D76 lifespan

[RPippin]

What's the longest time to push a fresh batch of D76, 1+1? Can it keep overnight if covered or stored in a brown bottle? I hate to throw out what I think might be good developer, after using it one time. Sometimes I have to mix a fresh batch the night before for one or two rolls of film, but plan on developing more the next morning. Any experience with this would be appreciated.

 

[tkamiya]

I haven't done this myself but according to Kodak, once diluted to 1:1, shelf life is 24 hours and 1:1 dilution is one time use only.

It takes 8oz of non-diluted solution to process one roll at documented time. 4oz requires extended dev time because activity slows as active ingredients get used up. No specs for using it more than once.

I'd consider it "spent" and not risk a roll of film....

 

[Rick A]

I've kept one liter of D-76 1+1 for three months, testing once every month, still good. This an ongoing experiment using one sheet of 4x5 film per test. So far no discernable difference. I use the same type film, same camera and lens, same settings. This is enough developer for four rolls of 35mm film, even still it doesn't show any signs of degradation. Developer is still clear, no signs of oxidation. I store it in a clear tightly stoppered bottle that i squeeze all the air out of, under the counter.

 

[Jim Noel]

What's the longest time to push a fresh batch of D76, 1+1? Can it keep overnight if covered or stored in a brown bottle? I hate to throw out what I think might be good developer, after using it one time. Sometimes I have to mix a fresh batch the night before for one or two rolls of film, but plan on developing more the next morning. Any experience with this would be appreciated.

Would you rather lose a potentially wonderful negative, or save a few pennies on developer? Throw it out!

 

[PVia]

Always mix it to stock solution for future use. Dilute only when ready to use...

 

[RPippin]

I mix a stock solution about once every couple of months, and dilute 1+1 when ready to use. I've developed as many as 4 rolls of 120 in one Ltr. of working solution with no loss of image quality. I usually throw it out after that and mix a fresh batch, but only develop a couple of rolls. If I have more to develop the next day it would be nice to finish it off then instead of throwing it out and mixing a fresh working solution just for a couple of rolls.

 

[Uncle Bill]

A variant of this question, I have some stock solution (about 800ml give or take) in an accordian tank with as little air as possible, probably over a year old, still good or should I toss?

 

[PVia]

Well, Bill...you really should use as fresh a solution as possible, but if the color is clear and not tinted to brown, you may want to try it on a non-critical roll and possibly give slightly more dev time.

Year-old developer can still work, but you won't get the same results as fresh...usually lower contrast and thinner negs result.

 

[Gerald C Koch]

Film is expensive, developer is cheap. Need one say more?

 

[mts]

You are asking how long can you keep one-shot developer? One-shot means use it once, and D-76 1:1 is a one-shot developer. The same for TMax 1:4 or 1:9 and any other diluted developer including Dektol 1:2 or 1:1. Obviously the same goes for Rodinal diluted for use.

How long can you keep D76 stock solution? Quite awhile in my experience although its working characteristic does change if oxidation is present in partly filled containers.