Color Fixer Dilution - how to determine

[bvy]

I recently bought the Kodak Flexicolor SM (C-41SM) Processing Unit F2. It contains bleach and fixer components only. Since it's made for a minilab, the instructions aren't very clear for my purposes. I've scoured Kodak's documentation and the web. It looks like the fixer needs to be diluted with water, 1:1, to prepare a working solution. I reference (there was a url link here which no longer exists), though it's mostly conjecture.

In general, is there a great risk if the fixer I prepare turns out to be too concentrated or dilute (within reason, of course)? Should I err on one side or the other? Will a clearing test or the solution color tell me if I'm close to the correct dilution?

Thanks.

 

[BMbikerider]

My way with a similar bleach/fix is to know how much working solution the full quantity will make, say for purposes of argument it will make 5 litres. If you measure the quantity of base chemicals you have, say 1 litre, then for 1 litre working solution you need 200cc's of concentrate to 800cc's of water. It isn't an exact science (?) like the developer, so a little under or over won't make much difference. I know my figures are possibly way off what you have but the principal is the same.

 

[bvy]

Thanks. The issue is I don't know how much working solution this is supposed to make. Or maybe it is the working solution.

 

[Rudeofus]

Unless someone comes up with the instructions for the kit you are using, the target specific weight of color fixer working solution might give a hint. Fixer is usually mixed from Ammonium Thiosulfate 60% solution (specific weight 1.33 kg/l) and typically diluted 1+4 or 1+5. This would yield 5-6 l with a weight of 5.33 to 6.33 kg, and therefore a specific weight of 1.055 to 1.066.

 

[bvy]

Thanks. I was looking at this again earlier today:
http://www.kodak.com/global/plugins/acrobat/en/service/Zmanuals/z101_02.pdf

If I'm reading it correctly, Table 2-1 (page 1) shows the fixer replenishment as equal parts concentrate and water, which makes me think that would be a sufficient starting point for a working solution.

 

[VPooler]

Minilab fixers are afaik 1+1 in most cases anyway. At least those I have come in contact with.