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Anyone having problems with Fomatol LQN paper developer?

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filip0502

Member
Joined
Feb 14, 2026
Messages
15
Location
Croatia
Format
35mm
I run a student darkroom, and we have always been using Fomatol LQN for paper development.
I would mix a one-liter solution, and it would last around a month or two without any problems, but recently it started going bad much quicker.
After 2 or 3 weeks, there's stuff floating in the developer as if silver or something had separated, and it doesn't develop properly, as if it has been exhausted.
I've had this problem with the last 2 or 3 bottles, all of which have been within the expiration date.
Does anyone know of a paper developer that can be stored for longer periods as a working solution? As far as I know, all Ilford developers must be used up within 24 hours after you mix the working solution.
 
To be clear, you're referring to the shelf life of the mixed, working strength developer, yes? How do you store it? What kind of bottles/material, and are they full?

I can't comment on store-bought print developers; I stopped using them a long time ago. I use ID62 (or ID78) myself which I mix from raw ingredients. The working strength developer as well as the concentrates store very well in entirely full, glass bottles. 1-2 months is generally not a problem.
 
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