I have been using black and white for some time. However although I have now got my darkroom technique to a strict system I still find the bottle life of fixers varies considerably - or is it me ? I only use fresh developer each time but I use a re-useable stop bath and a re-useable fixer.Sometimes my prints don't seem as crisp as they should be - I've checked the safelight - no leaks. How long does fixer last or should I use fesh each time ? Any suggestions please ?

-- Anthony Brookes (gdz00@dial.pipex.com), October 24, 1998

Answers

I'm assuming you're talking about print fixer and not film. I'm not sure spent fix will cause loss of crispness but more fogging and discoloration over time. A simple but effective experiment would be to have two trays at the time of printing; 1 with the suspect fixer and the other with fresh fix. Expose 2 identical prints and fix separately in the two fixers, then compare the prints. You should repeat this is a few times to help control for other variables. Never base any decision on one piece of data.

-- andy laycock (agl@intergate.bc.ca), October 25, 1998.

fixer life

Another issue might be that you have a case of "fixer nerves" meaning that you are turning on the white light to soon after enterning the fix. The paper reguires AT LEAST 30-45 seconds with continuous agatating befor you turn on the light.

-- jim megargee (mvjim@interport.net), October 27, 1998.

Hypo-Check

This is a nifty product (by Edwal?) that no darkroom should be without. Comes in a small plastic bottle kinda like Visene and squirts out a single drop---which, when it hits exhausted fix, instantly forms a chalky, milky tell-tale precipitate. Highly recommended. I've been using it for years and it fixed my fix problem.

-- Standish Lawder (sdl@sni.net), February 13, 1999.

I agree with the foregoing speaker - I use a comparable product on the Dutch market. But I don't think your problem is caused by fixer. I would think of the paper, the developer and the combination. Do you use anti-fog (1H-Benzotriazole) in your developer? I've had this problem with 'uncrispyness' also but since I use AGFA MC Developer I have no complaints anymore, and I do not need anti-fog anymore. I store my papers at a cool and dry place.

-- Lot (lotw@wxs.nl), February 14, 1999.