Chemicals preparation

Raffay · Nov 15, 2013

Hello,

Today I got my kodak D76 developer and fixer from Canada. We don't get anything here so I want to prepare them very carefully. Instructions are pretty clear on the packets. It says to make 3.8 litres but that will consume the whole packet and then it's difficult to find 3.8 litre bottles that too air tight, and if not the stock will only last for two months. I want to know if there is a way to use less powder and make less stock so that it could last a longer time.

Cheers

Raffay

markbarendt · Nov 15, 2013

You should use the whole package.

You can use 4 smaller bottles and top the partially empty bottle with marbles.

Doremus Scudder · Nov 15, 2013

markbarendt said:
You should use the whole package.

You can use 4 smaller bottles and top the partially empty bottle with marbles.

+1

If you find you consistently end up not using all your developer stock before it goes bad, you can switch to a liquid concentrate developer like HC-110 (similar results to D-76), Rodinol, PMK, Pyrocat, etc., all of which have longer shelf lives than mixed D-76.

Best,

Doremus

Raffay · Nov 15, 2013

Do I need to mix the powder in hot water or does it dissolve in room temp.

bvy · Nov 15, 2013

Raffay said:
Do I need to mix the powder in hot water or does it dissolve in room temp.

You need to mix it according to the instructions if you want it to work as advertised. So, yes, hot water, 125F or so, if I recall correctly.

BMbikerider · Nov 15, 2013

You could use empty wine bottles which have screw caps. use the contents before and enjoy then wash the bottle out and use again Cheap and simple

markbarendt · Nov 15, 2013

BMbikerider said:
You could use empty wine bottles which have screw caps. use the contents before and enjoy then wash the bottle out and use again Cheap and simple

While true that may not be PC in the OP's area.

Wayne · Nov 15, 2013

Replace wine bottle with plastic soda bottle then.

Raffay · Nov 15, 2013

Wayne said:
Replace wine bottle with plastic soda bottle then.

By plastic soda bottles you mean normal coke/Pepsi litre or 1.5 litre bottles, right? If yes, the these bottles are made of clear plastic and are not brown, wouldn't that affect, also I have experienced that even coke half used does not maintain the fizz it goes flat. Any thoughts?

Cheers

Raffay

Karl A · Nov 15, 2013

This is a more proper storage bottle:
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/70862-REG/Delta_11140_Datatainer_Chemical_Storage_Bottle.html
If you can't get one, just use whatever you have that is reclosable. Glass might be better in terms of keeping air out, but use what you have available. Try to fill bottles to the top so there is not a lot of air inside.

Gerald C Koch · Nov 15, 2013

You can use clear white bottles if you keep the solutions out of direct sunlight.

PeterB · Nov 15, 2013

Raffay said:
By plastic soda bottles you mean normal coke/Pepsi litre or 1.5 litre bottles, right? If yes, the these bottles are made of clear plastic and are not brown, wouldn't that affect, also I have experienced that even coke half used does not maintain the fizz it goes flat. Any thoughts?

Cheers

Raffay

Check out this recent thread which will answer your question.
(there was a url link here which no longer exists)

In summary the top three storage methods in decreasing order of effectiveness (i.e. minimum gas exchange and/or low light) are
1. Brown glass bottles
2. Metallized Mylar water or wine bladders
3. PET soft drink bottles (dark if possible) as they have caps with good seals

Xmas · Nov 16, 2013

buy mini scales and raw chemicals and mix up using Kodak or Ilford formula e. g.

ID 68 is much less likely to injure you similar grain 1/3 stop ISO increase

StoneNYC · Nov 16, 2013

Raffay said:
By plastic soda bottles you mean normal coke/Pepsi litre or 1.5 litre bottles, right? If yes, the these bottles are made of clear plastic and are not brown, wouldn't that affect, also I have experienced that even coke half used does not maintain the fizz it goes flat. Any thoughts?

Cheers

Raffay

Light will not affect the developer, so "brown" / Amber bottles are not necessary. But using porous plastic bottles may introduce oxygen through the plastic, but I don't know what kind of plastic they use in soda bottles so I couldn't be sure. I don't know why screw cap wine bottles isn't "PC" so I'm not sure what the other poster means, but it sounds like a fine plan to me.

Personally I agree, if you're worried about shelf life, get some HC-110 which has a similar look to the film as D-76, or Rodinal also has an incredibly long shelf life, but with a different ("grainer") look than HC-110. However, all 3 of those are super cheap, at $6-$13 per package, none are worth fretting about TOO much, even for us paupers

Nuff · Nov 16, 2013

It's not PC, because he's from Pakistan and alcohol might be hard to come by.

My suggestion is to mix the whole solution and pour it into lots of small bottles. Let's say 0.5 litre. Can you obtain juice bottles or some other type of small glass bottles with screw caps?

