fixer question

[daninjc]

Hi Everyone... I' gonna start developing film ASAP, and I think I have almost everything under control... but I have a couple question about the fixer. I got a bag of Arista Arifix that makes 1 Gallon. Do I use the stock solution as it is (i.e. no dilution?). Can I reuse the fixer, and how many times I can do that (approximately?). Finally, What is the shelf life of the stock solution?
Thank you!

 

[Bob Michaels]

Use with no dilution, pour back into bottle. Continue to reuse until the time it takes to clear the cut off film leader doubles.

Fixer exhaustion varies by the film processed but is probably in the range of 20-30 rolls per gallon of fixer. I have never seen the shelf life of fixer come to reality although the manufactures say there is one. It is probably in the 6-12 month range at least.

If there is no data sheet for Arista Arifix, simply download one for an Ilford or Kodak fixer. While it will not be exact, it will give you some general idea what to expect.

 

[damien.murphy]

Re: lifespan of fixer, there is a test.

When loading your film onto the reels, snip off the film leader - drop this leader into your fixer, and time how long it takes to go completely clear. This is how long your film takes to fix, but to be on the safe side, the general rule used is to double this time to get your fixing time.

Try this with fresh fixer, and then periodically over time as you're developing film. When your fixing time gets too long, it's time to dump your fixer, and mix up a new batch.

 

[Roger Hicks]

Pics of fixer test:

http://www.rogerandfrances.com/subscription/fixer exhaustion.html

Note the trick with the 'spot' , as this makes it MUCH easier to judge clearing time.

Cheers,

R.

 

[damien.murphy]

That is a sensible trick Roger, that shall definitely be filed away for future reference.

Re: fixer clearing times, it is also worth noting not all fixers clear at the same speed. I use Ilford's rapid fixer, which clears in less than 90 seconds, if memory serves. I find that quite nippy, and other fixers can be slower, much slower in some cases.

 

[daninjc]

Wow! Thank you for the quick answers! That's what makes RFF so great! 🙂

 

[daninjc]

and the quality of the answer too - of course!!

 

[Roberto V.]

That is a sensible trick Roger, that shall definitely be filed away for future reference.

Re: fixer clearing times, it is also worth noting not all fixers clear at the same speed. I use Ilford's rapid fixer, which clears in less than 90 seconds, if memory serves. I find that quite nippy, and other fixers can be slower, much slower in some cases.

Do you have to dilute the Ilford rapid fixer, or do you use it straight from the bottle? If it's the former, what's the dilution?

 

[sig]

for film dilute 1:4 (it is on the front of the bottle)