What fixer to use with Lith printing?

[matti]

When I compare my current Lith prints with older ones, I find that the new ones doesn't have the same colours. They are slightly less saturated now. My current suspect is the fixer. I use Tetenal Super fix, since it is easy to get 5 liters at a time. Before that I used a noname Swedish brand quick fix.

So, does others have this experience? Is it the fix or something else? Any good suggestions on fixers that should work? A non rapid powder fixer?

/matti

 

[Ole]

A non-rapid fixer is definitely a good idea. Acidic rapid fixers are a no-no, alkaline ones are better. Many rapid fixers are neutral or close to neutral, but even that seems to affect the highlight tones.

 

[matti]

Thanks Ole, I will find my pH indicator-sticks. And order some powder fix. Would the bleaching of the highlight tones also affect colour in lith?

/matti

 

[Ole]

Yes. The warmest tones are from the smallest grains, which are the first to go. So the tones will get duller.

I've used a "simple fix" for lith: One liter of water, two cups of sodium thiosulfate crystals, a tablespoon of sodium sulfite. It does the job, but doesn't last long.

 

[dancqu]

[QUOTES=Ole;560158]
"Yes. The warmest tones are from the smallest grains,
which are the first to go. So the tones will get duller."

I've wondered weather or not that is an issue with
the very dilute one-shot fixer I use. Perhaps it is not
the fixer itself, very dilute or other wise, but it's
interaction with atmospheric oxygen. From the
chemistry alone I can see no reason why the
silver image would 'bleach'.

"I've used a "simple fix" for lith: One liter of water, two
cups of sodium thiosulfate crystals, a tablespoon of sodium
sulfite. It does the job, but doesn't last long."

TWO CUPS! A cup in this country, US of A, runs a little
short of 250m; near a 1/4 liter. So near a 1/2 liter? Must
be close to a pound, maybe more. More than half a kilo all
to make one liter? Anhydrous or penta.? Dan

 

[Ole]

"Two cups" in my case is the same amount as i use for OF-1: Between 200 and 250 gram of pentahydrate. Make it half a pound; it's not a precise measure anyway.

Same with the sulfite: substitute a good-sized dollop (in Texas, use "a pinch").