Ilford rapid fixers, boric vs acetic acid

[analoguser]

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I have been wondering about the difference between the two ilford rapid fixers. One is formulated with boric acid and the other with acetic acid. I primarily use Ilford multigrade IV fiber based paper or my prints and am wondering which would be better or, is there a difference?

 

Also is there a cleaner available for the NOVA upright developing tanks for paper?

[john_s]

I'm not familiar with those fixers in particular, but all rapid fixers work well. As you will have read, fixer with hardeners in them take longer to wash out, and acidic fixers (most labelled for black and white use) smell of sulphur dioxide. Neutral or slightly alkaline fixers don't smell so much, but do a bit, often of ammonia.

 

For black and white processing, film and paper, I use neutral or slightly alkaline fixer sold for colour processing, such as Kodak Flexicolor Fixer (pH neutral) or (about to collect it for the first time from my supplier) a similar Fujifilm colour fixer which is a bit more alkaline, like the discontinued Agfa Universal Fixer that I used to use. I like these products because they smell less, wash out of paper faster, and are cheaper (for no reason other than marketing).

 

For the Nova processor, give it a good rinse and then use Steradent which is a product for soaking dental plates. I have used several different versions, one a powder (discontinued?) and dissolving tablets. I currently use a version that is labelled as stronger. I use several tablets in the dev slot, and leave it overnight. My fixer slots don't seem to get dirty.

[analoguser]

John;

 

Thanks so much for your note. I will try your suggestions.

 

Analog user