Why is there Fix Starter?

[Stephen Frizza]

ok I probably should know this but i don't so rather than just go on without knowing im going to ask...Why does Ilfochrome have a Fix Starter? Its the only process I know which has one and I don't know why its needed or what happens if I don't use it when tanking up...... so anyone out there have any idea?

 

[largeformat pat]

Stephen,
Hunt RA4 has a starter for it's chemistry. Without the starter it should be used for replenishment.
Pat

 

[monodave]

The starter solutions for Ilfochrome dev, bleach and fix chemistry are used in replenished systems to balance the system activity such that performance is similar to that obtained from used chemistry. In the absence of starter the performance drops rapidly with use then stabilises with replenishment. When used correctly the use of starter will give roughly constant performance.

 

[Stephen Frizza]

I understand all of this, what i dont understand is what makes Ilfochrome fix diffrent to all other fixes in that it needs a starter why does ilfochrome fix need starter chemistry when black and white fixer doesnt, when c-41 or e-6 etc doesnt???

 

[largeformat pat]

Stephen,
I could only suggest that the replenisher is stable and needs a kick other wise. The only true answer would be to look at the kits and the replenisher. To see what the make up is in each.
Pat

 

[monodave]

I understand all of this, what i dont understand is what makes Ilfochrome fix diffrent to all other fixes in that it needs a starter why does ilfochrome fix need starter chemistry when black and white fixer doesnt, when c-41 or e-6 etc doesnt???

I should know this but it's been 8 years since I left Ilford and my memory has let me down. Chemically, Fix starter additive and Fix rep part A are very similar, including pH. So it's not obvious why you need it. Maybe it was a marketing ploy to sell more chemicals!

 

[Mike Wilde]

I am just theorizing here; have not used the process. Might this be for a roller transport without washes between developer, bleach and fix? So there could be carry over that the replnisher is expecting to conteract to maintain the right pH to work best. With no residual carry over when the tansk are freesh, a starter might be needed to 'muddy the waters'?

I ancecdotally recall that the bleach in some P processes was strongly acidic,and that the used developer (alkaline) was held back to mix and neutralize the bleach prior to disposal.

Hope this helps others to think of why the starter is needed here.