A question for all you seasoned B&W film developers

[Nicole]

If you develop 15+ rolls a week can you please help me?

How many rolls (120 & 35mm) can you put through the same batch of Fix before it's necessary to replace it?

Thank you and kind regards,
Nicole

[David A. Goldfarb]

It depends on the fix and other factors, like whether you use an acid stop with an acid fix, etc.

You can use a hypo check with an indicator to see if your fixer is good.

You can also test with a clip of film leader and fix for twice the clearing time. If the clearing time becomes too long, then it's time to mix a new batch.

[johnnywalker]

Edwal Hypo Check. It's a simple test and a small bottle lasts a long time.

[Pinholemaster]

Edwal Hypo Check.

[Nick Zentena]

How big is the batch of fix?

[Nicole]

I use (5ltrs) Xtol replenishing system, Ilfostop and Rapid Fix. Usually mix up 2 litres of stop and fix at a time. It's working nicely for me, but wondering how many rolls the same 1.5 to 2 ltrs of fix can actually cope with. Hypo check - thank you!

[Akki14]

It says it on the bottle of fix usually. If not, check ilford photo's website because it does say in their documents there.

[MartinB]

I generally use Ilford's capacity recommendation - 24 rolls of 35mm 36 exp per litre (120 film same as 36 exp 35mm) I also usually follow Ilford's 2 bath step - film in first batch for 1/2 the time, pour out and pour in second bath for the rest of the time. Discard first bath when 24 roll capacity is reached, 2nd bath becomes the new first bath and mix up a fresh 2nd bath. You get the same total capacity, about the same time in the fix, and no worries about improperly fixed film. By the way, don't use same fixer batch for both film and paper.
Martin

[jim appleyard]

It depends on the fix and other factors, like whether you use an acid stop with an acid fix, etc.

You can use a hypo check with an indicator to see if your fixer is good.

You can also test with a clip of film leader and fix for twice the clearing time. If the clearing time becomes too long, then it's time to mix a new batch.

Ditto

[Neal]

Dear Nicole,

According to the Ilford "Fact Sheet" the capacity is 24 rolls (35mm/36 exp.) per liter of working strength fixer.

Neal Wydra