Re-using fix

Kim Catton · Jul 30, 2006

Hi all!

I am a bit confused about re-using my fix when developing negs. How do I re-use it? someone told me that you should add a bit of fix-concentrate to the water/fix mix that you have just used and then it could be used again ? is this correct?

regards, kim

reellis67 · Jul 30, 2006

It is not dilluted as developer is, but rather used at full strength, so it just goes back in the bottle until the next time. It is wise to test your fixer each time you use it by putting a film leader in and timing how long it takes to clear. You then compare the time to the time it took when the fixer was new and when it takes twice as long you mix up fresh fixer. Alternately, you can use Edwal Hypo check drops, which are a tad expensive, but go a decently long way.

- Randy

Kim Catton · Jul 30, 2006

My fixer is suppose to be used in a diluted 1:3 or 1:9 - It says on the bottle anyways.

now I am even more confused :O)

kim

Amund · Jul 30, 2006

Don`t worry
You dilute your fixer for film 1:3, and now you have your working strenght solution.
Let`s say you mix one liter. You can use the liter for about 20 rolls. After 10-12 rolls, check with a piece of film and see how fast it clears. If it clears in less than two minutes it`s still fine.

BradS · Jul 30, 2006

I would just add that it seems a good idea to filter the used fixer.

Markok765 · Jul 30, 2006

What i do is use it for 4 rolls of film, and then use it for paper

Wigwam Jones · Jul 30, 2006

Kim Catton said:
My fixer is suppose to be used in a diluted 1:3 or 1:9 - It says on the bottle anyways.

now I am even more confused :O)

kim

I am guessing that means your fixer is a concentrate. No, you don't use *THAT* undiluted! However, I think you are diluting it at fix time, like a one-shot developer. I suspect what the bottle's instructions mean is to decant it into a bigger bottle and dilute it, then store it and use it 'straight' from that. That way you can reuse it - as a one-shot, obviously it won't fit back into your concentrate bottle.

Does that help?

Ole · Jul 30, 2006

Markok765 said:
What i do is use it for 4 rolls of film, and then use it for paper

Bad idea.

Your prints may turn anti-halation pink!

Markok765 · Jul 30, 2006

I dont use tmax, but that would give a "unique" tone! lol

reellis67 · Jul 30, 2006

I assumed that you were using a powdered fixer mix, sorry. I use a concentrated liquid fixer as well (in my case, TF-4) and do as Wigwam has suggested. I mix the working strength fixer from the concetrated fixer one liter at a time (or three in my case, one for film, one for 1st paper fix, and 1 for second paper fix) and store it in 1 liter containers. Each time I use the working liter, I put it back into it's container until it is time for it to be replaced. Sorry about the confusion, but so many people seem to be using powdered fixers these days I assumed incorrectly.

- Randy

Bob F. · Jul 30, 2006

Couple of points... Yes, you can reuse the working strength fixer (1:3 for film - I use the higher concentration for paper too). You do not want to add extra fixer.

To test if the fixer is still sufficiently active you can do a simple test. Mix fresh fixer and drop a bit of undeveloped film leader in to it. Gently agitate it and see how long the bit of film takes to clear (ignoring any tint the base may have). Make a note of the time it takes to clear: typically 30 - 60 seconds. Use the fixer as normal and put in a (preferably air-tight) bottle. Next time you want to use the fixer, drop another bit of the same film type in and see how long it takes to clear this time. When the time is twice (I use 175% but most people go with 200%) the original time, the fixer is discarded and a new batch made up and a new initial clearing time found for the new batch of fixer.

Cheers, Bob.

Re-using fix

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