I would like to know if there is any difference between Heico Perma Wash and a hypo clearing agent. I'm use to the H.C.A. after the fixer for about 2 minutes and then about a five minute water wash. According to the label, this perma wash tells me to water rinse for 30 sec. then perma wash for 30, then rinse, then wash. Advice on the quality, the usage and/or any other useful info would be much appreciated. Happy developing!! Thanks!

-- Tony F. (shooter@fifo.com), February 23, 1998

Answers

perma wash

Tony, I've been a photographer for 12 going on 13 years I have found no real difference between the Heico & other brands of wash!!! So just use the least expencive one. goodluck & have fun!, Gabrielle

-- Gabrielle D.Goodman (gayla@netnit.nrt), February 24, 1998.

I've been using Heico for many years with good results. That's what was in the Jr. High School (more years ago than I want to say) and I never tried anything else. Heico is fast. I mix a 1/2 gallon at a time.

-- Tim Brown (brownt@ase.com), March 03, 1998.

I've used just about every washing aid out there and I have found no great difference other than the facy that it is generally cheaper than other permawash

-- Colin J Davis (Corrrosive@aol.com), January 28, 1999.

Tony,

I've been using nothing but Heico products for almost two years. I'm a serious amature, who's raising a family, so price is a big factor. I can easily say that I've NOT experienced any noticable degradation in my negs or prints that have been washed in Perma-Wash. I like the way it saves time and water. Call Heico for a helpful guide on their darkroom chemistry. I keep it in my darkroom and refer to it frequently.

Bob

-- Bob Bauder (bauder@intergrafix.net), January 30, 1999.

For a wash aid just add a tablespoon of sodium sulfite to a quart of water. Immerse with agitation films two minutes and fiber prints at least five minutes, then wash normally. A "normal" wash means around 20-30 minutes for film and around an hour in an efficient washer for fiber prints.

-- John Hicks / John's Camera Shop (jbh@magicnet.net), January 30, 1999.