I'm using Agfa FX-Universal fixer for pyro developed film with good results. The lack of hardener is not apparent, perhaps because of the pyro gelatin hardening action.

I'm interested in using it for prints also, because it's reasonably priced (compared to other liquid fixers here in Australia), doesn't smell like most other fixers, and I understand that it will rinse out of the paper rapidly. But I'm one of those people who heat dry prints, on one of those flat heated dryers that used to be used for ferrotyping. I know it's not recommended, but I've always done it, and my prints of 30 years ago have not deteriorated at all, so I'm going to keep doing it. (I dry them face up, not on a glazing sheet)

Most fixers are acidic. Agfa FX-Universal is slightly alkaline (pH=7.5 after dilution). Would this make the emulsion too soft for heat drying?

-- john stockdale (jjss@bigpond.net.au), June 15, 2001

Answers

Dear Mr. Stockade,

You are right that an alakline medium lets swell up the emulsion more than an acid medium. Since you rinse your prints after fixing with water as I assume, it shrinks a bit and is therefore not as swelled up as before. We do not see that it will harm your prints. If your experience over the years is that you had no problems with drying your prints than it speaks for itselfs. I hope this information helps you.

Kind regards Wolfgang Holz Product Manager Marketing Chemicals Agfa-Gevaert AG

-- wolfgang holz (wolfgang.holz.wh@germany.agfa.com), June 19, 2001.