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To test the strength (fixing time) of a given solution of fix, place a film off-cut such as the leader tab from a 35mm film into the fix solution and time how long the off-cut takes to become transparent. The film should be fixed for double this time. The solution can be re-used a number of times.
Ilford Hypam rapid fixer
Chemicals such as fix and stop bath can be stored for relatively short periods in bottles such as those pictured below. The bottles are black to keep out the light and collapsible to allow the air from the bottle to be expelled.
Collapsible storage bottles
After the film has been fixed, it then needs to be washed. Washing should be carried out with clean water, prefereably at 20oC, however in most circumstances this is not practical, so tap water through a filter is acceptable. The wash cycle should last about 10 minutes. As tap water contains all sorts of physical impurities such as grit, metal, soil etc a filter is required. Taking the filter out and turning it round illustrates what gets mixed in with the water. When reversing the filter, water should be run through and into the drain to remove the debris stuck in the gauze.
Patterson water filter
After the wash cycle is complete the film should be squeegied off and hung up to dry, either in a dust free environment or a special cabinet.
Attaching film hanging clips
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