Kodak Fixer

Sorry if this is a stupid question, but I wanted to ask.

I can get some kodak powder fixer very cheap from a local store. I usually use Ilford, but am out of money to order more at the moment.

I have some Foma 100 to develop and was going to use the fixer with this. I could find any information on times with Foma. Will the fixer work with the film at normal times?

It will be fine

If you have the option, don't add the hardener - it makes washing more difficult.

Liquid chemicals are great for convenience, powdered ones are less expensive because you need to do more of the work.

Kodak make an excellent range of chemicals - just follow the instructions on how to mix and then fixing times for films - if given a choice be conservative with the time.

If you cannot find a suitable fixing time, fix for a couple of minutes then take the top off the developing tank and lift the film out for a quick look before returning into the fix.

Unfixed film has a milky white opaque appearance - the minimum fixing time is twice the clearing time of this milky white appearance.

If the film is already clear, fix for another two minutes with plenty of agitation.

Wash as usual

Have fun

Martin

Lruw said:

Sorry if this is a stupid question, but I wanted to ask.

I can get some kodak powder fixer very cheap from a local store. I usually use Ilford, but am out of money to order more at the moment.

I have some Foma 100 to develop and was going to use the fixer with this. I could find any information on times with Foma. Will the fixer work with the film at normal times?

Click to expand...

*********
yes.

Lruw said:

Sorry if this is a stupid question, but I wanted to ask.

I can get some kodak powder fixer very cheap from a local store. I usually use Ilford, but am out of money to order more at the moment.

I have some Foma 100 to develop and was going to use the fixer with this. I could find any information on times with Foma. Will the fixer work with the film at normal times?

Click to expand...

Lruw

What does it say on the bag? Is it sodium or ammonium thiosulfate? Your Ilford fixer is likely to be rapid ammonium thiosulfate (check!). Make sure the Kodak powder is the same or be prepared to extend the fixing time.

I don't know if that fixer has hardener on not, but if it has, don't use it. In any case, it's fairly simple to check how much it takes to fix your film; just cut the leader and do the standard test. Put a drop of fixer on the leader and leave it there for 5 minutes. Then immerse the leader in the fixer solution, agitate intermittently and count the time it takes for the spot to disappear. Multiply that time by 3x and that's your base fixing time. You can leave it there longer without ill effects, in fact you need to fix for a massive amount of time to have a problem. Films clear in 30'' in a rapid fixer, but I fix for 5'. I never had any problems whatsoever...

When mixing the Kodak fixer from powder, don't use water thats too hot. The result will be a cloudy solution which will work fine; but offend ones' artistic sensibilities.

-30-

Kodak fixer sold as a powder is sodium thiosulfate and it does have a hardener. You cannot leave it out. Will it work? Yes, undoubtedly; but it will take longer that you're used to if you've been using a rapid fixer like Ilford's liquid concentrate.. It's been a long time since I've used the stuff, though at one time it was my standard go to fixer for everything. I've forgotten what the recommended fixing time for film was, but I reckon 10 minutes will be enough to completely fix even the most difficult films. Foma films fix out very easily, so it should not even take that long, but 10 minutes won't hurt.

fschifano said:

Kodak fixer sold as a powder is sodium thiosulfate and it does have a hardener. You cannot leave it out. Will it work? Yes, undoubtedly; but it will take longer that you're used to if you've been using a rapid fixer like Ilford's liquid concentrate.. It's been a long time since I've used the stuff, though at one time it was my standard go to fixer for everything. I've forgotten what the recommended fixing time for film was, but I reckon 10 minutes will be enough to completely fix even the most difficult films. Foma films fix out very easily, so it should not even take that long, but 10 minutes won't hurt.

Click to expand...

That's what I use. Way back when, it was all I knew about, and I picked back up with what I knew.

I get clear times of 2-3 minutes with HP5, and fix for 6 minutes. So far, no problems, though y'all have me considering checking out other fixers.

Dear Lruw,

Kodak fixer is a quality product. Just follow the instructions on the bag and it will work well.

Neal Wydra