I'm not sure if on Pakistan the situation is the same as Nepal, but when I travelled there glass bottles were more popular than plastic, since they could be reused.

StoneNYC said:
Light will not affect the developer, so "brown" / Amber bottles are not necessary. But using porous plastic bottles may introduce oxygen through the plastic, but I don't know what kind of plastic they use in soda bottles so I couldn't be sure. I don't know why screw cap wine bottles isn't "PC" so I'm not sure what the other poster means, but it sounds like a fine plan to me.

Personally I agree, if you're worried about shelf life, get some HC-110 which has a similar look to the film as D-76, or Rodinal also has an incredibly long shelf life, but with a different ("grainer") look than HC-110. However, all 3 of those are super cheap, at $6-$13 per package, none are worth fretting about TOO much, even for us paupers

StoneNYC · Nov 16, 2013

Nuff said:
It's not PC, because he's from Pakistan and alcohol might be hard to come by.

My suggestion is to mix the whole solution and pour it into lots of small bottles. Let's say 0.5 litre. Can you obtain juice bottles or some other type of small glass bottles with screw caps?

I'm not sure if on Pakistan the situation is the same as Nepal, but when I travelled there glass bottles were more popular than plastic, since they could be reused.

My mistake, why did I think he was in Canada? Lol

Ok so other chemistry might be harder to attain, my apologies for my mistake.

Raffay · Nov 16, 2013

StoneNYC said:
My mistake, why did I think he was in Canada? Lol

Ok so other chemistry might be harder to attain, my apologies for my mistake.

Not an issue.

Raffay · Nov 16, 2013

Nuff said:
It's not PC, because he's from Pakistan and alcohol might be hard to come by.

My suggestion is to mix the whole solution and pour it into lots of small bottles. Let's say 0.5 litre. Can you obtain juice bottles or some other type of small glass bottles with screw caps?

Thank you for the suggestion, will look around and will post pictures of a few options.

Cheers

Raffay

MattKing · Nov 16, 2013

StoneNYC said:
Light will not affect the developer, so "brown" / Amber bottles are not necessary. But using porous plastic bottles may introduce oxygen through the plastic, but I don't know what kind of plastic they use in soda bottles so I couldn't be sure. I don't know why screw cap wine bottles isn't "PC" so I'm not sure what the other poster means, but it sounds like a fine plan to me.

Personally I agree, if you're worried about shelf life, get some HC-110 which has a similar look to the film as D-76, or Rodinal also has an incredibly long shelf life, but with a different ("grainer") look than HC-110. However, all 3 of those are super cheap, at $6-$13 per package, none are worth fretting about TOO much, even for us paupers

Some developers are affected by prolonged exposure to light, but if you have a box or cupboard or bag you can put the bottle in, it should be fine.

StoneNYC · Nov 16, 2013

MattKing said:
Some developers are affected by prolonged exposure to light, but if you have a box or cupboard or bag you can put the bottle in, it should be fine.

I think I guess everything couldn't be affected by like, however from what PE has said, and he would know, brown bottles are not necessary in keeping developer safe and that light doesn't affect the developer. But maybe that's only Kodak developers

Either way I don't think anyone would leave their developing bottles outside in direct sunlight on the porch for days and days

Nuff · Nov 16, 2013

Raffay said:
Thank you for the suggestion, will look around and will post pictures of a few options.

Cheers

Raffay

You are welcome. Like others mentioned, glass is the best, since it doesn't let oxygen in, as long as you have good cap/seal.
Also with smaller bottles, if they are filled right to the top, there should be minimum amount of oxygen, extending their life as you don't have to open and close them until they you need to use them.
Otherwise a long life one shot developer like Rodinal or HC110 would be your best options.

Raffay · Nov 17, 2013

Some bottles:

From left to right:

150ml, 350ml, 260ml, 500ml, 14.3oz, I litre

What would be your recommendation.

Cheers

Raffay

MattKing · Nov 17, 2013

I wouldn't re-use a vinegar bottle for developer.

And I would be concerned about re-using a vinegar bottle for fixer.

StoneNYC · Nov 17, 2013

MattKing said:
I wouldn't re-use a vinegar bottle for developer.

And I would be concerned about re-using a vinegar bottle for fixer.

But it would be great for Stop!

Nuff · Nov 17, 2013

All look good, make sure you clean them very very well.

I would use 2 x 1 litre bottles and the rest in 500ml bottles.
Once you use the 500ml bottles first, split the 1l between the 500ml bottles again.

Chemicals preparation

Raffay

markbarendt

Doremus Scudder

Raffay

bvy

BMbikerider

markbarendt

Wayne

Raffay

Karl A

Gerald C Koch

PeterB

Xmas

StoneNYC

Nuff

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Raffay

Raffay

MattKing

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Nuff

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Chemicals preparation

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