Simple question about TF-5 Fixer

[softfascination]

I just picked up some 510 Pyro and this TF-5 was recommended to go along with the staining developer. The TF-5 is a liquid in a bottle and my question is this: do I mix this fixer as needed?, or do I pre-mix with distilled water like I would a powder based chem.?

 

[Saganich]

Unless there are other product options it ships as stock solution with mixing instructions for working solutions for paper and film. I mix-up 1 liter from stock at a time and use that liter for about 25-30 rolls of 36 exposures equivalent surface area. The option to mix the entire stock as a huge volume of working solution may be necessary if you shoot a lot of film, but if it's a few rolls a month, just mix-up what you need.

 

[softfascination]

Unless there are other product options it ships as stock solution with mixing instructions for working solutions for paper and film. I mix-up 1 liter from stock at a time and use that liter for about 25-30 rolls of 36 exposures equivalent surface area. The option to mix the entire stock as a huge volume of working solution may be necessary if you shoot a lot of film, but if it's a few rolls a month, just mix-up what you need.

Yes makes sense, the term "working solution" is the key. Thank you!

 

[Pioneer]

Unless there are other product options it ships as stock solution with mixing instructions for working solutions for paper and film. I mix-up 1 liter from stock at a time and use that liter for about 25-30 rolls of 36 exposures equivalent surface area. The option to mix the entire stock as a huge volume of working solution may be necessary if you shoot a lot of film, but if it's a few rolls a month, just mix-up what you need.

+1.

One liter of working solution is normally good for 30 rolls of film (36 exposure.) Mix as needed, it is very easy.

 

[Alan9940]

It has always been my understanding that TF-5 was specifically designed to allow "mix as you need" solution. A bottle of TF-4, however, should be mixed into a working solution. That said, I do know photographers who "mix as needed" with TF-4 and I've never heard of any issues. They just shake the bottle well to fully distribute its contents, then pour out only what's needed. YMMV, of course.

 

[George Collier]

I've used TF4 for years and always mixed all of the stock initially, then used as needed.
I've often wondered what the difference is between TF4 and TF5. Is this the only difference, and then why even make TF4?

 

[Alan9940]

I've often wondered what the difference is between TF4 and TF5. Is this the only difference, and then why even make TF4?

I think the biggest differences between TF4 and TF5 is that the latter can be mixed into a specific working solution amount, as needed, and has less odor. I've heard that TF5 is pH neutral; not sure about TF4.

 

[MatthewDunn]

I just picked up some 510 Pyro and this TF-5 was recommended to go along with the staining developer. The TF-5 is a liquid in a bottle and my question is this: do I mix this fixer as needed?, or do I pre-mix with distilled water like I would a powder based chem.?

http://photoformulary.homestead.com/03-0200.pdf

Look at the top of the second page. I know this doesn't clearly answer your question, but I think the clear implication from the instructions is that, as this is pre-mixed, as long as you keep things in the proper 1:3 working solution, you are fine. In your profile, it says you shoot 4x5. That is my weapon of choice as well and I use a Stearman Press 8x10 developing tray (in which up to 4 4x5 sheets can lay flat). When the film is laid flat, I can get away with 400ml for development (less, actually). The 400ml number keeps the mathematics straightforward. Arriving at the point, I just fill a beaker with 100ml right out of the bottle, top with 300ml of H2O, and I have never had an issue. Hope that helps.

 

[softfascination]

http://photoformulary.homestead.com/03-0200.pdf

Look at the top of the second page. I know this doesn't clearly answer your question, but I think the clear implication from the instructions is that, as this is pre-mixed, as long as you keep things in the proper 1:3 working solution, you are fine. In your profile, it says you shoot 4x5. That is my weapon of choice as well and I use a Stearman Press 8x10 developing tray (in which up to 4 4x5 sheets can lay flat). When the film is laid flat, I can get away with 400ml for development (less, actually). The 400ml number keeps the mathematics straightforward. Arriving at the point, I just fill a beaker with 100ml right out of the bottle, top with 300ml of H2O, and I have never had an issue. Hope that helps.

hey, thanks for this tip!