Dektol freshly mixed but does not look how I remember

There was most likely a hole in the bag, and it has oxidized. This used to happen all the time with the older paper/foil packaging. This is why I no longer use Dektol, it happened too many times.

 

I've had Dektol which was amber, but the powder always started a brownish color, when it happened (old stock). Never had it happen with fresh powder, or when the powder started white, though. The amber stuff I mixed worked fine, and I was able to match prints from prior sessions (using clear Dektol) with ease. Once diluted 1:2, it was easy to see the print in the developer.
Could there be an issue with your water?
Sorry I can't offer more info, but I wouldn't hesitate to use it.

 

Every time I've used oxidized Dektol, the powder has been noticeably discolored. Maybe there's a delay in the time it takes for oxidation to occur, and the powder to change color. Gerald or PE should be able to answer this for you.

 

Are you sure that you have used the correct amount of water to mix the Dektol?

If you haven't added all the necessary water this time, the colour might be different.

And Dektol packages come in two sizes - any chance you have used the mixing instructions for the smaller size to mix the larger size?

Finally, are you using something like well water or particularly hard water to mix the Dektol? Variations in water quality can have a dramatic effect.

 

As I recall I had Dektol powder which looked fine going in but mixed up discolored. But it's been years and years since I mixed Dektol.

 

Was all of the pwder white? Any possibility of a small portion of it being darker. I'm thinking about a small puncture in the bag with localized discoloration.

 

I've had it look like dark tea and work fine but this was usually after some usage, not right off a fresh mix.

I'd at least test it. Might be fine.

 

I've used a lot of Dektol and have had all the colors mentioned. Normal is clear to pale tan, like the color of pine wood. I get the impression that your bag was damaged, and either BH or Kodak would replace it for you. I have no problem with light tan and I've used dark tan Dektol before. I believe I saw the dark tan give me an off-white "tone" to my paper as a result, so I dump it out. But my own stash of Dektol comes from several generations ago. I expect hit-or-miss. Your bag was fresh and should have been in good shape.

p.s. I work for Kodak but not in film or chemicals, so the opinions and positions I take are my own and not necessarily those of EKC.

 

Does it mean anything if a jar of Elon goes dark in a few years?