Fixer: slightly blue

Markok765 · Oct 4, 2006

Ok, i bought a 5L bottle of agfa Fx-universal and after a darkroom printing session, it is slightly blue.
I did about 30 5x4 prints FB in it. the fix was diluted 1:5
is this normal?

srs5694 · Oct 5, 2006

I'm not an expert on this product, but a quick Web search suggests that it's slightly alkaline (pH 7.5). If this is true, and if you used an acid stop bath with an indicator dye in it, then the indicator dye presumably turned blue when it hit the alkaline fixer. I recommend you check the instructions for the fixer to see if using it with an alkaline stop bath is recommended. If not, switch to a water stop bath.

ijsbeer · Oct 5, 2006

I'm only a B/W film developer but when my fixer turns blue it is exhausted. So maybe you need some fresh fixer for your next session.

greets,

ijsbeer

DBP · Oct 5, 2006

I know I usually get a little blue when I am exhausted. Do you have any hypo check?

fschifano · Oct 5, 2006

srs5694 said:
... a quick Web search suggests that it's slightly alkaline (pH 7.5).

I see the same thing with Kodak Flexicolor fixer. The working solution ph is not low enough to prevent the indicator dye in any carried over stop bath from changing color.

Bob Carnie · Oct 5, 2006

Markok

I use indicator stop bath before the fix, and use a double fix. the first fix always tinges blue. It should not be a problem unless you are overusing the fix. You can always purchase a bottle of hypocheck at a good camera store.Squirt the liquid into the used fix, if it turns milky,it is definately exhausted fix.
Each printing session I rotate the last day printing #2 fix into the #1 fix position, I them mix fresh fix 1:4 ** you mention 1:5* for the days second fix.
Never dump the fix down the drain, it must be captured for silver recovery.

Markok765 · Oct 5, 2006

srs5694 said:
I'm not an expert on this product, but a quick Web search suggests that it's slightly alkaline (pH 7.5). If this is true, and if you used an acid stop bath with an indicator dye in it, then the indicator dye presumably turned blue when it hit the alkaline fixer. I recommend you check the instructions for the fixer to see if using it with an alkaline stop bath is recommended. If not, switch to a water stop bath.

Is Ilfostop acid or alkaline?

Will S · Oct 5, 2006

Markok765 said:
Is Ilfostop acid or alkaline?

Acid. Kodak Acid Stop will turn purple in the fixer (TF-4).

Fixer: slightly blue

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