Response to Photographers Formulary TF-4 Fixer?

TF-4 is an excellent film fixer, especially when using (and Pete is going to hate this!) pyro developers. Because it is alkaline, it will not remove the pyro stain. Ilford no longer recommend hardening fixers, claiming that the emulsion is 'pre-hardened' during manufacturing. The tanning action of pyro is a much better 'hardener' especially because it takes place at the beginning of the processing proceedure in the developer. As to the overused 'archival' qualities of TF-4 or any other fixer: this is a moot point. After washing the film should contain NO fixer, hardener, or anything else. Providing the film has been completely fixed, the only thing that will affect the silver in the emulsion would be contanimation, sulfer fumes for example. Once washed and dried, hardeners have no effect on the hardness or scratch resistance of the emulsion, contrary to popular misconception. How do we know TF-4 is archival? The same way we know anything else is 'archival.' There are special laboratory aging tests that can determine this sort of thing, but it is really not important as long as the film has been given a proper wash. Of course if you put film (or any organic substance) into a 10% solution of caustic soda, it will be destroyed. Try putting film into a 10% solution of sulfuric acid and see if disolves! Silly argument, really.

[ Previous | Next ]