Kodak Rapid Fixer roll amount confusion

[anitasanger]

Okay, I've been developing film for about 15 years or so. In the past, I've usually developed 2 rolls at a time, used Kodak rapid fixer to fix the film, then threw out the fixer that I had just used.

I'm now learning that this is perhaps wasteful and not necessary. Although I've done a lot of research, I'm still confused as to exactly how one can reuse the fixer and for how long.

I currently have about 25-35 rolls of tri-x 400 to develop and would like to make the fixer go a little longer as long as there is no loss in quality. Could someone please inform me of how I go about doing this? I know it
Seems trivial, but it's just something I've never quite understood. I just mixed up a fresh gallon of Kodak rapid fixer tonight and hope to start tomorrow.

1. After I fix 5 rolls in my 5 roll tank, do I just pour the used fixer back into the gallon jug with the rest of my unused fixer?

2. How many rolls (conservatively) can I use this gallon of fixer in this manner without experiencing any quality loss?

3. What is the optimum length of time to fix tri-x 400 in Kodak rapid fixer? The directions say 2-4 minutes. In the past, I've always winged it and hoped for the best. I'm aware of the leader test, but not too good with that either. And will the optimum time stay the same throughout the duration of whatever the suggested roll capacity 1 gallon of rapid fixer allows?

Thank you very much. I will he processing the first rolls from my m6 classic and want to get it right!

Luke

 

[ZorkiKat]

Fixer bath are usually given a capacity of about 25 rolls (35X36 exp, 120, half for 220) per litre (perhaps less with some types of film). That should be about 100 per gallon.

1. You can put the used fixer in the main container. Just keep count on how many rolls have been through the bath. You can score the side of the container with a grease pencil for each roll used.

2. The proper fixing time is TWICE THE CLEARING TIME. If your Tri-X clears (the milky unexposed halide is gone) in 3 minutes, your fixing time should be 6 minutes. You can safely open the tank a minute after you pour in the fixer. Start counting the time it takes for the film to clear, then double that.

3. As the fixer gets exhausted, the clearing times take longer. The fixer should be discarded if the clearing time has become twice as long.

4. Tri-X is totally fixed in 4...5 minutes with Rapid fixer. Ten minutes with ordinary thiosulphate fixers.

5. One way to test fixer bath potency is by putting a drop or two of IODINE TINCTURE (the original stuff used for treating cuts - Betadine won't do) into a jigger full of fixer. A good fixer will immediately clear the brown iodine drops. A used, but still good fixer will cloud at first but should RAPIDLY clear when the container is shaken a bit. A bad fixer that's ready to be discarded will cloud and will not clear at all.

 

[anitasanger]

Woa! 100 rolls pee gallon?! That's phenomenal. My processing costs just dropped through the floor! Thank you very much for your very thorough answer. It was very helpful and kind of you.

 

[steelydam]

I've used Kodak Rapid Fix with Tri-X in the manner described by Zorkikat for almost 20 years. I shoot between 50-100 rolls of b&w film a year and make a new batch every 6 months in January and July. This has worked very well for me.

 

[anitasanger]

Okay, sounds perfect. Are you a Donald Fagen fan?

 

[dfoo]

Yup, I fix 50 rolls per 2L of fixer then throw out the fixer (thats mixing 1+3 Ilford Rapid fix from concentrate). My fixing time is 10 minutes on a rotary developing machine.

 

[steelydam]

Yes, I really dig Donald Fagen and Steely Dan & have ever since I was pretty young. I'm so happy that he/they started putting out some new stuff over the past dozen years or so.

 

[nikon_sam]

Okay, I've been developing film for about 15 years or so. In the past, I've usually developed 2 rolls at a time, used Kodak rapid fixer to fix the film, then threw out the fixer that I had just used.
Luke

I had to pick my jaw off the floor after reading that...😱
I've been reusing Fixer all my film developing life...

I'll do a quick water rinse after developing (1.5 minutes) then pour in the Fixer...after that I'll pour it back into the bottle...and as others have stated you can use this Fixer until your normal fixing times no longer clears your film...
Once I get to that point I'll discard and mix a new batch...I don't record the numbers of rolls done as others do...The price of Kodak Fixer in powder form isn't all that much so once or twice a year isn't a budget breaker...😱😱

 

[venchka]

The numbers cited above are printed on Kodak fixer packaging AND the Kodak web pages. 100 80 sq. In. Units per gallon has been the standard since I started in the Dark Ages. That is 100 8x10, 400 4x5, 100 rolls of 35mm, etc.
I don't understand some of the times listed above. Year old, well used fixer clears film in under 1 minute. I rest my case. Kodak does say to fix Tmax film for 6 minutes. 10 minutes for Tri-X?

 

[dfoo]

I fix 10 minutes for T-MAX which these days is my standard film. Perhaps it doesn't need 10 full minutes but a couple of years back I had issues with underfixed film with 5 minute fix times so I doubled it and haven't had an issue since.

 

[drewbarb]

I don't use Kodak- but- fix is pretty much fix. I track the number of rolls through mine, and watch my clearing times. I change it out I when it gets exhausted; it always gets near 50 rolls or the equivalent area in sheet film easily.

Simple leader test: if you suspect your fixer might be approaching exhaustion, drop a film leader or two in it. If they clear in less than 30 seconds, you can trust your fix.

 

[filmfan]

I would like to know a little bit about proper storage techniques for my Kodak Rapid Fixer. Is it light-sensitive? I have been keeping it in clear plastic bottles and was wondering if it could be left out exposed to light or if I should store it in a closet? Does prolonged exposure to light make the solution depreciate at a faster rate?
Thanks,

-Sam

 

[nikon_sam]

I keep my Fixer in an used but clean Arizona Ice Tea clear plastic bottle (stored in my photo closet)...so it's in the dark almost all of the time...
The bottles the Fixer is sold in is a somewhat clear plastic and these bottles can sit on a store shelf for some time...in full light...so I'm guessing it's not an issue...
I just keep mine in the closet...

 

[Moriturii]

This thread was born to save money!

What I've always done (newbie) is if I have fresh fixer, I'll fix for 5min, then save it and use it a second time. Second time i'll fix for 7-8min then throw it away. Guess I can go on for longer now? Need to study this thread 🙂