Ilford HYPAM.......still waiting.

[Sam]

I ordered hypam (5 liter) from calumet over two months ago. Still is on backorder. I understand Ilford is still producing, but any idea when? I prefer a liquid fixer. Any suggestions?

[Bob._3483]

Although Ilford are producing film and paper, it is strongly rumoured that some chemicals will not be seeing the light of day again - I do not know if Hypam is one of them. I know that some liquid chemicals have been delivered to UK suppliers, but no powdered ones. Chemical production will likely be outsourced in future: again, I'm not sure if that applies to all chemicals or only powered ones.

None of which helps you now, but at least gives an overview of where things stand at the moment (i.e. a few facts and a lot of rumour...). Ask Calumet if they know anything definitive about delivery. Luckily the likes of Hypam & ID-11 etc, if discontinued, can be replaced with similar products from other suppliers. Fingers crossed that does not become necessary...

Cheers, Bob.

[martin_4668]

The complete line of powder chemicals has been discontinued. We haven´t been able to get HYPAM the last 12 month here in europe. The hyapm has been "replaced" by ilford Rapid Fix

[Nick Morris]

I also have been unable to get Hypam, but I have only tried locally (Richmond, Va.). So I bought Ilford's Rapid Fixer, also a liquid. I don't think its a replacement for Hypam, because they were both available at the same time. I used the Rapid before using the Hypam. I have been thinking of trying Formulary's T-4 (???) Fixer. Has anyone used this fixer, and did you like it? I believe it is a liquid, and oderless.

[Neal Wydra]

Kodak Rapid Fixer can be used in a similar fashion to Hypam (i.e. with or without hardnener).

[Jim Ewins]

I've been using the Formulary fixer TF-4 for about a year. Firstly no stopbath is needed, secondly no hypo clear is needed and it is fast. 30/60 sec for RC/FB. Non hardening which makes toning easier and great shelf/tray life. I think it is amonia based but the smell disapears rapidly. Shorter washing times. It is the recommended fixer for pyro.

[ISO 2]

Ng -

that's correct. Ilford Hypam and Rapid Fixer complement each other rather than replace one another. Rapid Fixer has become more difficult to source in England over the past few months although gallon tanks of Hypam can be found (the difficulty being that mail order doubles the price due to weight of the 5litre stuff).

Paterson also make "Acufix". I'm not sure why Paterson chemicals have had a fringe following. They make some excellent chemistry including Acufix, Aculux, Acustop. Acupuncture is made by someone else. Cures warts too.

[Brian Ellis]

I use Clayton liquid fix. Haven't bought any in the last year or so but it presumably is still available. I bought it from The View Camera Store (formerly Darkroom Innovations).

[Jack_4301]

when mixed with water, sodium thiousulfate becomes liquid, go figure.

[Gem Singer]

Jack B. (or Severian, whichever name you are using, today),

Hypam is an AMMONIUM thiosulfate fixer, not a SODIUM thiosulfate fixer. It is the only fixer that Ilford makes (or, made) that allows for the addition of a hardener. If Ilford has actually discontinued producing it, I, for one, will miss it. Most of the year, I work under extreme warm conditions that require a hardener for film developing.