rapid fixer

[mitch brown]

hi
can someone tell me which of the ilford rapid fixers to use , the reg rapid fixer or the Ilford Hypam Fixer and what is the difference, b& H has the hypam for 19.95 and the rapid fixer for 29.95.
thanks
mitch

 

[PHOTOTONE]

I didn't think B&H shipped any type of chemistry anymore. Just sold in store.

 

[MattKing]

hi
can someone tell me which of the ilford rapid fixers to use , the reg rapid fixer or the Ilford Hypam Fixer and what is the difference, b& H has the hypam for 19.95 and the rapid fixer for 29.95.
thanks
mitch

There is a thread on APUG that discusses this question. IIRC, the Rapid Fixer is designed so that hardener may be added, whereas Hypam doesn't offer that alternative.

EDIT: as pointed out below, I've got this reversed. Both are non-hardening, and it is Hypam that can have hardener added, whereas that is not recommended for the Rapid Fixer. - Thanks for the correction.

I believe as well that while there certainly are overlaps, the packaging for the Hypam tends to lean toward the larger, industrial sizes, while the rapid fixer has more of the smaller, hobbyist sizes.

Otherwise, the performance is very similar.

Simon Galley should feel free to correct me if necessary .

Matt

P.S. here is another similar thread:

(there was a url link here which no longer exists)

 

[TBevens]

Actually Rapid Fixer will NOT accept a Hardening Agent, Hypam will.

 

[winger]

And B&H will ship chemistry.

 

[mitch brown]

ok thanks for the answers now which one should i use? or does it mater.
pro and cons of each.
thanks

 

[removed account4]

sprint systems rapid fix is sold hardener free ( you add your own if you feel as needed )
they are a sponsor as well, if you get into a pickle at b/h ... and from what i remember sprint
lets you order right from their website ...

 

[fschifano]

Use the Hypam because its $10 less expensive. It's action is no different than Rapid Fixer. If you need to add the hardener for an unusual film or process, the option is there. Chances are you won't ever need it. In practice, the two work identically, and have similar capacities and shelf lives. For the ultimate in economy, try this:http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/27599-REG/Kodak_1597392_Flexicolor_C_41_Fixer_.html. Yes, it's a special order, but it is inexpensive and it works just as well, and maybe even better than, any other B&W rapid fixer on the market today. I use it as my fixer of choice for everything and I have no complaints.

 

[Rich Ullsmith]

Listen to what Frank says. If you live in a metro area, it is quite possible that you will find a photo lab going all-digital, and are happy to give their C-41 fixer away for free, so they don't have to dispose of it. Not kidding. Royalprint fixer (Kodak product) is another I have found in labs switching over, and it works great, too. Big five gallon bladders.

 

[Lowell Huff]

Here is a thought, "DON'T USE HARDENER". I have been recommending this for years.