Fotospeed's fixer FX20 problem

[Akki14]

Does anyone use fotospeed's FX20 Rapid Fixer? The information on the package seems very very off for the fixing time. It says for 1+9 dilution the fix time should be 2minutes. Hubby tried this, opened his daylight tank up and found the film hadn't cleared so we had to use some of my old fortespeed fixer to clear it. I just did a test with a piece of leader and found it cleared in 5min30seconds, so I guess that means my "rapid fixer" has a safe fixing time of 11minutes??

Wondering if I should attempt complaining to Fotospeed about the problem. I thought maybe it was because the stuff in the bottle wasn't mixed up well so I gave it a good shake before measuring out the fix for the above test. The first time with hubby's film not clearing was without shaking the bottle before measuring out the fix.

 

[Ryuji]

I'm not sure of the product-specific info, but did you make sure that you are not applying the processing instruction for papers to your film? Just checking.

 

[Akki14]

Absolutely sure. It says Film: 1+4 dilution 1minute, 1+9 dilution 2minutes. I just did another leader test with 1+4 dilution and it did clear in 30seconds to 1minute is about right for that but not for the bottle recommended 1+9 dilution.

 

[Bob F.]

Odd. Twice the time for twice the dilution seems to be the usual recommendation for fixers. Those recommended times look a little short: a 30 second clear time would suggest that a one minute fix might be pushing your luck: I'd go for 3-4 times the clearing time (Ilford for example recommend a 2-5 minute fix for Hypam at 1+4).

Which film was it? Some such as Tmax need longer and I can see Tmax easily needing over 5 mins at 1+9.

I only ever use the low odour version, FX30, and then only at 1+4 so can't help from experience (it clears FP4+ in under 40s).

Cheers, Bob.

 

[Ryuji]

That's surprising to me too... I think your best bet is to contact them and ask for their explanation. Please let me know what the true story is...

Also, you may find that the film may clear in fresh fix in 30 seconds, this is not going to be the same when the fixer is used. I am curious to hear whether their recommended procedure is valid for the last roll within their recommended processing capacity.

 

[Akki14]

The film I was testing for the dilutions (and the failed strip of negs) was Ilford HP5+. I never use Tmax nor anything t-grained to my knowledge; it's either ilford HP5+ or fomapan or lucky film, the last two being older type emulsions (as far as I know).
I ended up using it for 1min30seconds on Fomapan 400 and it at least cleared, dunno how long it was clear for, though since it was in tank closed up.

I did think it was a bit odd that 1+9 dilution would take so much longer to clear. Seems a bit strange but since it doesn't take twice the time that 1+4 takes, I think I will suggest to Fotospeed that they possibly change their labels to not recommend the 1+9 dilution for film.

 

[Les McLean]

After reading your post I called Fotospeed, as John Herlinger the owner is a good friend of mine, to tell him of your problem. He is most concerned that a customer is having problems and is anxious to get to the bottom of it. He asked me to pass on a message for you to call him on 01225 714555 so that he can resolve the problem. Please let us know the end result.

 

[Ryuji]

I did think it was a bit odd that 1+9 dilution would take so much longer to clear. Seems a bit strange but since it doesn't take twice the time that 1+4 takes, I think I will suggest to Fotospeed that they possibly change their labels to not recommend the 1+9 dilution for film.

I don't think there is any surprise in 1+9 taking much longer fixing time with film. I am not sure if their products use technology that is so unique to them, but I think most fixer manufacturers don't recommend dilutions higher than 1+4 for film. Film crystals are much harder to dissolve when the fixer is diluted.

 

[gainer]

Since agitation was not mentioned, I presume it was not a factor, but it's worth mentioning.