Last FX-39 on earth

[MMfoto]

I've got an unopened bottle of Paterson FX-39 that expired in August. I really want to use it! I'm processing some long over due rolls that I exposed over a year ago that I marked for FX-39. I know Acutol had a bad rep in the bottle-any chance the FX-39's still good?

 

[Tom Kershaw]

I'm not sure. I have a bottle of FX-39 I opened in September with approx. half left. I should have access to a new darkroom by January but I suspect that may be too late from other reports.

 

[haris]

Well, by Paterson web site, http://www.patersonphotographic.com/chemistry/darkroom index.htm

FX39 is still in production, so you can buy it fresh.

And on this forums were discussions about Paterson chemistry, and if I remember well, Paterson chemistry were out for some time, but now are back in production. Try search this forum.

 

[clay]

I received an email reply from Paterson about a month and a half ago stating that all their photo chemistry had been discontinued. I hope that they are reconsidering this, but for now, it is nowhere to be found.

Well, by Paterson web site, http://www.patersonphotographic.com/chemistry/darkroom index.htm

FX39 is still in production, so you can buy it fresh.

And on this forums were discussions about Paterson chemistry, and if I remember well, Paterson chemistry were out for some time, but now are back in production. Try search this forum.

 

[Arvee]

I read some conflicting information that Paterson had made arrangements with another company to continue producing the chemicals but they wouldn't be available until early 2007.

I don't remember where I read it on the web so I can't vouch for its accuracy and, of course, there is the possibility that the arrangement has tanked and its over.

Perhaps someone with more current information will step up....

 

[Gerald Koch]

If you are willing to mix your own then G. W. Crawley, was reported in
Amateur Photographer magazine 27 Aug 2005, as saying that the FX-37 formula is the closest published formula to FX-39.

 

[clay]

It is very, very close. I've started mixing up FX-37 and using it as a replacement for FX-39. I like the fact that the developing times are shorter. FWIW, I use a dilution of 1:5 for FX-37 instead of the 1:3 you see in all the online documentation. TX400 at 1:5, 6 minutes at 72 degrees is about perfect. CI of 0.55 and a nice gently shouldered highlight curve. Measured film speed of 500, but I generally expose it at 250-320 for beefier shadow density. The grain is as sharp, but not quite as fine as what FX-39 delivers.

If you are willing to mix your own then G. W. Crawley, was reported in
Amateur Photographer magazine 27 Aug 2005, as saying that the FX-37 formula is the closest published formula to FX-39.