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Ilford rapid fix, fix time for Tmax 400 (TMY-2) My test results
There were several people asking about this just recently. I had a chance to test the clearing time of TMY-2 in 120 format.
With Ilford Rapid fix diluted to 1+4, it took 1 minute and 15 seconds to clear completely. This was a fixer that has processed 5 films so far.
So using double the time of it takes to clear math, it'd be 2 minute and 30 seconds.
I usually fix for 6 minutes however.
Develop, stop, fix.... wait.... where's my film?
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This is consistent with my experience as well. I usually do 4 minutes however and have yet to find any problems.
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Are there any downsides to fixing for too long? I've always assumed that it would wear out the fixer faster and that it necessitates a longer wash time, but I'd like to find some hard data on this rather than my own assumptions 
I've checked Ilford's data sheet for Rapid Fixer but it doesn't have much to say about that topic, so maybe it's actually a non-issue.
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I suppose fixing too long can be a problem with really long fixing times, like, say an hour (though I don't have any actual reference or hard data). Put it this way: I would not fix for an hour, especially with near exhausted fixer -- but if I did or had to, I wouldn't fret; just wash one more 5 minute stand. The difference between fixing for 4 minutes and 6 minutes when film is clearing in under two minutes is not worth worrying about.
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If you fix waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay too long, you'll end up with no image at all. Fixing for double, triple, or even 10 times longer than time it takes to clear isn't a problem. But if you leave it over night, it will start to dissolve developed images and you'll end up with nothing at all.
As far as I know, washing time won't be affected as film base does not soak up fixer like paper would.
Develop, stop, fix.... wait.... where's my film?
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 Originally Posted by tkamiya
If you fix waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay too long, you'll end up with no image at all. Fixing for double, triple, or even 10 times longer than time it takes to clear isn't a problem. But if you leave it over night, it will start to dissolve developed images and you'll end up with nothing at all.
As far as I know, washing time won't be affected as film base does not soak up fixer like paper would.
That makes sense, thanks for the info.
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I fix Tmax films for 5 minutes in rapid fixers, because that's Kodak's recommendation for them. Tri-X and other old-style films only need about 3 minutes.
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I fix for 10 minutes, all films, always have....
Simon ILFORD Photo / HARMAN technology
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Originally Posted by Simon R Galley
I fix for 10 minutes, all films, always have....
Simon ILFORD Photo / HARMAN technology
If you're using Ilford's Rapid Fix, that seems really extreme. Unless you're diluting it more than the usual 1+4 dilution. I have a package here for the last Roll of Ilford film I shot, a roll of Delta 3200 that is still in my camera with 10 shots left that I intend to finish tomorrow. It says inside that the film needs 2-5 minutes of fixing in Ilford Hypam or Rapid Fix. I give 5 and it fixes fully at that time. Just curious why you fix twice what your company's instructions say.
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Habit
No other reason, no need I know...
Simon. ILFORD Photo / HARMAN technology Limited :
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