Kodak Rapid Fixer storage life.

I was wondering about buying a cubitainer of part A of Kodak Rapid Fixer
instead of mixing F-9 fixer all the time. But sometimes I do not use it very
fast, so perhaps I should get the smaller size.

How long does the stuff last, unmixed, in the cubitainer? I have great
difficulty finding this information on Kodak's web site. They tell me the
lifetime of working solutions in an old J-1, but that is not available
anymore, and it does not tell me what I want to know.

 

FWIW: I use Arista rapid fixer and a 1 gallon jug lasts about
1 1/2 years before the (now) mostly empty jug starts to throw
yellow sulfur. It might last longer in the 'fridge, but I
have never tried keeping it there. TTBOMK, most all modern
"Rapid" fixers are ~60% ammonium thiosulfate with a pixie
dust of hardeners and acidifiers/buffers.

At the time I investigated Arista was the cheapest fixer
available. I don't think there is any advantage to spending
extra money for boutique fixer.

 

Years ago I had a darkroom in the garage (an outbuilding) that was only
heated when I wanted to use it. The fixer settled out in a sort of 'angel
hair' formation. Although this was probably the garden variety Kodak mix
from a powder variety. I stand ready to be chastised for this comment!

In recent years, I've gone to B&W chems that come in concentrate form and
can be mixed as needed.

 

I use a dry concentrate, sodium thiosulfate. It has unlimited life
span.
Used unadulterated, a quick to mix fresh fix at time of use, film or
paper. Use it very dilute one-shot for archival results with one
fix, film or paper. Dan

 

I know, but for TMax films, I find F6 fixer is too slow and difficult to
achieve complete fixing. Kodak recommend Repid Fixer. I have mixed up F9
fixer in the past, but I am not sure how good my 100# drum of sodium
thiosulfate is now that the garage roof sprung a leak and got water all over
the drum (cardboard). I have a new roof now, but I do not really want to mix
the stuff as F9 is not as fast as Rapid Fixer is said to be.

 

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Should last at least 5 years IF a hose with clamp or spigot were used
when the containers was first opened & any air evacuated from the cube
that may have gotten it at the time it was opened..

Just be sure the date of manufacture is recent (There should be a four
digit code indicating the year & week of manufacture on the side of
the container or box.).

This per experience when I was still active in photo finishing trade.

Fixer will keep for a long time in sealed containers, air is the enemy
of all photographic chemicals..

Howard Bingham

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