Benzotriazole is used as an organic antifoggant and density depressant in developers.

Benzotriazole acts as a restrainer without affecting other properties of the developer. It can also be used as a fog restrainer when processing out dated papers

When blue-black or cold-black image tones are desired with bromide papers, benzotriazole should be used in addition to, or substituted for, potassium bromide

Make a 0.2% solution of benzotriazole (2 grams benzotriazole in water at 125°f/52°c or higher to make 1 liter) then reduce the bromide to 1/10 or 1/6 strength and use just enough Benzotriazole solution to prevent developer stain or fog. A little experimentation may be required.

The same treatment can be applied to chloride and chlorobromide papers to eliminate any greenish black tendencies and/or achieve a blue-black tone.

Related Questions and Answers

Q: 1. I today received 1L of this fixer from B & Xbut instead of experiencing joy, I am greatly distressed.At the bottom of the bottle there is a lot of sediment, which is impossible to dissolve.Is this a non-suitable solution?Can I use this solution for my film?

A: Yes it is hard to dissolve. But it will dissolve eventually. Just try to get it all out. I use this with many dozens of rolls with great results. Very gooed fixer.

Q: 2. Can anyone provide an ingredient list other than saying "it's non toxic" - I want an actual list of ingredients in this product.

A: The manufacture only lists that the Atmosphere Aerosol Haze Spray for Photographers & Filmmakers, It is ozone safe and does not contain any CFC's or ozone depleting chemicals. This product is not known to contain any chemicals currently listed as carcinogens or reproductive toxins. MFR contact information is, https://bhpho.to/43XDKvy . This product’s ingredients are not found in the following lists: Federal, OSHA, NTP, IARC. It contains Propane, Butane, and medicinal grade mineral oil. Breathing small amounts of this material during normal handling should not cause harmful effects. Please see label for precautions before use.

Q: 3. After manifestation in PMK and fixation and washing for 25 minutes, the Tri-x 400 film turned out to be slightly brown. This is normal?

A: Yes. Pyro developers, like PMK, produce a colored stain on the image. This can be brown or yellowish depending on the film. That stain is why people use Pyro developers; it gives smoother tonal transitions, especially in highlight tones.

Q: 4. Does this set off smoke detectors? Ive used fog and haze machines in the past and innow it depends on the sensitivity of the detector, etc. but was just curious about others experiences.

A: Unfortunately, the answer simply depends on the type of smoke detector that is being used. If an ionisation-type or photo-electric/ particle detection smoke detector is used, it can be set off by fog as they sense the fog particles just like smoke. Heat based detectors should be okay. The issue is you may not know which one you have, or the sensitivity of the particle detection smoke detector. If you are using the item indoors, it would be recommended to give your local fire department a call for assistance. They may either be able to assist you with performing a test to see if the item will be an issue for your particular type smoke detector, and/or if they see that the detector will be set off by the item, they may be able to offer to disable the unit and station a fire marshal or fireman in the venue during usage. WE DO NOT RECOMMEND DISABING A SMOKE DETECTOR YOURSELF. This may be illegal, and contacting your local fire station is highly recommended. Otherwise, I would recommend using the item outdoors in an open area (though you may still wish to contact the fire department so neighbors and passers-by do not think there is a fire and still call the fire department at the sight of smoke/haze/fog). If you are shooting in a public venue, I would recommend simply inquiring with the venue as to their rules regarding using smoke/haze.

Q: 5. How long will this stay in the air after spraying?

A: Depends on the size of the area, air flow and the desired density. For a thick fog barely a second or two. For a thin haze a bit longer.

Q: 6. Not so much a question as a bit of information, I saw in reviews that some one had said to mix this 1 part chem to 3 parts water this is not correct. It seems be misleading and 1:3 actually represents the fraction 1/3 a whole of 3 parts with 1 part chem and 2 parts water. Just wanted to clarify this to all.

A: Jeremy, the product comes in a 1 liter bottle and instructions say mix 1:3 to make 4 liters. From the original manufacturers website: The stock solution which has a shelf life of 1 year is diluted 1:3 to make the working solution. The working solution has a shelf life of 6 months.03-0141 Ships as 1 liter to make 4 liters

Q: 7. What is development time using Exactol Lux for Ilford HP5+ raten at 200 ISO ?

A: The film development times are given based on what type of paper you plan on using to print. They are starting times only. experimentation may be required based on equipment and methodology. It is recommend that all films be just slightly over exposed from their rated ISO ( ISO 400 exposed at 320). The suggested starting time for all films (with exception of document copying films) regardless of ISO would be 7 to 8 minutes. The full technical bulletin and instructions, are available on the Photographer's Formulary website.

Q: 8. Is this easy to clean off a painted cyc floor? Will the floor get noticeably slippery after spraying?

A: The manufacturer states that yes, if you are indoors on a non-carpeted floor, the Atmosphere Aerosol Haze Spray for Photographers & Filmmakers may make the floor slick, especially in concentrated areas. However, it should be able to be cleaned quite easily.

Q: 9. I purchased this product about 4 years ago and never opened it. Would it still be good to mix and use today?

A: If one purchased the Photographers' Formulary TF-4 Archival Rapid Fixer for Black & White Film & Paper ,and never opened it up, and stored it in normal temperatures,(not too warm), it should still work fine. Just to make sure it would be good to do a test in the darkroom, by fixing a paper sample for the normal fixing time, and then turn the lights on to see if it will fog.

Q: 10. How to I dispose of the working solution?

A: Although it is best to take photo chemicals to a facility where they can be properly disposed of, most normal chemicals used in processing are no worse than household cleaners that are normally put down our drains. (Bleach, 409, etc.) So use reason and common sense: if you process 200 rolls at a time, dispose of the chemicals properly. If you are doing 3-4 rolls every week or so, you shouldn't worry and pouring them down the sink is fine.