Mixing and Reusing and Changing Bag

[wjlapier]

I have a question about fixer that maybe Amy won't mind me asking. When saving fixer should it it be put into a different bottle ( marked USED FIXER ), or can you put it back in the bottle it came out of? I mix my fixer in a gallon container and split it between two half gallon amber colored bottles that are stored under the sink. What about using a replenisher? How and when do you use it?

I'm learning alot in these threads of Amy's!

 

[Fotohuis]

Fixer you can re-use till it's saturated from zero to 2 grams/ltr. Ag+ ions. That's the limit for film and PE/RC paper. You can check this by a 10% KI (Potassium Iodide) solution:
10ml fix + 10 drops KI if its stays milkey you are over the limit. If it's clear it's still good.
A very efficient and simple test. KI solution is often also commercially available under fix er test solution:
http://shop.fotohuisrovo.nl/product_info.php?cPath=31_43&products_id=155

Best regards,

Robert

 

[Ducky]

I keep two or three 1-gallon bottles of water with my chemicals. This way everything is at the same (room) temp. when I begin, when I stop bath, and when I final rinse. I just refill the bottles for the next session.

 

[Fotohuis]

A replenisher you can use in a large volume tank only. It's typical for a dip and dunk system of at least a gallon (3,8ltr.) or even much more. After each film a replenisher additiv is added so that the developer stays on "the same strenght". With a pH meter or test strip each time a little bit replenisher is added.

That's one of the resons with a small developing tank a "one shot" developer is used. The accuracy in a small volume tank is not good for using a replenisher. One shot means one time usage and then dump it. Typical examples: Rodinal 1+50.

Some stock developer allows that you can re-use the developer. A nice example is the ultra fine grain W665 (Windisch) developer. It's based on Ortho Phenylene Diamine and can be re-used at least 10x.

Here is the data sheet of this special developer:
http://www.fotohuisrovo.nl/documentatie/W665 Windisch.pdf

It's published up from 1941 in some German books and data sheets.

 

[steverett]

I have a question about fixer that maybe Amy won't mind me asking. When saving fixer should it it be put into a different bottle ( marked USED FIXER ), or can you put it back in the bottle it came out of? I mix my fixer in a gallon container and split it between two half gallon amber colored bottles that are stored under the sink. What about using a replenisher? How and when do you use it?

I'm learning alot in these threads of Amy's!

Just pour the used fixer back into the original bottle. Your supply will then gradually become exhausted as you use it.

 

[steverett]

Also, I've heard that Photo-Flo can leave your film slimy or sticky if it sits diluted. I've only ever used a few drops from the bottle, and it's lasted a long time.

Diafine and fixer are fine to leave at working strength; I have a 1-year old dilution of fixer that still works fine (I've only used it about a dozen times), and Diafine is purported to last for years.

 

[DRabbit]

So lets review...

Diafine A (at room temperature) - Mixed ahead of time, pour back in bottle

Diafine B (at room temperature) - Mixed ahead of time, pour back in bottle

Water (at room temperature) - Stored previously for use

Fixer (at room temperature) - Mix 1-Quart at a time, can be reused about 15-20 times per quart

Water (at room temperature) - Stored previously for use

PhotoFlo (at room temperature) - Mix only as needed

Dry

Clean-up and replenish water bottles so they are at room temperature for next time.

Sound right?

 

[drewbarb]

So lets review...

Diafine A (at room temperature) - Mixed ahead of time, pour back in bottle

Diafine B (at room temperature) - Mixed ahead of time, pour back in bottle

Water (at room temperature) - Stored previously for use

Fixer (at room temperature) - Mix 1-Quart at a time, can be reused about 15-20 times per quart

Water (at room temperature) - Stored previously for use

PhotoFlo (at room temperature) - Mix only as needed

Dry

Clean-up and replenish water bottles so they are at room temperature for next time.

Sound right?

Yes- but I wouldn't bother storing the water for your stop and wash stages; just mix hot and cold from the tap until it's room temperature and you'll be fine. Otherwise, your process is fine. Make sure you give 3 minutes (or thereabouts) in each of the A and B of Diafine, and agitate a bit. Stop for 30 seconds to a minute, and fix for 5 or 6 minutes.

Also- I know your whole purpose is not to make things more complicated, but spend ten bucks on a thermometer, just to make sure you're in the ballpark with your chemistry and water. Don't worry- it's not hard at all. Diafine doesn't need to be very precise with temp, but it's worth the minimal extra effort to practice good habits at the outset of this exercise.

 

[KenD]

I agree with MartinP - don't shake, it will introduce too much O2.