Kodak Fixer?

[mehguy]

For Kodak Fixer (the one where its in powder form and you use as stock), when I use the fixer, do I just pour it back into along with the rest of the stock fixer or should I keep the used fixer separate from the stock?

 

[mklw1954]

Pour it back into the rest of the fixer. The bag will tell you the capacity of the fixer solution - a gallon can fix 8,000 square inches of film or print paper (a liter can fix 2,110 sq. in.). A 36-exposure roll of 35mm film or a roll of 120 film is 80 sq. in. So keep track of how much film and paper you are fixing and stay within the capacity. There's also a storage time limit, which is also indicated on the bag. It's also good practice to filter all chemicals that are reused, using a coffee filter, between uses.

 

[MattKing]

In the interests of clarity, I would point out that it isn't a good idea to use the same fixer for both film and prints. So fixer used for film should go back into the film fixer bottle, and fixer used for paper should go back into the paper fixer bottle.
Regular clip tests are your friend.
You may find my procedure helpful: (there was a url link here which no longer exists)
Best to read both the Overview and the initial page of discussion.
I use my fixer more diluted for prints, so I just track the number of prints going through it (compared to Kodak's capacity recommendations) and stop using it when I reach the number I am comfortable with.

 

[mehguy]

In the interests of clarity, I would point out that it isn't a good idea to use the same fixer for both film and prints. So fixer used for film should go back into the film fixer bottle, and fixer used for paper should go back into the paper fixer bottle.

Just curious but what's the reasoning behind this?

 

[MattKing]

Just curious but what's the reasoning behind this?

The byproducts left in solution after each type of use are somewhat incompatible with the other type of use.
Said more simply, the "film gunk" left in the film fixer after you use it isn't good for the paper, and the "paper gunk" left in the paper fixer after you use it isn't good for the film.
The problem with the paper fixer is much worse if you print on fibre base paper, because bits of the paper can end up in the solution.

 

[silveror0]

The byproducts left in solution after each type of use are somewhat incompatible with the other type of use.
Said more simply, the "film gunk" left in the film fixer after you use it isn't good for the paper, and the "paper gunk" left in the paper fixer after you use it isn't good for the film.
The problem with the paper fixer is much worse if you print on fibre base paper, because bits of the paper can end up in the solution.

+1. Also consider the option of a two-bath fixing procedure. Ilford describes this procedure as well as others:

An extremely efficient method of fixing film or paper is to use the two bath fixing technique. Make up two separate fixing baths of the same solution volume. Fix the film or paper in the first bath for half the recommended fixing time and then transfer them to the second bath for the remainder of the time. Continue to work this way until the capacity of the first bath is reached, then discarded it and replace it with the second fixer bath. Prepare and use a completely fresh second bath. Repeat this process as required with the result that the film or paper is always thoroughly fixed by the relatively fresh fixer in the second bath.

 

[Arklatexian]

For Kodak Fixer (the one where its in powder form and you use as stock), when I use the fixer, do I just pour it back into along with the rest of the stock fixer or should I keep the used fixer separate from the stock?

I pour it into another container until all the stock has been used once, then I start over. This also helps keep track of how much the fixer has been used........Regards!

 

[RalphLambrecht]

For Kodak Fixer (the one where its in powder form and you use as stock), when I use the fixer, do I just pour it back into along with the rest of the stock fixer or should I keep the used fixer separate from the stock?

I use it one-shot within the two-fix method after losing valuable negs with exhausted fixer but many use fixer until exhausted.Still,fresh fixer is always best.

 

[darkroommike]

I can mix a gallon and split it into two 1/2 gallon containers, mark and use one for film and the other for paper.