D-76 expired in 2011- will it still work properly?

js98367 · Aug 1, 2016

I discovered a box in my home that had two packages of D-76 that I believe I purchased back in 2006. I packed it away with a job change that took me away from film developing.

Now that I am developing film again, I wonder if it is truly "expired".

It has been stored in my home and got up to 80 degrees F in the past 10 years.

Should I mix it up and try a test strip or just trash it?

dasBlute · Aug 1, 2016

don't waste your time/film, buy some new developer

Terry Breedlove · Aug 1, 2016

It is very cheap so why waste a potential great shot. Buy new D76.

GRHazelton · Aug 1, 2016

js98367 said:
I discovered a box in my home that had two packages of D-76 that I believe I purchased back in 2006. I packed it away with a job change that took me away from film developing.

Now that I am developing film again, I wonder if it is truly "expired".

It has been stored in my home and got up to 80 degrees F in the past 10 years.

Should I mix it up and try a test strip or just trash it?

If it is the Holy Father Orange or Yellow plastic envelopes, your're probably OK. I'd mix up a package and give it a try. I'd be more concerned it it were a developer, etc, in liquid form.

RalphLambrecht · Aug 1, 2016

js98367 said:
I discovered a box in my home that had two packages of D-76 that I believe I purchased back in 2006. I packed it away with a job change that took me away from film developing.

Now that I am developing film again, I wonder if it is truly "expired".

It has been stored in my home and got up to 80 degrees F in the past 10 years.

Should I mix it up and try a test strip or just trash it?

Yes,test it.It could very well be just fine.

darkroommike · Aug 1, 2016

It should be fine unless it's in the older three-ply packaging. Powder should be white (or at least white-ish). It should mix up as a very pale solution.

js98367 · Aug 3, 2016

The expired D-76 package worked perfectly! Upon opening the yellow totally intact package, the powder was snow white. It mixed into a clear solution last night. I rolled a 12 exposure roll of Tri-X, ran it through the Nikon F2 with my 35mm f/2.8 non-AI Nikkor this morning, and developed it 1:1 with proper density, excellent highlights and shadow detail.

The package had an expiration date of 2011, but it is working fine in 2016!

js98367 · Aug 3, 2016

So, the expiration date is essentially for the packaging that protects and sustains desiccation of the developer.

MattKing · Aug 3, 2016

js98367 said:
So, the expiration date is essentially for the packaging that protects and sustains desiccation of the developer.

Essentially yes. Although standard retail storage conditions probably form part of the equation.

The "best before" dates probably are based on something like the results of statistical analysis of failure rates, with weighting based on the relatively high costs (product replacement, unhappy customers, unhappy retailers) associated with failure. No doubt there is also weighting based on the un-willingness of retailers and customers to buy short-dated materials. And those analyses probably have to fit into mandated frameworks for ISO certifications.

Luminousoctaves · Aug 3, 2016

I have used 25 year old D-76 with perfect result. If not opened and stored in right conditions = no problem.

Ronald Moravec · Aug 6, 2016

I might worry it works of for a few days for the test, & then fail. Had this happen with Xtol which is why I gave up and went to home made D76. Works exactly the same at 1/10 the cost and you know it is fresh.

D-76 expired in 2011- will it still work properly?

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