation (on label) in terms of the area of film or paper you put through any volume of fix. That should be a trivial calculation.

Some people have found the ammonia smell from TF-4 to be objectionable; I don't remember it really bothering me, but it is noticeable (as compared to TF-5, which is almost odorless). TF-5 also doesn't have the floating stuff, which is the reason I migrated to it---I never actually had a *problem* with TF-4 failing to mix well, but I always worried about it.

In any case, both of them are good stuff. The very quick clearing time and easier washing are significant wins.

-NT


-NT

I find the need for speed when using a fixer to be rather amusing. Certainly speed should be down pretty far on the list of desirable features. When it comes to expense a simple fixer of hypo and sodium sulfite can't be beat as far a cost. This is especially true for liquids like TF-4 where you are paying to ship water about the country.

Gerald C Koch said:

I find the need for speed when using a fixer to be rather amusing.

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I find that comment to be amusing in the least and ignorant at most. It isn't speed per se that is a workflow issue. It is the amount of fixing required to fix paper adequately that will allow the quickest adequate washing afterwards. This is particularly of value with some types of fiber paper. In short, the less fixing products to be cleaned from the paper afterwards, the better (and quicker). True, speed in film fixing may be irrelevant for most, because acetates don't absorb as papers do – unless you are standing over trays, processing sheet film in the dark all day long.

ROL said:

I find that comment to be amusing in the least and ignorant at most.

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I was responding to the OP where he clearly stated that the fixer was intended only for film. No need to worry about paper and "work flow." I don't know about other people but I consider such things as cost, ease of preparation, storage, lack of smell, etc before speed for a film fixer. If you disagree just do so. There is no need for snarky comments.

ziyanglai said:

Reviews indicate that it fixes film pretty fast, in around 30sec-2 min. Is this true?

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I'd be very wary about trying to fix film in 30 secs to 2 mins. When absolutely fresh it might clear a spot on the film leader in 30 secs but even this seems short. Once you have established this time and remember the spot should be absolutely clear first, place the whole leader into the fix and time how long it takes for the rest of the leader to clear so that you can't distinguish the original spot.The usual rule is to then fix for 3 times the clearing time. As has been said by others short fixing times can be your enemy whereas longer fixing times( at least 5 mins) can only be your friend.

Unless you are having to meet a front page picture deadline on the "Daily Planet", I'd always err on the longer time.

I'd use the "clearing the leader test" each time the fixer is used as its fixing times get longer. So if the clearing time becomes 2 mins then the fixing time is at least 6 mins.

pentaxuser