8 year old D-76 powder from open paper bag - works!

[CatLABS]

So, i got some darkroom stuff from this guy, about a year ago, and the only reason i went to get this junk was the fact he had a 10 gallon powder box of kodak d-76.
He said the stuff was cool and only used to make one gallon out of.
I stored it, as i had some new d-76 i wanted to use as i knew it was good.
Today after loading film in to my tank (10 rolls!!) i walked over to my d-76 stock container only to find it had about 500ml left...
Shaucks...

So i figured hey why not try that old open powder?
Well i opened the box, to find white powder (i read that means its good) but it was pretty much a solid mass. must have taken in moisture or something like that, not all but pretty much a clump.
There was no info about weather or not this means its bad, so i tested it on a sheet of delta 100 - and low and behold - it works! just as i expected it to be.
Granted i did not scan or sensitometer the negs, but hey they look good enough for me, i think.
Ran the 10 rolls, and they cam out as expected...

that was a good deal... i guess this stuff lasts pretty much forever. too bad films might not be around for ever...

 

[dehk]

Bravo, glad it worked for you!

 

[brucemuir]

I routinely use way expired D76 but they are the one gallon envelopes.

 

[RalphLambrecht]

good news!