FOMACITRO Stop Bath 250ml – Trusted B&W Film Solution

Introduction

When it comes to developing high-quality black-and-white (B&W) photographs, every step in the darkroom process matters. One of the most essential but often overlooked steps is stopping the development process at the right moment. That’s where FOMACITRO Stop Bath 250ml shines. This trusted liquid concentrate stop bath is designed for universal use in the manual processing of all types of black-and-white films and photographic papers.

Whether you’re working in a home darkroom or a professional lab, the FOMACITRO Stop Bath 250ml provides consistent results, helping to ensure that your negatives and prints are clear, sharp, and fully stabilized.

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Why Use FOMACITRO Stop Bath 250ml?

The FOMACITRO Stop Bath 250ml plays a critical role between the developer and fixer stages. It instantly halts the development process, preventing overdevelopment, color shift, or staining in your black-and-white films and prints. Using a stop bath like FOMACITRO improves the effectiveness of the fixer and extends the life of your fixer solution.

This particular stop bath solution from Foma Bohemia, a renowned name in photographic chemistry, offers a non-hardening, citric acid-based formula, making it low-odor and eco-friendlier than traditional acetic acid solutions.

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Key Features of FOMACITRO Stop Bath 250ml

• ✅ Liquid concentrate – Easy to mix and store
• ✅ Dilution ratio 1:19 – Just 1 part FOMACITRO to 19 parts water
• ✅ Universal compatibility – Ideal for all black-and-white films and papers
• ✅ PE-bottle packaging – Durable and chemical-safe
• ✅ Low-odor formulation – Comfortable for enclosed darkroom spaces
• ✅ Fast-acting – Instantly halts development process
• ✅ Long shelf life – Can be stored and reused when handled properly

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How to Use FOMACITRO Stop Bath 250ml

To use FOMACITRO Stop Bath 250ml, simply dilute the concentrate in a 1:19 ratio with clean water. For example, mix 50ml of concentrate with 950ml of water to make 1 liter of working solution.

1. After developing your film or paper, pour it into the stop bath solution.
2. Agitate gently for 10–30 seconds.
3. Discard or store for reuse depending on your darkroom workflow.
4. Continue with your fixer stage as normal.

For best results, keep the solution at a stable processing temperature (usually around 20°C / 68°F).

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Why Choose FOMACITRO Over Other Stop Baths?

Unlike many acidic stop baths that release strong fumes, FOMACITRO Stop Bath 250ml uses citric acid, which is much gentler in scent and safer to handle. This makes it ideal for users who are sensitive to smells or work in small, poorly ventilated spaces. Additionally, the universal compatibility of FOMACITRO Stop Bath 250ml means it can be used with a wide range of developers and fixers, such as:

• FOMADON LQR Developer
• FOMA Fix P U1 Powder Fixer
• ADOX Neutol NE Paper Developer

By integrating FOMACITRO into your workflow, you’re guaranteeing consistent and professional B&W development results.

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Trusted Brand: Foma Bohemia

FOMACITRO Stop Bath 250ml is manufactured by Foma Bohemia, a Czech company with a legacy dating back to 1921. They are internationally recognized for producing high-quality black-and-white photographic materials, including films, papers, and chemistry. Learn more about Foma’s history and quality commitment here: 🔗 https://foma.cz/en/about-us

 Learn More from the Manufacturer

To explore the official specifications and safety data of FOMACITRO Stop Bath 250ml, visit the manufacturer’s page here: 👉 FOMACITRO Stop Bath – Official Foma Bohemia Page

This link provides detailed technical sheets, usage instructions, and safety guidelines directly from Foma Bohemia, the trusted manufacturer behind the FOMACITRO line of photographic chemistry.

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Compatible With All B&W Film & Paper Brands

You can confidently use FOMACITRO Stop Bath 250ml with leading brands, including:

• Ilford (e.g., HP5+, Delta 100)
• Kodak (e.g., Tri-X 400, T-Max 100)
• Kentmere
• Foma (e.g., Fomapan 100, 200, 400)
• ADOX, Arista, and many more.

For example, it pairs exceptionally well with our Fomapan 100 120 B&W Film and Ilford Direct Positive Paper FB 1K.

 Internal Product Links

• FOMADON LQR 250ml – B&W Film Developer
• FOMA Fix P U1 – B&W Powder Fixer
• FOMAPAN 200 35mm B&W Film
• Paterson Developer Tray Sets
• Measuring Cylinder 250ml for Film Chemistry

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Storage & Shelf Life

The FOMACITRO Stop Bath 250ml comes in a chemical-resistant PE bottle, protecting the liquid concentrate from environmental exposure. Always store the bottle tightly sealed in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Under proper storage conditions, the concentrate has an excellent shelf life. Once diluted, the working solution should be used within a few days or stored in an airtight container to maintain effectiveness.

