Fixer 24 is a nonhardening sodium thiosulfate fixer which is recommended for prints. Hardening is neither necessary nor desirable when fixing prints. Without hardening, both hypo and the other developing by-products will wash out of the gelatin readily. In addition, a nonhardened print is easy to tone and spot. While Fixer 24 will fix film, its nonhardening action will result in a negative whose wet emulsion is delicate and easily damaged.
WORKING SOLUTION
| Chemical | Amount | Units |
|---|---|---|
| Water (125°F/52°C) | 500 | ml |
| Sodium thiosulfate (anhy) | 152 | g* |
| Sodium sulfite (anhy) | 10 | g |
| Sodium metabisulfite | 25 | g** |
| Cold water to make | 1000 | ml |
Place the warm water in the-storage container and add the sodium thiosulfate. The solid dissolves slowly. In addition, when the thiosulfate dissolves, it forms a dense saturated solution that surrounds and prevents the remaining solid from dissolving. The simplest procedure to use is to stir (or cap and shake the container), let the solution stand for about 5 minutes, then re-stir or re-shake. Letting the container stand will not work. The container must be shaken occasionally to mix the dense lower layer and the upper nonsaturated layer. After the sodium thiosulfate has gone into solution, add the sodium sulfite. Stir the solution to dissolve the solid. Repeat this procedure to dissolve the metabisulfite. After all of the solids have been dissolved, add sufficient cold water to bring the final volume up to 1 liter.
LIFE OF THE SOLUTION
The shelf-life of Fixer 24 is about 2-4 months in a full and stoppered
bottle.
USAGE
Fixer 24 is used without dilution at 68°F/20°C.
Film: 5-10 minutes in fresh fixer.
Paper: Use the two bath-method 5 minutes in each bath. The two-bath
method is recommended because it ensures proper
fixing. The method consists of two separate fixing baths. The paper is
placed in the first bath for 5 minutes then transferred to the second bath
for an equal period of time. The first bath becomes contaminated with
developer and its oxidation products. The second bath contains fresh
fixerer and remains relatively free of contaminants. The fixing begins
in the first bath and is completed in the second. When the first bath becomes
exhausted, the second bath becomes the first and fresh fixer is used for a new
second bath. After three complete cycles, replace both baths.
CAPACITY
The capacity of Fixer 24 is 25 8-by-10 prints or 135 36-frame rolls (80 sq.
inches per roll) per liter of fixer.
REFERENCE
The Print, Ansel Adams, p.194.
Fixer 24, Kit No. 03-0010,
Photographers' Formulary (800-922-5255).
The Darkroom Cookbook,
Stephen G. Anchell, p.153.
The Darkroom Cookbook,
Second Edition, Stephen G. Anchell, p.214.