[Date Prev][Date Next][Thread Prev][Thread Next][Date Index][Thread Index]

Re: Mix your own FO?

Nick Makris wrote:
> ...  The question that arises is whether to mix your own Ferric
> Oxalate or to buy it premixed such as that from B&S.  I know what some (one)
> person would suggest - Jeffery says mix your own and learn from the
> experience.

Maybe you should let me speak for myself.

If by mixing you mean the make up of the sensitizer solution, then the
statement you allege can be viewed as true.  One should indeed mix their
own solutions for the Pt/Pd process (if only to be assured of what is in
it.)  Also some additives such as contrast agents will unpredictably
degrade the sensitizer solution.  However, if by mixing you mean making
the FO, I have only presented this as an option.  If quality or
availability are an issue, then one should have the opportunity to make
it themselves.

Also recall that I have posted some of the results of testing various
FO, that made by Vizcay, by me following Vizcay's procedure (in my
Guide), by B&S, and that sold by Artcraft.  Note that between these four
powders each could make an identical excellent print, BUT each had to be
mixed to it's own solution concentration.  If you recall, the Vizcay
ultra pure requires the lowest concentration due to it's higher purity. 
The B&S required the highest solution concentration, but still made
prints (from this higher concentration) that were identical to the
others.  Also keep in mind that the purity could vary from a given
manufacturer and each batch should be tested.

My conclusion as to the making of FO powder should be stated as any
powder tested to work excellent can be used with the option of
convenience at the user's choice.  It is more convenient for me to use a
powder made by someone else, but if those sources go away, go bad, or go
crazy in price, I can always make my own.


>  What I need to know is what are the trade offs; example, able
> to mix smaller amounts than you can purchase otherwise; or, less expensive;
> or, what.  Is it worth the trouble and how much trouble is it, after you've
> gotton the process down??????

Since time is also money, the cheapest and easiest way is to buy the FO
powder from a known vender.  However, as mentioned above, it should be
tested and qualified.

If one is serious about mastering the Pt/Pd process, they will quickly
learn that it will save time, money, and piece of mind to mix the
solutions themselves.  One cannot expect to receive the benefits the
Pt/Pd process offers when they rely on kits or premixed solutions.  The
selection of materials is a key element in producing a personal
expression.  If not, just be happy with a factory produced photo.  The
trade off can be art vs product.

-- 
Jeffrey D. Mathias
http://home.att.net/~jeffrey.d.mathias/