Need a B&W paper fixer

I'm finally going to be able to set up my darkroom again and need to restock my chemicals.
I've never done toning before but want to start on a few prints that I think will render nicely in selenium and sepia.
So....
My question is basically, hardening or non-hardening fixer?

I always use a non-hardening fixer for films but am not sure which will work best on paper.
I prefer liquids but if the powdered mix up well and stay in solution and have a decent shelf life for an occasional printer, I could use powder too.

Any suggestions as to hardening or non-hardening and/or preferred brands?

Thanks in advance

Ken

use a rapid non hardening fixer

Ilford Rapid fixer works for me. The liquid concentrate has a good shelf life.

TF-4 or TF-5 would be my choice. < the latter is a commercial!

PE

SOLD!
Thank you much for your replies.
(I think the commercial comes from a trusted source)

If the 1 litre Kodak Rapid Fixer is available, it has one particular advantage.
It comes in two parts - the fixer concentrate (part A), and the hardener concentrate (part B). Part B is quite strong sulfuric acid (among other things).
I mix up and use the fixer without the hardener.
And then when I am toning, I finish off with a treatment in the hardener (mixed 1+13) prior to the wash.
Toning can soften the emulsion on prints. Post-toning hardening is recommended by Kodak and others.
The up-side: two chemicals in one purchase.
The down-side: the Part B hardener makes the 1 litre packages of Kodak Rapid Fixer a "hazardous item" for shipping purposes.

It doesn't much matter. Most printers prefer a non-hardening rapid fixer. Liquid concentrated are a lot easier to use.

OptiKen said:

I'm finally going to be able to set up my darkroom again and need to restock my chemicals.
I've never done toning before but want to start on a few prints that I think will render nicely in selenium and sepia.
So....
My question is basically, hardening or non-hardening fixer?

I always use a non-hardening fixer for films but am not sure which will work best on paper.
I prefer liquids but if the powdered mix up well and stay in solution and have a decent shelf life for an occasional printer, I could use powder too.

Any suggestions as to hardening or non-hardening and/or preferred brands?

Thanks in advance

Ken

Click to expand...

always non-hardening fixwr as it wil wash out mch esier.