Hypo clearing

[photomi7ch]

I do not use hypo clearing agent when washing my FB prints instead I give them a very long wash. But thing are a changing I'm trying to reduce the amount of water I use.

I have come across three thing that members maybe able to clear up for me:
First, Do you give your prints a wash before using the hypo?
Second, Do you put them in straight after the fix without a wash?
Third, when the stock solution is mixed does it only last 3 months?

I'm trying to work out which maybe the best method.

[Ed Moss]

I give the prints a 5 minute wash then 2 min in the Hypo, then a longer wash.
Never had any hypo more than 3 months so no idea how long it lasts.

[Richard Gould]

I put my prints straight into Hypo clear from fix, according to Kodak it is O.K., and have been known to keep Kodak Hypo clearing agent stock for up to a year without seeming to encounter any trouble, the reason for the wash between fix/Hypo clear is that the working strength solution lasts longer with a wash, again according to the Kodak instructions,
Richard

[Adrian Twiss]

The simplest HCA formula I know of is as follows

Water (125degF/52degC) 750ml
Sodium Sulphite Anhydrous 200g
Sodium Bisulphite 50g
Water to 1 litre

Dilute 1:9 to make the working solution. The Sodium Bisulphite can be omitted if you are only use it for prints as its function is to lower the PH and prevent emulsion swelling in films.

Use as follows

Single Weight papers (after fixing) 1 minute rinse, 2 minutes HCA (continuous agitation) 10 minutes final wash

Double weight papers 1 minute rinse, 3 minutes HCA (continuous agitation) 20 minutes final wash.

Film 30 seconds rinse, 1-2 minutes HCA 5 minutes final wash

It is so cheap to make up you can discard the working solution after washing but 1 US gallon can clear up to 200 10X8 prints if you opt for the 1 minute rinse.

This information comes from the Darkroom Cookbook by Stephen Anchell published by the Focal Press. I recommend this book for anyone wanting to depart from shop bought products.

[Steve O]

I wash for 5 mins then hypo clear for 10 then wash for at least another 20 mins. Currently using up my supplies of the cheap Kodak washaid supplied as a powder but then moving to simple Sodium sulfite mixed at the start of each session.

Steve

[photomi7ch]

Thanks Ed, I just do not print that many pictures.

Thanks Richard, your answer is one of the instuction I read and will possible try.

Thanks Adrian, I keep forgetting It can be made up. Ill make a note of your instuction for next time.

Thanks Steve O, also had not thought of just using sodium sulfite.

I should stop leaving things to almost the last minute.

[Miha]

Agfa's recommendation for many years was a 2% solution of sodium carbonate (=washing soda). It's also very stable because it doesn't oxidate as water solution.

[Steve O]

I believe that many common chemicals work better than plain water, the navy used seawater which was somewhat more available than other options !

Steve

[photomi7ch]

I thought I would tack this on instead of starting a new thread to keep it all in one place.

Does anyone use hypo after fixing there negatives?
Do you find it makes any difference to the quiality of the negs?

[Adrian Twiss]

As a rule no. However Sandy King recommends a brief hypo clear after fixing when using Pyrocat HD. I can't say that the quality of my negatives has suffered by not doing this.