the paper's in the fixer - how long do you wait until you turn the lights on?

Early Riser · Sep 12, 2007

Using Hypam(1+4) and Fiber prints, 30 seconds for a test print, 60 seconds for a final print. If you care about your work have the patience to wait for it to properly fix.

pentaxuser · Sep 12, 2007

Steve Smith said:
My main precaution is looking over to make sure my box of paper is closed before I turn the light on.

Steve.

Havig done the same thing myself recently, that's why there's a lot to be said for papersafes which deliver one sheet only at a time. Then you only have to remember to shut the box once only and put it away after filling the papersafe.

pentaxuser

catem · Sep 12, 2007

No need to rush, chill out...enjoy the dark.

There's plenty of time - why count seconds.

Nick Zentena · Sep 12, 2007

Depends.

For test prints. The time it takes to walk over to the switch.

For good prints? After it's in fixer bath #2 for at least half the time.

Jersey Vic · Sep 12, 2007

JBrunner said:
I have gotten to the point where I just print with all the lights on. You just have to work fast.

That's really funny...

Vaughn · Sep 12, 2007

I never turn the darkroom's white lights on when silver printing...but then I work in a communal (university) darkroom and I might piss someone off if I hit the light switch!

Vaughn

Bob Carnie · Sep 12, 2007

This is really , really , really embarrarsing.

I always keep the lights off until after the full 3 minute double fix, If you guys are right I have wasted thousands of minutes standing waiting for the full fix to be completed.
I have been doing the complete fix cycle since my days in a communal darkroom at college .. graduated 76.

I am going home now and pouring myself a stiff drink, tell me its not so.

jstraw · Sep 12, 2007

Bob Carnie said:
This is really , really , really embarrarsing.

I always keep the lights off until after the full 3 minute double fix, If you guys are right I have wasted thousands of minutes standing waiting for the full fix to be completed.
I have been doing the complete fix cycle since my days in a communal darkroom at college .. graduated 76.

I am going home now and pouring myself a stiff drink, tell me its not so.

What would you be able to do sooner if you turned the lights on? Evaluate the print and move on to the next sheet of paper? I guess those minutes would add up.

Toffle · Sep 12, 2007

Bob Carnie said:
I am going home now and pouring myself a stiff drink...

... And just think how much easier that will be with the lights on.

On a slightly (remotely?) related note, someone mentioned film fixing earlier. When I'm fixing reels of film, I usually slip the clipped film leader (or a suitable clip from MF film) in the upper portion of the tank and fix until it shows reasonably clear. When this interval starts to stretch a bit, I change my fixer. Does this sound right to you?

Sorry to hijack the thread. I've been thinking of asking this lately, but kept forgetting. (old age)

Cheers,

jeroldharter · Sep 12, 2007

Interesting that so many people seem to use Hypam. I use Hypam too.
Ole's and PE's explanations make sense.

Bob F. · Sep 12, 2007

Toffle said:
... And just think how much easier that will be with the lights on.

On a slightly (remotely?) related note, someone mentioned film fixing earlier. When I'm fixing reels of film, I usually slip the clipped film leader (or a suitable clip from MF film) in the upper portion of the tank and fix until it shows reasonably clear. When this interval starts to stretch a bit, I change my fixer. Does this sound right to you? <snip>

Yes: most people discard the fixer when the time doubles.

OP: I give the print 30s in the fixer "for luck" before hitting the white inspection light switch (having checked that the paper is safe as mentioned earlier - I slap myself hard on the wrist if I check and find I left the box open.... Not switched it on with the box open yet - not sure what I will do if/when it happens...

dancqu · Sep 12, 2007

Toffle said:
When I'm fixing reels of film,
I usually slip the clipped film leader...

One-shot very dilute fresh fix has the advantage.
Use for one, two, or more reels at same time.
No need to pour out and back or check for
remaining capacity. Dan

brooklynkid · Sep 14, 2007

I usually use Ilford Rapid Fix or Kodafix. My rule of thumb is 30-45 seconds. At this guideline, I have never experienced a problem on multicontrast resin coated paper.

the paper's in the fixer - how long do you wait until you turn the lights on?

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