Using Flexicolor RA fixer for B&W film + paper

FL at CC · Dec 10, 2021

Hey everyone!

I have a query, I’ve been told that one can actually use C-41 Flexicolor RA fixer for everyday black and white prints and film fixing - what would be the mixing ratios and fixing times used? I’ve been using rapid fixers forever though would the C-41 fixer take me further for better mileage and less odour?

Donald Qualls · Dec 10, 2021

I've been using Flexicolor fixer for B&W film for years. Fixer is fixer, to a large extent. I mix the concentrate 1+4 just as I would with Kodak Rapid Fixer or for use with C-41 film.

Haven't tried it for paper, but halides are halides and ammonium thiosulfate will dissolve them.

pentaxuser · Dec 10, 2021

Donald Qualls said:
I've been using Flexicolor fixer for B&W film for years. Fixer is fixer, to a large extent. I mix the concentrate 1+4 just as I would with Kodak Rapid Fixer or for use with C-41 film..

Does it have any less odour than b&w Rapid Fixer, Donald?

Thanks

pentaxuser

Donald Qualls · Dec 10, 2021

Honestly, I don't notice the odor. I haven't used it in trays, which is where you might, but if I did it would be next to a tray of Indicator Stop Bath, which probably has a stronger smell. I did take care, when I built my darkroom, to include a light tight exhaust fan and a similar passive vent, so I can draw air from the house and exhaust it directly outside.

pentaxuser · Dec 10, 2021

Thanks Donald I asked out of a mixture of my curiosity and that of the OP who may be hoping that it has less odour than b&w Rapid Fix. I agree acetic acid Stop has a stronger odour or does for me, at least but others' noses may react more to Fix than Stop

pentaxuser

destroya · Dec 10, 2021

I also use the fixer. I did, years ago, use it for paper, but cant remember if it had a smell, so I would say no as more than likely I would remember if it did. Its nice have 1 fixer for all my needs. the flexicolor works great with pyro developers because its a neutral fixer and is real cheap compared to other fixers. downside, its shipped a a liquid so its now really expensive to ship, even within the state. Costs more to ship it to me from freestyle than the fixer costs. still, its cheap even with shipping. and the unopened bottles have a lost shelf life.
john

Donald Qualls · Dec 10, 2021

destroya said:
and the unopened bottles have a lost shelf life.

Well, yes and no. The fixer I'm using currently for my B&W film was mixed from liquid concentrate that I've had for almost ten years, including five years in a shed with temperature range from well below freezing to around 100F. I think that was actually Kodak Rapid Fixer (acidic B&W version), but shelf life in liquid concentrate form should be effectively the same. I'm using this because, when I mixed it, I didn't yet have Flexicolor chemistry on hand after restarting my darkroom.

MattKing · Dec 10, 2021

Title typo "fixed".

FL at CC · Dec 10, 2021

Thanks for the excellent feedback on this everyone! Good to know that using the Flexicolor C-41 fixer is easy enough to use at 1+4, I’ve mixed my fixers every time at this ratio (always used Ilford Rapid). Is there anythingi should be wary of when using Flexicolor with fibre-based? Or should it be “fixer is fixer” and not worry in particular? I did hear something that it washes out easier or am I imagining things?

koraks · Dec 12, 2021

I often use C41 RA fixer (Fuji's, not Kodak's, but it wouldn't matter much) at ratios of 1+10 ~1+15 for one-shot film fixing. I.e. something like 15-20ml of concentrate to 150ml of water in a Jobo 1510 to fix a single roll of 35mm. Regular-grained films like HP5+ etc. fix in 5 minutes or so. Very economical and reliable. I also use the same fixer in dilutions of 1+4 ~1+10 for B&W paper. Even at 1+10 it's quite fast.

Using Flexicolor RA fixer for B&W film + paper

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