Steve_Pfost
Established
I recently made an area in my new house to process. I was using the bathroom upstairs where there is heat. The basement here is insulated but its still cool. Last night I processed some film in the new joint and the temp of the fixer slipped my mind. Usually I hadn't had to worry about this because the heated upstairs kept it relatively in check, 62-68 degrees give or take. Anyway, after I processed it dawned on me that the fixer is probably much lower than normal and it was. about 58-60 degrees, in That range.
Sorry for the long back story. The question is, what affects, other than say a longer fixing time does this have on film. I understand that in extremes reticulation could occur as it happened to me once with rinse water. The film looks clear and fine, the fixer was fresh by about a week and only processed two rolls with it. Are there any long term issues I should need to worry about. No need to re-fix or anything I don't think. Just be more aware and careful next time, yes?
Ilford Rapid fixer, HP5+, I fixed for 4 mins through the test strips cleared in like 30 seconds. I like to be safe.
Sorry for the long back story. The question is, what affects, other than say a longer fixing time does this have on film. I understand that in extremes reticulation could occur as it happened to me once with rinse water. The film looks clear and fine, the fixer was fresh by about a week and only processed two rolls with it. Are there any long term issues I should need to worry about. No need to re-fix or anything I don't think. Just be more aware and careful next time, yes?
Ilford Rapid fixer, HP5+, I fixed for 4 mins through the test strips cleared in like 30 seconds. I like to be safe.
Hari
Well-known
Since it's rapid fix it's proably alright.
I use the two bath system.
I use the two bath system.
KenR
Well-known
While the film is in the developer, I put the fixer in a warm water bath (or cold bath depending on the season). That way everything is at the same temperature. I don’t know if it’s necessary, but I have done it that way for years.
Steve_Pfost
Established
That's how I raise the temp of the developer. So I'll wind up doing the same with the other chemicals.
xayraa33
rangefinder user and fancier
Usually you can find the fixing time in fixer by testing a piece of light exposed film in the fixer and just double the time it took to clear the film piece to clean shiny dark. The natural ambient temperature of the fixer will be taken into account whether it is 62 deg F or 68 deg F
It is also a good method to see what condition the fixer is in after several previous usages.
It is also a good method to see what condition the fixer is in after several previous usages.
charjohncarter
Veteran
Hi, Steve, I just use tap water whatever temperature for fixing (but I do control my development water's temperature: carefully). My water never goes as low as yours but I do fix for a longer time (to compensate) than you. Because I use both Trix and Tmax films (which take longer to fix) I check the film after the hypo wash and would refix if I had/have to. That has never happened.
Steve_Pfost
Established
I certainly make sure my developer is 68 degrees. I process ecopro 1:1 so out of habit I mix the cold tap water with the developer and place in a hot water bath until it reaches temp. It was just the fixer that slipped my mind as far as temp. The test strip cleared in seconds so I should be ok. I was curious if there were any future problems I may run into if it were to be under fixed.
AGAIN, this post is written out of curiosity and slight caution. The film looks fine and fixed, no different than any other I've processed.
Thank you for the assistance and answers.
AGAIN, this post is written out of curiosity and slight caution. The film looks fine and fixed, no different than any other I've processed.
Thank you for the assistance and answers.
Solinar
Analog Preferred
I like my, stop, fixer and rinse water to be with a couple degrees of my developer. With the exception of the rinse water, I bring the solutions to temperature in very small, $20 Igloo Legend 12 Cooler.
My rinse water goes into a 4 liter pitcher. I just mix hot and cold water from the faucet to achieve the desired temp.
My rinse water goes into a 4 liter pitcher. I just mix hot and cold water from the faucet to achieve the desired temp.
charjohncarter
Veteran
That's a good way.
Nitroplait
Well-known
It will be fine.
I only really care strongly about my developer's temperature, and target all other chemical and rinse temps to be close to room temperature