Varycon Processing Questions

[Richard Jepsen]

Fixing Varycon:

I'm trying Fotokemika's Varycon fiber as a paper alternative. The instructions recommend fixing in Efke FF-2 rapid fixer for about 4 to 6 min. I don't have any Efke product labels to read and the provided Fotokemika's instructions are minimal. I am concerned the recommended long fix time is not compatible with Ilford's archival wash sequence I use. My guess is the provided Efke FF-2 fix time is a normal paper fix ratio; and if so, 4 min is longer than other papers.

In my workflow I fix fiber paper in TF-4 for the recommended 60s. When using TF-4 and Varycon fiber, what fix time do you recommend?

 

[Alex Hawley]

In my workflow I fix fiber paper in TF-4 for the recommended 60s. When using TF-4 and Varycon fiber, what fix time do you recommend?

I would go with the standard 1:3 dilution and 60 seconds. I didn't see anything different about Varycon that would require anything special with fixing. The paper manufacturers always recommend their own fixer brand if they make one.

 

[Richard Jepsen]

I read that papers with containing iodine bromide can take longer to fix. Of course, I don't know anything about the emulsion of Varycon.

I don't know the answer to the next question but could Varycon have an older, thicker emulsion which takes longer to fix?

Bottom line is although prints fixed for 60s to 90s in TF-4 look fine, that is not an indication they are not underfixed.

We should all appreciate EK and Ilford's robust product information.