Help with fixer dilution

[p.giannakis]

Hi guys,

I started developing a film and I just realised that I don't have enough Ilford fixer to do the 1:4 dilution. I need 60ml for the 300ml tank and I have only 35ml.
Is there any way to work around it or do i need to buy new fixer?

Thanks!

 

[kiemchacsu]

From what I knew, you could fix about 2 times longer with that dillution. Anyway, it's always worth to test with a piece of film to se how long it takes to become transparent.

 

[Lauffray]

I have done 1+9 with Ilford

 

[p.giannakis]

Hi everyone, thanks for your reply..
Do you mean that there is enough fixer there, it is just a matter of finding the correct time?

 

[Vincent.G]

Not a problem. You can compensate by a longer fixing duration. Fyi you can recycle fixers.

 

[emayoh]

Yes it's a matter of time. I'm often relying on some fixer with issues, and what I've used is just to drop your snip of leader film in the fixer (just into the beaker) and start your stopwatch. Stir it/agitate every minute and watch it - when the snip finally goes totally clear, check your time, then double it and that's your fix time for that bit of fixer. Good luck!

Edit: I have had to fix for as long as 18-20 min in some extreme cases. Then I can usually scrape up some scrap and organs to sell for new chemicals.

 

[Vincent.G]

Hi everyone, thanks for your reply..
Do you mean that there is enough fixer there, it is just a matter of finding the correct time?

5 min should be enough. From my experience, there is no over-fixing. If the film base looks purplish after fixing, you can also refix again.

 

[btgc]

That's interesting....I had a though if insufficient amount can be replaced by longer time. Searched around and they say:

" If you want to squeeze maximum capacity out of the fixer solution, mix weaker concentration suggested by the manufacturer and follow their longer processing time. Fixer's processing capacity doesn't change much by dilution within a reasonable range."

I think you will fix your film. If anything, refix it later.

 

[p.giannakis]

Thank you guys, you've been a great source of knowledge !