My observations regarding TMax and "the pink stain." First, it is entirely likely that the film can be completely fixed out while the dyes remain behind.
My fixer of choice is Kodak's Flexicolor Fixer and Replenisher. Though designed for C-41, it works equally well as a B&W fixer. It is very fast, and will clear a dry TMax film leader in about 45 seconds. Not as fast as yours, but fast enough. Clearing time x3 is under three minutes. This must be working. I have negatives that are several years old that have undergone this treatment and they are perfectly fine.
The 3 or so minutes of fixing time is never enough to remove all the dyes from these films, even though a considerable amount of the dye is picked up in the solution. Leaving the film in the fix longer is simply over fixing. I haven't noticed that a moderate amount of over fixing damages the shadow areas of the negative, but I've never left my film in a fixing bath for more than 10 minutes. In any case, this is a drastic measure and there is no need for it when a wash in plain water will do. The trick is to use processing temperature water, which in my case is tap water, at 75F (24C), and vigorous agitation. Works every time. The warmer the water, the faster they dye comes out. Two teaspoons of sodium sulfite in 1L of water can acts as a wash aid and helps wash out the dye a little faster, but not enough to make a big difference.
Bottom line. If your fixer is fresh don't over do it and rely on the wash to remove the dyes. If you feel lazy, simply soak the film in a tub of water for about 10 minutes, then finish up with your normal wash procedures. The dye will be gone.
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Frank Schifano
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