2006 D76 packet, toss, or play with it?

jay moussy · Oct 12, 2023

I recently got a Watson loader, and with it came a small dark bag (by Paterson?) and also 2006 Kodak fixer and D76 packets.

Fixer is of no use, but the D76?
Play with it (and how) or toss?

ParkerSmithPhoto · Oct 12, 2023

I am not a fan of expired materials and chemicals. Yes, you might fluke into something interesting, but it's totally random. You really aren't learning anything about developing and printing that can be used with consistent results.

BMbikerider · Oct 12, 2023

If it is a powder and it is still loose and not bonded together in hard lumps there will be no problem with using it. Dry powders in a sealed bag generally do not expire. I have a packet of Ilford ID11 which I discovered recently hidden in a bag with the original receipt dated 17 Dec 1999 It had been in a dry cupboard for as long as I remember at least since 2014 when I moved here. The ID11 box did not have any expiry date printed on it.

The formula for D76 and ID11 are very similar as far as I know have not changed since whenever - in other words a long time ago. I have processed one Ilford film in this ID11 and the results look perfectly normal.

pentaxuser · Oct 12, 2023

I'd certainly play with the presumably still sealed D76 At the very least make up and try it on a film leader for the normal time for the film in which you may want to try it to see if the leader turns black. Even better if you can compare the blackness with another leader from a film you know to have been successfully developed

pentaxuser

Kino · Oct 12, 2023

I am still using D76 in the old paper and foil packets from the 1970s with no problems.

As long as it's not clumped-up and the package seal has not been breached, it should be good.

Regardless, testing is the only true way to know. If you have a bulk loader, 5 frames will tell you.

Cholentpot · Oct 12, 2023

I've used packets from the 70's with no issue. Test a clip out first.

MattKing · Oct 12, 2023

If it was in apparent good condition, I would use the Kodafix for fixing after bleach and re-develop toning - the hardener can be useful in that workflow.

Sirius Glass · Oct 12, 2023

One can always do a quick test of any developer to see if it is still good. In fact I do that for any developer that I have not used recently as a normal precaution.

Paul Howell · Oct 12, 2023

I've used very old cans of Kodak and GAF fixer and developers, as long as the powers are not too discolored I've found that they work just fine.

cmacd123 · Oct 12, 2023

the Kodak fixer powder should last a lot longer in storage than the liquid concentrate fixers.

when D-76 came in a metal can, Kodak's publications listed the shelf life as "Infinite in Package" the first envelope packes were NOT air tight, and so the powder did go bad. later packs are more air tight. if cool and dry, and not exposed to Oxigen I would expect d76 to last for a while in the pack. of course if the powder has changed colour, or islumpy, then the material is NOT trustworthy. YMMV

2006 D76 packet, toss, or play with it?

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