Liquid Chemistry
For Black and White Films and Prints
No. Like all other fixers, once used, RECORD Speed Fixer will contain the silver that has been removed from the film or paper that was processed. Residual silver is considered hazardous, and should not be allowed to enter waste treatment systems or ground water. You should check with the appropriate authority in your state to see what the exact requirements are.
There are a number of methods that can be employed to keep the silver out of the waste stream. Generally it’s as simple as collecting the spent fixer in a container and having that hauled off for treatment. The cost will vary depending on the volume. We suggest checking with your state Department of Environmental Management to see what the regulations are in your area, they may be able to recommend specific options for disposal in your area.
Q: Why is there a tint in my fixer?
With film fixer, it is very common to see some tint from the dyes that are removed from the film, especially from t-max. This coloration is harmless and generally fades away within 24 hours or so. With prints, some papers can also leave some color behind in the tray. Some fiber base papers will exhibit this behavior, and fixer does tend to yellow a bit as it is used no matter what.
This tint could also be carry over from the stop bath tray. If enough prints are placed directly in the fix from the stop bath, without allowing some time for the print to drain first, you can get enough stop bath in the tray to add a tint. This would also be pretty much harmless, but it is best for all the baths not to carry chemistry over from one to the other, they will last longer, and will maintain their proper pH.
Q: Do I fix fiber prints and resin-coated prints differently?
Fixing time for fiber and resin-coated papers are essentially similar, since the emulsion to be fixed is merely sitting on the top of the paper in both cases. However, extending fixing time with fiber prints allows more fixer to soak into the base of the paper. Fiber prints also have an extended washing time compared to resin-coated prints.
Q: My film has a pink/magenta cast. Is it fixed properly?
Some newer tabular-grain films have a different anti-halation backing than traditional emulsions. After normal fixing times, these films may exhibit a colored tinge rather than a neutral tone in the base of the film. This tint does not mean that the film is under fixed. The color is harmless and will not affect the printing qualities of the negative. Using a wash agent, such as Sprint ARCHIVE Fixer Remover, will help diminish the coloration and it will fade with time. Longer than normal fixing times are not recommended, because while it will certainly fade the tint, it will also begin bleaching the emulsion.
Q: How long should I fix my film and paper?
Sprint’s general recommendation for fixing time is a range of 1-3 minutes. Fixing beyond 3 minutes is not recommended. High-speed liquid fixers, such as Sprint RECORD Speed Fixer, will fully fix any standard emulsion within 3 minutes.
The general rule of thumb is to fix for twice the minimum clearing time. Try this simple test. Put a piece of undeveloped film in a small beaker of fixer working solution (1:9). Stir, and note the time needed to clear the film of emulsion. Double the resulting time to establish your base fixing time, i.e. 60 seconds to clear = 2 minutes fixing time.
Q: Can I use Edwal Hypo-Check with Sprint RECORD Speed Fixer?
No. Edwal makes fine products, but Hypo-Check indicates premature exhaustion with Sprint RECORD Speed Fixer. Instead, try our fixer test. Put a piece of undeveloped film in a small beaker of fixer working solution (1:9) and stir. If the film’s emulsion does not clear, that indicates the fixer has worked to capacity, and will no longer be effective in removing silver from the film. A new batch of fixer working solution should be made.
