Kodak Fixer...New Formulation?

[Ektagraphic]

Hello-
I just bought some Kodak fixer and I mixed it. For a change, the package seemed to be vacuum sealed and it smelled extremely strong when mixed. It seemed to be different then usual. The exp. date is 2013-05 and the code that is underneath the exp is 1018 C5 01734. Come to think of it, it smelled just like the anesthesia that was used when I was being nocked out for surgery. :eek:

Patrick

 

[Ian Grant]

Remember that Kodak no longer make photo-chemistry, they sub-contracted that side to Champion who make the products for Kodak in the same former Kodak factory..

Champion themselves were formed when two other companies Russell and May & Baker merged, all with a long history of making chemistry. In fact May & Baker was founded in 1851, also a drug company they manufactured colour developing agents and other raw chemicals as well as selling a range B&W and colour chemistry. Russell had previously merged with another large US manufacturer.

So with their own vast manufacturing experience it's highly likely that Champion have made improvements in the former Kodak plant and the way some products are made & packaged with knock on beneficial effects to the consumer.

Ian

 

[onepuff]

That's a very interesting story about Champion. I remember using May & Baker products in the 1980s and always wondered what happened to the company.

 

[Ian Grant]

Remember May & Baker Amfix, well here it is

Suprol, Promicrol (new formulation) etc they are all still made. M&B made a superb Warm tone developer but that went out of production some time after the merger with Champion.

Ian

 

[brucemuir]

What fixer are you referring to?

Kodakfix (do they market this in the UK?) or the 2 part type with the separate hardener?

 

[Ektagraphic]

I am refering to the standard Kodak powdered hardening fixer.

 

[Ronald Moravec]

If you wish to tone the photos, even selenium tone, a non hardening fix should be used. I have been disposing of the hardener portion of the liquid fix for 40 years will no ill effect. Hardener makes washing take longer so you use more water, film or paper.

All modern films today are prehardened.

 

[Robert Budding]

If you wish to tone the photos, even selenium tone, a non hardening fix should be used. I have been disposing of the hardener portion of the liquid fix for 40 years will no ill effect. Hardener makes washing take longer so you use more water, film or paper.

All modern films today are prehardened.

I agree that prints shouldn't be fixed with a hardener. As for film, there's an interesting discussion here:

(there was a url link here which no longer exists)

I've decided to use hardener when fixing film based on this discussion. There seem to be some advantages, and few disadvantages.

 

[Ray Rogers]

Come to think of it, it smelled just like the anesthesia that was used when I was being nocked out for surgery. :eek:

Patrick

Where were you knocked out with gas?
I thought ultrashort acting barbiturates given IV was the norm...

When was the last time you had surgury?