The sales people sold me Agfa FX-Universal Fixer as a paper fixer for black and white prints. On going to mix, I was confused by different mixes for AP 44 and AP 70. Not knowing what that was, I tried checking the Agfa site. I can't find anything specific that really spells it out for me. But it looks to me that I have been sold the wrong chemicals for BW fixing. Does anyone know? Of course all the stores are closed today if I cannot use this.

-- Joanne de Boehmler (joanne@artistic-expression.com), April 13, 2001

Answers

Joanne, Don't throw the stuff away. It might just be a matter of fixing longer... as long as you wash well after. Over fixing isn't as bad (some fixers bleach the print a little) as having a print fade before your eyes due to not enough fix... Cheers

-- Scott Walton (scotlynn@shore.net), April 13, 2001.

Thanks Scott - I was not going to throw away! I was going to return it tomorrow. It's just that I wanted to print today and all stores are closed. And I am uncertain as to whether I can use this fixer. What confuses me is that there are two choices for mixing - one to seven for AP 44 and one to five for AP 70. I do not know what these letters and numbers means. When I look under Agfa products for BW printing, there is no mention of FX-UNIVERSAL FIXER. I was hoping it meant something to someone out there. I will just change it tomorrow and forget about printing today. Thanks again.

-- Joanne de Boehmler (joanne@artistic-expression.com), April 13, 2001.

I found FX-Universal on the Agfa site. It appears to be a color fixer. Suggest you return it and get the right stuff. See:

http://www.agfaphoto.com/library/datasheet/chemicals/ap70.html

The footnotes indicate this is related to Agfacolor.

-- Charlie Strack (charlie_strack@sti.com), April 13, 2001.

Thank you Charlie - I sort of figured it was not for B&W and was reluctant to use it. Thanks for taking the time to check.

-- Joanne de Boehmler (joanne@artistic-expression.com), April 14, 2001.

Joanne, I went through the same confusion when I bought some Agfa FX fixer. But rest assured it IS a B&W fixer, as well. I have been using it for about 3 years. I prefer to use it for my films, mixed 1:6, as it does get pink quickly, in use, and bothers me for print developing. But it does work fine for print and film!! You may see many examples at my site which had the benefit of FX!! ()

-- Michael World (canuckguyinadarkroom@hotmail.com), April 16, 2001.