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Safety and Handling

Though citric acid-based and low-odor, always use standard darkroom precautions when working with chemicals. Wear gloves, avoid inhalation, and store safely out of children’s reach.

Download the Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) from Foma here: 🔗 FOMACITRO MSDS PDF

Tips for Getting the Best Results with FOMACITRO Stop Bath 250ml

To make the most of your FOMACITRO Stop Bath 250ml, follow these expert darkroom tips:

1. Use Fresh Dilution for Critical Work

While reused stop bath can work for casual prints, for important negatives or fiber-based papers, it’s best to prepare a fresh 1+19 dilution of FOMACITRO Stop Bath 250ml to ensure consistent halting of development.

2. Maintain Ideal Processing Temperature

For best results, use the stop bath at a stable temperature—ideally around 20°C (68°F). A darkroom thermometer or temperature control system like the Cinestill TCS-1000 can help maintain accuracy.

3. Watch for Color Change or Exhaustion

If you’re using indicator stop baths, they will change color when exhausted. While FOMACITRO Stop Bath 250ml doesn’t contain a dye indicator, any noticeable change in performance (e.g., uneven development halt or staining) is a signal to mix a fresh batch.

4. Use with Archival Washing

Pair FOMACITRO Stop Bath 250ml with proper washing routines to improve the archival life of your prints and negatives. A film washer or extended rinsing process ensures no acidic residue remains.

5. Keep Separate Trays for Paper Processing

When using FOMACITRO Stop Bath 250ml in tray development of B&W paper, always dedicate a specific tray to the stop bath to prevent contamination of developer or fixer.

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Final Thoughts

For photographers who demand reliability, consistency, and quality in their darkroom workflow, FOMACITRO Stop Bath 250ml is an excellent choice. It’s easy to use, works universally with black-and-white films and papers, and supports the health of your fixer and prints alike. Whether you’re processing a few rolls at home or managing a high-volume setup, FOMACITRO Stop Bath  deserves a permanent spot on your darkroom shelf.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) – FOMACITRO Stop Bath 250ml

1. What does FOMACITRO Stop Bath 250ml do in the darkroom process?

FOMACITRO Stop Bath 250ml instantly stops the development process by neutralizing the developer. This prevents overdevelopment, staining, or tonal shifts in black-and-white films and prints. It also improves fixer efficiency and extends the life of your fixer solution.

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2. What is the correct dilution ratio for FOMACITRO Stop Bath 250ml?

The recommended dilution is 1+19 (1 part concentrate + 19 parts water).
For example, 50 ml of FOMACITRO mixed with 950 ml of water makes 1 liter of working solution.

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3. Can I reuse FOMACITRO Stop Bath after processing film or paper?

Yes, FOMACITRO Stop Bath 250ml can be reused for multiple sessions depending on volume and darkroom workload. However, for critical negatives, fine-art prints, or fiber-based papers, it’s best to use a fresh working solution for maximum consistency.

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4. Does FOMACITRO Stop Bath have a strong smell like acetic acid stop baths?

No. FOMACITRO is citric acid-based, making it low-odor and far more pleasant than traditional acetic acid stop baths. This makes it ideal for small, enclosed, or poorly ventilated darkrooms.

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5. Is FOMACITRO Stop Bath compatible with all black-and-white films and papers?

Absolutely. FOMACITRO is a universal stop bath, fully compatible with:

• Ilford
• Kodak
• Kentmere
• Foma (Fomapan films, Fomaspeed papers)
• ADOX
• Arista and other B&W brands
  It works with both film development tanks and paper tray processing.

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6. How long should I leave film or paper in the stop bath?

Agitate gently for 10–30 seconds.
This is sufficient for the stop bath to completely halt development. Longer immersion isn’t necessary.

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7. How should I store FOMACITRO Stop Bath 250ml for the longest shelf life?

Store the sealed PE bottle in a cool, dry place, away from sunlight and extreme temperatures. When kept properly, the concentrate has an excellent shelf life.
The diluted working solution should be used within a few days and stored in an airtight container.

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8. Does FOMACITRO Stop Bath 250ml contain a built-in indicator dye?

No, FOMACITRO does not include color-changing indicator dye. If the stop bath becomes noticeably less effective or shows signs of exhaustion, mix a fresh 1+19 batch to ensure consistent results.

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9. Can I use FOMACITRO Stop Bath with automatic processing machines?

FOMACITRO is mainly designed for manual darkroom processing, including tanks and trays. While it can be used in some automated systems, always follow the machine manufacturer’s guidelines for chemical compatibility.

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10. Is FOMACITRO safer or more eco-friendly than acetic acid stop baths?

Yes. Since FOMACITRO uses citric acid, it is less irritating, produces minimal fumes, and is considered more environmentally friendly compared to acetic acid-based stop baths. It is safer for frequent darkroom users and for enclosed spaces.