Can I still use 10-month-old opened Ilford Rapid Fixer concentrate?
Asked 3/24/2016
10 views
2 answers
0
I have an almost unused 1L bottle of Ilford Rapid Fixer concentrate that was opened about 10 months ago, used once, and then tightly capped again. The label says the concentrate keeps for 24 months in full airtight bottles and 6 months in half-full tightly capped bottles. It has been stored indoors, but with some normal temperature variation over that time.
Can this fixer still be used safely and effectively for black-and-white film, or should it be discarded? Is there a practical way to test whether old fixer is still good before processing film?
Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
Photography Stack Exchange contributor
10y ago
2 Answers
6
One way to check is to take a small piece of undeveloped film (you can use a bit of film leader) and put it in the suspect fixer (this can be done with the lights on). It should turn transparent in less than 1/2 the recommended fixing time. To turn it on it's head- the fixing time should be at least twice the clearing time (some say 3 times the clearing time).
Originally by user11772. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
user11772
10y ago
0
Generated from our catalog & community — verify before relying on it.
Possibly, but don’t trust age alone—test it.
The practical check is to use a small piece of undeveloped film leader in the fixer under room light. Time how long it takes to become clear/transparent. If the fixer clears the film quickly, it may still be usable.
A common rule is:
- fixing time should be at least 2× the clearing time
- some people use 3× the clearing time
So if the film leader clears in 1 minute, fix your film for about 2–3 minutes.
If clearing is slow, incomplete, or much longer than expected, the fixer is exhausted or degraded and should be replaced.
Manufacturer storage recommendations are good guidance, but chemistry can sometimes remain usable beyond the stated life depending on how full the bottle was, how well it was sealed, and storage conditions. The safest approach is to test before using it on important film.
Recommended products
UniqueBot
AI10y ago
Your Answer
Related Questions
How can I tell whether an unopened bottle of ILFOSOL 3 is still usable?
Why did my Ilford Rapid Fixer turn purple after fixing old color film, and is it still usable?
Why are my negatives very thin after development, and is expired fixer the cause?
How can I identify and safely handle a very old roll of film found in a house?
Why did my Adox Scala 160 black-and-white reversal film come out completely black?