fix time Slavich FB SW

[Paul Howell]

I have used Slavich in the past and recently stocked up with SW FB glossy, my usual fix time for SW is 5 mts in standard fix, 2 mts for rapid fix. I must have ignored the data sheet as I don't recall reading it, or it was in Russian, well the data sheet says to fix from 10 to 15 mts, for single weight. That sounds much long, in the days when SW was common I dont recall ever fixing a SW more than 5 mts. Any thoughts?

 

[Rick A]

Use whatever time your brand of fixer recommends. Oh, and use a two bath system, dividing the full time in half between the two.

 

[bdial]

That time in the data sheet is probably for standard fix as opposed to rapid fix. As Rick suggests, the timing given by the fixer manufacturer should be fine.

But, if you are still in doubt, the best way to establish a reliable time would be to do a residual silver test. You can do this with selenium toner.

Kodak's directions for this are (paraphrased);
Make a test solution by diluting one part of Kodak Rapid Selenium Toner with nine parts of water.
Place a drip of the test solution on a margin of a rinsed and squeegeed film or print.
Remove with a clean white blotter after 2 or 3 minutes.
Any coloration in excess of a just-visible cream tint indicates the presence of silver compounds in the processed material.

Note that the print need not be fully washed, but too much fix will cause the test to fail. I've used the same recipe using Ilford selenium toner, Kodak notes that the proportions are not critical.