Kodak T-Max fixer (EU market) vs. Kodafix (USA market)

[Alessandro Serrao]

As I understand, Kodak is making two apparently different fixers for EU and USA markets.
The Kodafix for the USA market as seen here https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/prod...ofessional_kodafix_1qt_solution.html/overview is to be diluited 1:3 (or 1+3) and contains an hardener.
The Kodak T-Max fixer as seen here https://rasetphoto.it/prodotto/kodak-t-max-rapid-fixer-1-lt/ makes 4 liters of diluited fixer total, so it's to be diluited 1+3 too, but I cannot manage to find a hint of the added hardener.
Anyone knows if the two fixers are the same, only differently bottled for different markets?
In other words: does the Kodak TMax fixer for the EU market contains an hardener too?

 

[Alessandro Serrao]

Sorry, I reply to myself.
The two fixers are not the same products, as are different their cat codes. Plus from their sds the Kodafix lists aluminum sulfate solution 60% while the sds for Kodak TMax fixer does not.

 

[cmacd123]

in North America their are Both "
KODAK PROFESSIONAL Kodafix Fixer, Quart Concentrate to make 1-2 Gallons

AND KODAK PROFESSIONAL Rapid Fixer with Hardener, Concentrate Kit

PLUS Kodak Powder fixer, which is not a rapid fixer.

 

[MattKing]

Both fixers offer a choice of dilution - 1 + 3 recommended for film, 1 + 7 recommended for paper.
Historically they were the same hardening fixer formulation - but sold into different markets.
And they were probably manufactured by different entities.
The B&H illustration on that listing is ancient, because it still shows Kodak Alaris on the label. That isn't uncommon for B&H.
Here is the listing for the current Kodafix product, which is probably what B&H will send you if you order from them: https://kodak.photosys.com/collecti...nal-kodafix-solution-to-make-1gl-cat-105-8452
Photo Systems Inc. is the new and current manufacturer and source for all Kodak Photo Chemicals worldwide.
At present, there is no product in their line badged as T-Max fixer.

 

[Alessandro Serrao]

At present, there is no product in their line badged as T-Max fixer.

There is.

https://rasetphoto.it/v2/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/T-MAX-FIXER.jpg

CAT 1059915
sds https://www.ars-imago.com/web/conte...90667fe8c35ef1a3025c13bacf28595&download=true

 

[MattKing]

You can't read the name on the side - I think that is old product from a previous distributor no longer in the business.

 

[Alessandro Serrao]

You can't read the name on the side - I think that is old product from a previous distributor no longer in the business.

Sorry no, I've bought it yesterday and it says made in the usa by photo system inc
mfd date 2024/02
So it's fresh product of the latest run.
Here's better...

Kodak T-Max Fixer, 5 litres

Rapid use for Kodak TMax, makes 5 litres

www.firstcall-photographic.co.uk

 

[MattKing]

In that case it is the same product as the liquid Kodafix - just badged for the European market.

 

[Alessandro Serrao]

In that case it is the same product as the liquid Kodafix - just badged for the European market.

So also the fixer for the european market contains the alum hardener?

 

[MattKing]

So also the fixer for the european market contains the alum hardener?

Yes.
Whereas the Rapid Fixer is packaged in two containers, which allows you to choose whether or not to include the hardener.

 

[mshchem]

Kinda crazy that a fixer called "Tmax" would contain hardener. I still use hardener for fiber prints, but I finally believe hardener is absolutely not required for film. Tabular grain films definitely benefit from film strength rapid fixers, but hardener just slows washing.
However, using Kodak Hypo Clearing Agent is great to get the purple out of T-Max films, which speeds washing, even with hardener.

 

[Alessandro Serrao]

Yes.
Whereas the Rapid Fixer is packaged in two containers, which allows you to choose whether or not to include the hardener.

At least judging from the sds the Eu version of the fixer does not contain any potassium alum...

 

[MattKing]

At least judging from the sds the Eu version of the fixer does not contain any potassium alum...

The problem being that you cannot tell if the European MSDS requirements require that the hardener actually be listed.
Can you link to that European MSDS - I don't think I found it when I looked?
EDIT - sorry, I just found it in your earlier link.

 

[MattKing]

It occurs to me that there might also be differences incorporated in the T-Max version due to the EU's more restrictive treatment of borates.
I've sent an enquiry to Photo Systems/Cinestill.

 

[Alessandro Serrao]

Photo System has answered my email. They say that the Kodak TMax rapid fixer does not contain any hardener.

 

[MattKing]

Intriguing - that is a change, because historically it did. The retailers should be told by Photo Systems.

 

[MattKing]

Photo System has answered my email. They say that the Kodak TMax rapid fixer does not contain any hardener.

And Cinestill just got back to me with an answer to my question posted on the Photo Systems website.
They said they don't know, but they will ask "Kodak" .
It will be interesting to see whether I get the same answer!

 

[MattKing]

The answer I received from Cinestill is that they reached out to the manufacturer, who responded as follows:
"TMax fixer is a European product which is similar to Rapid fix A, but different from Kodafix. Kodafix is a hardening fixer. TMax fixer is not. With modern films, hardener is not usually needed. Rapid fixer is better for T-grain films because there is less chance of a pinkish cast."

 

[miha]

Yet some of the largest European vendors list it as a hardening fixer...

KODAK T-MAX Fix 1000 ml conc. - fotoimpex.com analogue photography

Kodak T-MAX fixer is a hardening all-purpose fixer bath for black and white film and paper. T-MAX fixer is specially designed for Kodak T-Max films.

www.fotoimpex.com

Kodak T-MAX Fix for 5l

Kodak T-MAX fixer is a hardening all-purpose fixer bath for black and white film and paper. T-MAX fixer is specially designed for Kodak T-Max films.

www.macodirect.de

Kodak T-MAX Fixer - 1L

Kodak T-MAX Fixer is a highly efficient, hardening fixer especially suited for films with T-Grain technology such as Kodak T-MAX and Ilford Delta.

www.retrocamera.be

KODAK T-Max Fixierbad 1 Liter

KODAK T-Max Fixierbad 1 Liter: Kodak T-MAX Fixierer ist ein härtendes Allzweck-Fixierbad für Schwarzweiß-Filme und-Papiere. T-MAX Fixierer ist speziell auf die Kodak T-Max-Filme abgestimmt.

www.nordfoto.de

 

[Alessandro Serrao]

Yet some of the largest European vendors list it as a hardening fixer...

Still, they are all wrong...