Sodium Sulfite: Where do you get it?

[G Benaim]

Hi all,

I'm looking for non-photographic sources of sodium sulfite, as shipping overseas is prohibitively expensive. WHere would you look for this stuff in other sources? I've heard it's used as a food additive, for instance, what kind of store might carry it? I'm not in the States. so none of the usual sources for photo chems apply. Thanks.

GB

[Gene McCluney]

Farmers Co-Op perhaps? I think it is used in some home canning. I realize you say you are not in the States, however all countries have agriculture and farming and home canning (or Jarring) of foods happens, and there must be some stores that cater to farms and agriculture, no matter where you are.

[Gary Beasley]

I've found it at pool supply houses. You might have to get the store clerk to check the MSDS forms to be sure of the content but it's usually printed in small type on the label somewhere.

[Pete Watkins]

Hi GB,
If you're not in "The States", meet us halfway! Where are you? You're gonna get a lot more help if you tell us.
Pete.

[G Benaim]

Pete, I'm in Israel, fwiw.

[Ken Lee]

Just Google it with Google Israel at http://www.google.co.il (http://www.google.co.il/)/

Here's a page I found using the more generic http://www.google.com, in just seconds: http://www.science.co.il/Chemistry-Companies.asp

Another option is to call the Chemistry Department at a local university, and explain that you are interested in mixing your own chemicals for photography. They can probably refer you.

[Scott Kathe]

Another option is to call the Chemistry Department at a local university, and explain that you are interested in mixing your own chemicals for photography. They can probably refer you.

I work at a University here in the states in a biology lab and the least expensive sodium sulfite through a science vendor I can find is at least twice what I'm seeing from B and H in NYC and Photographers' Formulary. Great idea but the price of research equipment and supplies is often inflated:(

Scott

[Murray]

Home wine & beer brewing supplier? I haven't looked, but have heard such referrals before.

[Murray]

Wait a minute...other possibility is to look at sulfite-free recipes.

See Patrick Gainer's 'Antiscorbutic...' article on unblinkingeye, or his many posts on APUG.

Or email/PM him on APUG.

[Martin Courtenay-Blake]

Hi

Enter laboratory chemicals or laboratory reagents into google and restrict your search to Israel.
That should do it.

Martin

[Alan Davenport]

IINM, sodium sulfite is frequently used as a preservative in wines and beers. Try looking for a supplier for homebrewers...

[Andrew O'Neill]

Home wine & beer brewing supplier? I haven't looked, but have heard such referrals before.

Thanks for that! I was able to locate a shop in Vancouver that sells cheap citric acid and tartaric acid.