Help with TF4 / TF5 vs ilford rapid fixer - pros & cons

[Genas]

There was a post about TF2 - got me wondering about potential benefits of TF4 / TF5

I process HP5/FP4 in DDX & use a water stop bath & Ilford rapid fix
(On rare occasion use Tmax or Foma film)

Is there any benefit to switching to TF4 or TF5?

I'm still setting up my darkroom - so have not resumed printing yet,
but thinking of using Ilford Multigrade Developer.
Would I need to use a stop bath?

Used to use Dektol & D76
I prefer liquid chemistry.

Thanks in advance!

Serge

Hi Serge,

Switching to TF4 or TF5 can offer some benefits, particularly their neutral pH which is less harsh on films and papers. This can help maintain image quality and archival properties. Using Ilford Multigrade Developer is a great choice, and while a stop bath isn't strictly necessary, it can help halt development more effectively than water alone. Given your preference for liquid chemistry, both TF4 and TF5 should fit well into your workflow.

[david@bigeleisenlaw.com]

For what it's worth, i wanted to see if a batch of TF4 that i mixed up in 1986 was still good. That's right, eight years old. I took the leader from some tri-x. It cleared very nicely.
David

[John Layton]

Well, eight years old if you'd mixed it on February 29th - otherwise more like 38!

[david@bigeleisenlaw.com]

Well, my bad typing. I mixed the TF4 in 2016.
David