Dekteol - Outdated

[jacques]

Hi,
This weekend I found an envelop of Dektol dated april 2011, do you think it is still good ?
Thank you
Jacques

 

[brucemuir]

If the package is in good shape it will be fine for 5-10 years

Seriously it should be fine. I routinely use dektol and D76 in sound envelopes that is at least 5 years out of date.

 

[Bruce Osgood]

If it's soft in the envelope (no clumps, no bumps) it will be fine.

 

[jacques]

Thank you all it is appreciated.

 

[clayne]

These last decades.

 

[David Lyga]

Store powder in PET plastic bottle (soda, juice, etc) and it will last FOREVER. Also, I have bought black Dektol powder and when mixed it was still good (brown, but good solution). - David Lyga

 

[Jeff Searust]

I wish mine were all as new as 2011....

 

[cmacd123]

Hi,
This weekend I found an envelop of Dektol dated april 2011, do you think it is still good ?
Thank you
Jacques

Back when I started - Dektol came in cans and the J-1 manual gave the shelf life as "Infinite In package" The paper envelope packaging is not as air tight. The newer plastic envelope SHOULD be better.

Especialy with Dektol is worth the try. If the powder is still white and not in a clump it should be fine. If it was a film developer you would have to plan a test, but if the print developer is bad, you can just mix a fresh pack, or use a bottle of Liquidol or something.

 

[RangeFinder]

I've used expired Dektol and have gotten the same results as a 'normal' unexpired batch (working 1:2). I've also mixed up expired batches from the old paper/plastic bags that are completely oxidized, and have gotten same results. There has only been one instance when I mixed up an old batch (dark brown like coke or root beer), and the prints yielded a brown tone. Yay for Dektol and out-dated stock of supplies

 

[fotch]

Yes, still good.

 

[jacques]

Thank you everyone it is very useful information.
Jacques