Mixing different fixers together?

jjjs

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May 3, 2005

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• Sep 27, 2006

• #1

Hi,

So the question is: can Polymax fixer and Agefix be mixed together after each one have been made to a working solution? Now I have 500 ml working solution of Polymax and 1000 ml of Agefix working solution, but I need 1500 ml.
What if I just mix them together?:confused:

 

ann

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• Sep 27, 2006

• #2

i wouldn't, different manufactors have different forumla.

especially if this was something important

 

Stephanie Brim

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• Sep 27, 2006

• #3

I general chemistry rule that I've (almost) always followed, even in high school chemistry, is this: if you don't know, don't mix it.

(The almost was the time that I mixed two chemicals in my childhood chemistry set that the instructions said not to mix. Childhood curiosity, of course, wins over directions most of the time. I did it outside with goggles on just in case. I also held the test tube with tongs. I mixed the two chemicals in the test tube in small amounts. It proceeded to get hot enough that it broke the test tube. I never did it again, but it was interesting nonetheless.)

 

Donald Miller

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• Sep 27, 2006

• #4

If these were both sodium thiosulfate based fixers, I would not be too worried about mixing them. Or by the same token if they are both ammonium thiosulfate based (rapid fix), they would probably mix together without any problem. I would check to see if either or both were identified as being rapid fixers.

Typically all fixers for black and white photography will be based on one or the other thiosulfate based formulations.

 

Photo Engineer

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• Sep 27, 2006

• #5

Actually, with fixers, pH is more important than most other factors.

If they have the same pH, they are generally safe to mix together, but you must time the fix rate to determine the safe time for your film or paper.

PE

 

fschifano

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• Sep 27, 2006

• #6

Actually, I've done this. Had some rapid fix, but not enough to fill the tray. Had some standard fix too, again not enough to fill the tray. Both were acid fixers. It would have been a while before I was able to get more and I didn't want to wait. Mixed them both together without giving it a second thought. Worked fine. Prints are still looking food.