D-76 How Long must I wait after mixing

htmlguru4242 · Jan 7, 2006

I've just mixed up some new D-76, and I need to use it soon to finish some negatives that need to be done by early tomorrow. I've mixed it about 3 hours ago. I've never used D-76 that's this new; I normally wait 24 hours before using it.

Can it be used in this state, and, if so, is any adjustment required?

dancqu · Jan 7, 2006

htmlguru4242 said:
I've just mixed up some new D-76, and I need to use it
soon to finish some negatives that need to be done by ...

I doubt there is any Must Wait requirement.
Be sure all is dissolved and the temperature
correct. Take notes as what you are about
to do is an experiment.

I second the 24 hour wait but if you MUST. Dan

Thomassauerwein · Jan 7, 2006

I use XTOL from powder. Mix it let it set for at least an hour stir it then use it. Have never had a problem. Course have never tried it after 24 hour ferment either so I might be missing out. "Oh", I usually mix at 80 degrees then cool to temp. This may help de- crystalizing the powder quicker.

jim appleyard · Jan 7, 2006

By-the-book you should wait the 24 hours, but most of us mix and go.

Charles Webb · Jan 7, 2006

There was a thread about sometime back, as I recall a lot of folks said to wait 24 hours before using. I have been mixing D76 for nearly fifty years and my method is to mix as thoroughly possible adjust the temperature, a go!

Works for me that way,
Charlie.........................

msage · Jan 7, 2006

jim appleyard said:
By-the-book you should wait the 24 hours, but most of us mix and go.

By what book? I have never heard of waiting 24 hours.

Michael

Papa Tango · Jan 8, 2006

Season well, and serve...

A very fresh full strength solution of D76 can result in a rather contrasty negative. I recall the old timers telling me to let it sit for a while, or preferably, adding a small amount of used but unreplenished developer to the fresh mix. This seems to date from big dip tanks in which developer was constantly replenished instead of being replaced. I use about 12 OZ per gallon of older mix to each gallon of fresh to take the edge off.

Another tactic is not to use the full strength developer but to dilute at 1:1. This gives a smoother tonality, longer development time, and is especially good if you shoot film under the rated ISO or routinely overexpose for more density. Generally though it is best to wait an hour or so until the mix completely clears before using.

htmlguru4242 · Jan 8, 2006

Thanks, I tried it and it works fine, though contrast is a bit higher than I've seen after waiting 24 hours ... and it works quite fast, which may be a function of hte fact that it was at about 72F when I used it instead of my normal 68.

D-76 How Long must I wait after mixing

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