Why TF-5 Fixer??

[esearing]

I have a batch of TF5 stock that is now about 4 years old. It still works. I tend to mix 1:9 for working and discard after 3 months, it turns gray, or it takes more than 45seconds to clear a test film. I use it for both film and paper. TF4 has its uses too for alt printing work and can yield a different color tone for salt prints and Moersch's Lobotype. I don't care for TF4 because of the fact it likes to separate. TF5 was the recommended fixer when using Pyrocat HD as the developer but I have used Ilford Rapid too with no issues. IF I walk into a camera store that sells DR supplies I always pick up fixer and FB paper and anything weird they might have.

[jnantz]

I've used both 4+5 and got rid of both of them before I really used them. too much ammonia reek for me, I went back to sprint speed fixer and plain hypo
have never had issues with longevity, capacity, stink or use with them. person I apprenticed for used kodak rapid fix for decades, it worked great.

[Michael R]

I've used both 4+5 and got rid of both of them before I really used them. too much ammonia reek for me, I went back to sprint speed fixer and plain hypo
have never had issues with longevity, capacity, stink or use with them. person I apprenticed for used kodak rapid fix for decades, it worked great.

Sprint is good. It’s too bad you don’t see it mentioned much. Maybe people associate it with schools or whatever and assume it isn’t for the serious crowd. Anyhow I’d go with that or Ilford before formulary stuff.

[Fred L]

...I tend to mix 1:9 for working...

that's pretty dilute (Formulary has 1:3 for working). is this for film, prints, or both.

[esearing]

that's pretty dilute (Formulary has 1:3 for working). is this for film, prints, or both.

both - but I always test it with a piece of film before I start.

[david@bigeleisenlaw.com]

I have a batch of TF-4 that has been sitting unused in brown jugs for at least a year, probably more. I hate to throw it away if it's still good.
Please forgive my forgetfulness. Remind me how to test the fixer.
Thanks in advance.
David

[Tin Can]

I have 1 sealed gallon TF-5 left bought in a 4 gallon buy from PF

9 years ago

My test is ongoing

The other 3 gallons have shown no change in clear color and no smell over years

and I test it every usage with actual film clear time

I discard all chems according to surface used by PF MFG

I bought 4 gallons as it was far cheaper shipping by the case

EOT means end of test

not done yet

[Doremus Scudder]

I have a batch of TF-4 that has been sitting unused in brown jugs for at least a year, probably more. I hate to throw it away if it's still good.
Please forgive my forgetfulness. Remind me how to test the fixer.
Thanks in advance.
David

If it is working-strength solution it may have gone bad. If you are referring to the concentrate, it will likely still be good.

To test do two things. First pour a bit of the fixer into a clear vessel. Look for any particulates suspended in solution or any sediment. If there is anything, the fixer has started to degrade and should be discarded. If it looks clear, do a clearing-time test on a bit of film. Working-strength rapid fixer that has not been used should clear film in 30-45 seconds (a bit longer for T-Max/Delta films). If the clearing time is longer than that, don't bother with it. Toss it and mix new fresh.

In your case, I'd mix new fresh anyway... Not worth the risk.

Doremus

[domaz]

I ran out of TF-5 so I mixed up so TF-3. It's not a bad alternative- doesn't seem to stink as much as I remember it and it can be mixed easily if you have Ammonium Thiosulfate on hand, which is a bit of a commitment to buy I know.

[Tin Can]

I forgot include my floating lids

In poly tanks with faucet about 2” above the debris

Arkay made good stuff cheap

Bought 4



2 new 5 gallon

2 smaller