I summon the collective wisdom of APUG! Re-fixing old film?

[Magnus W]

As I mentioned last week I found my old negatives from late seventies to late eighties, and there was much rejoicing.
However, after poring over these treasures for a week I have found four rolls that probably were under-fixed back then (1980-ish). There is a streak along the center of the film (TriX 135) that has gone visibly yellow.

So my question is; is it ok. to dunk them in fresh fix, rins'em, HCA'em, and dry them or are they doomed to be eaten up by evil chemicals in the years to come.

slightly worried -- MW

 

[Jim Jones]

I'd fix, rinse, HCA, and give them normal washing. Perhaps others with more expertise have better advice.

 

[rbarker]

I'm sorry, Magnus, but you weren't wearing the right robe and cap when you made your summons. Oh, and replace that worn-out wand, please.

Seriously, I'd concur with Jim - normal fix, HCA, normal wash. I'd try a test on a less-important section, if possible.

 

[Les McLean]

You may find that fixing in fresh chemicals will have no effect on the yellow streak which sounds like Dichroic Fog and is difficult to remove. In my early days I incorrectly fixed a few rolls of film and the negatives started going yellow after a few years and a photographer friend told me to mix citric acid with thiourea to clear the fog. It worked but I ruined several trial negatives before I got the strength and time right. I'm sorry but I cannot remember the stength of the chemistry, I have never under fixed a film since that day. I hope I am wrong about the yellow streak, good luck.

How did I ruin them; I completely removed the emulsion from the base material and it was quite alarming to see the emulsion slide off the backing and wash down the sink.

 

[FilmIs4Ever]

I have the formula for that in an old Naval Photography guide circa 1947. I'll post it here when I find it.

I have a question of my own about B&W negs. I have some very old negs and prints where the silver seems to be coming to the surface and turning from black metallic silver to a shiny silver instead. Is there any way to fix (pun or not?) this problem?

Regards.

~Karl Borowski

 

[joeyk49]

I have never under fixed a film since that day.

With that thought in mind...Is it possible to over-fix film or paper? When trying to clear the magenta colored hue from tmax, I've left the film in the fixer for upwards of 8-10 minutes. Is there a ceiling to fixer times?

 

[Les McLean]

With that thought in mind...Is it possible to over-fix film or paper? When trying to clear the magenta colored hue from tmax, I've left the film in the fixer for upwards of 8-10 minutes. Is there a ceiling to fixer times?

I don't think 8 to 10 minutes would affect film but I would not fix paper for longer than the fixer manufacturers recommended time for there is a possibility that the prolonged fixing could bleach the image. In addition if the fix has been well used there is also the danger of causing a chemical build up that would be very difficult to wash out of the paper. I've not used Tmax film for many years and when I did I understood that it required very aggressive agitation for it to clear.