Sticky film?

[Ash]

I'm wondering whether my bottle of fixer is finally tired out...

The past 3 or 4 films I've souped have come out sticky. I pull them from the reel and the whole emulsion side is hardly 'fixed'.

It looks like the film isn't hardening properly if you get me. Think it's time to chuck my fix and get some more? or is this a problem somewhere else down the line?


The photo's come out fine, but the film is delicate until COMPLETELY dry, which is a bit of a bugger when transfering from wash to dry.


I'm gonna try to replenish the fix (it's stored in a 2litre sealed bottle) by pouring in more fix-concentrate. Think it'll be ok?


Thanks!

 

[markinlondon]

I test a fresh batch of working fixer for clearing time, this is usually about 45 seconds for HP5. I then retest about every 5 rolls. When the clearing time has doubled, I dump the working fixer and make up a fresh batch. This is usually around 15 rolls for a litre of Ilford rapid fix @ 1:4.

 

[Ash]

Thanks, but being impatient meant that during the wait for some replies I poured away half the 2ltr bottle, then poured in the remaining 250ml of fix and topped it up with fresh water. No doubt the next roll will have even more trouble, but if this doesn't work for a few rolls then I'll dump the lot and buy another bottle of fix. 🙂

 

[markinlondon]

Well, you've replenished it. It may help. Test for clearing time again, Ash. Once fixer starts to fail it goes downhill surprisingly quickly.

 

[bsdunek]

I agree with ManGo, dump the stuff and mix fresh. Your frustration level will drop significantly!
I put a big white label on my bottle of fixer and mark how many rolls I have done. When I approach the maximum recommeded by the manufacturer, or if it's more than six weeks old - I dump it. Even if I have a not very important roll, I don't want it ruined by old chemicals. I can ruin enough film without help. 😎