Use of highly diluted (34g/L or less) plain fixer with film as one-shot

[gealto2]

I have been using this dilution for sodium thiosulphate plain fixer for years with film and find it works great on most regular camera films in 10 minutes. TMAX films take double that. This is mixed up right before use using spoons and discarded after single use. This is a very inexpensive and independent way to fix films reliably. At this dilution, it will continue working for at least two days, unlike strong plain hypo solutions that go dead in a few hours. It clears Xray films like fuji hru quicker and also ortho litho film. Test for clearing time, then double it. Do not use for darkroom prints. Use the cheap clear rice crystal type. Pentahydrate?

I see posting from beginners asking about this, and the recommendation is "go figure it out by yourself with a clip test" or some variation. Here's an answer.

Pros
1. You always have fresh reliable fixer.
2. No more fixer reuse with all that fixer crud going into your film.
3 Wash out quickly due to lower concentration, saving water.
4. Dissolves very quickly at this dilution directly. No need for stock solution then diluting.
7. Ideal for low volume, intermittent home darkroom use.
8. This one gram per fluid ounce. FYI
9. Less need for acid stop since fixer thrown out any way.

Cons
1. Slightly less convnient than fixer reuse.

 

[koraks]

I usually use fixer one shot as well, but I use a rapid C41 fixer instead. However, like you I use it more dilute than how it's normally used, which is aimed at a replenishment situation. Fixing time needs to be extended in some cases, but they're generally shorter than what you observe since this is a rapid fixer. There are many ways to skin this cat!