Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 1997/07/20
[Author Prev] [Author Next] [Thread Prev] [Thread Next] [Author Index] [Topic Index] [Home] [Search]On Sun, 20 Jul 1997, Richard Clompus wrote: > process. Please pardon my ignorance but is it beneficial to use a > hardening or non-hardening fixer? For several years, I've been using fixers without hardener mixed up from liquid concentrates (Ilford and now Heico) for both fb and rc papers. Even the oldest prints show no signs of deterioration from inadequate fixing or washing. With the Heico 30 second fix for rc as indicated by the mfr. a hypo clearing treatment is not recommended. Apparently, the plastic surface along with the short fix time prevents absorption of the fixer into the paper itself. After fixing rc prints, I wash for about five minutes in a 16x20 tray equipped with one of those Kodak siphon thingees, dumping all the water and refilling about half way through the process. Fiber base is a different story - two fixes (again w/o hardener), selenium toning, hypo clearing, one hour wash in a Zone VI washer etc etc etc. When I remember, I do add hardener (Heico offers this additive separately) to the fixer solution for film as a precaution against scratches in the emulsion. Written by: Roy C. Zartarian | Prophets are not without honor 25 Stuart Street | except in their own country Newington, CT 06111 USA | and in their own house. http://www.connix.com/~royzart