Hi all!

I'm Matthias from Germany and i want to start wet plate photography some time this year, after participating in a workshop. I managed to find sources for all the chemistry needed, but let me raise the old fixer-question once more.

I already asked this at the other forum, but didn't get a definitive answer.


I use minilab C-41 fixer for my regular b&w work (film and paper) because it is dead cheap, washes out quickly and works just fine for b&w. Basically, it's just an alkaline ammonium thiosulfate forumla, comparable to TF-3.


So my first question is: Will there be any problems with WPC and alkaline fixers?

My second question is about potassium-thiocyanate fixers. I've read in some threads that it won't work with WPC, but what exactly doesn't work? Does it not fix wet plates at all, or does it even destroy the image?

I'm asking because i found an interesting formula in the Darkroom Cookbook for Defender 9-F Fixer:

Quote

Water at 125F/52C, 600.0 ml
Potassium thiocyanate, 100.0 g
Potassium alum, 50.0 g
Add water to make 1.0 liter

When the above is thoroughly dissolved, add:

Acetic acid, glacial, 25.0–35.0 ml

Use 25.0 ml of acetic acid for rapid fixing and 35.0 ml for low temperatures.

Best regards,
Matthias



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 07/31/2011 10:03AM by McIlroy.