Developer age

noexit · Jan 15, 2006

Is there a way to test if my D-76 developer is good? Or should I just not risk it and dump it out and mix a new patch? I haven't used it in about 2 months.

eumenius · Jan 15, 2006

I think if it was stored unused, in a tightly capped bottle, if there's no bad discolouration, precipitate or other change of its visible properties, it can be used without a problem. D-76 has about 100 g of sodium sulfite per liter, and it prevents it from oxidation, if it is stored in capped bottle. 2 months is definitely not a term for D-76.

noexit · Jan 15, 2006

I think it was more than 2 months ago when I mixed it, (Stupid me didn't write the date I mixed it on the bottle) but it is completely clear and there's no sediment on the bottom. So it's good?

eumenius · Jan 15, 2006

If it's clear and there's no visible changes, it should be good - just use it

bogeyes · Jan 15, 2006

If the shots are important do not risk it. Mix fresh dev. or shoot a test film and develop that. I just messed up today, I had some Gainer vit c dev which was stored in 2 solutions for 4 months. I prepared the dev in the usual way and then swished a piece of film leader in it. The film turned black in 45secs, so clever me thought that the developer was O.K.Guess what? The film came out almost clear not even enough density in the negs to bother with any salvage methods. So my friend do you feel lucky? Will you mix fresh dev or try a test run? I just wish I had listened to my own advice, but I took a risk. This is the first time I have had a problem with this developer in the past Gainer's Vit.c has always given excellent results. More a result of my own stupidity than the dev being at fault.

eumenius · Jan 15, 2006

Vit C and D-76 are different stories - you see, sometimes D-76 is even sold as a concentrated solution! The sulfite virtually keeps all the oxygen away, if the bottle is capped. Vit C oxidation products are colorless, and if your metol or hydroquinone in D-76 oxidize you'll notice it easily. So there should be no problem - I use Microphen (same sulphite content) diluted, and I store its stock solution maybe up to year in 5l canisters with no adverse effects.

dancqu · Jan 15, 2006

noexit said:
Is there a way to test if my D-76 developer is good?

Testing film developer using print paper is, IIRC, described
in a Camera & Darkroom or Darkroom Techniques article from
some years ago. If I've time I'll dig it up.

A standardized method is to be used. Test fresh developer
and later the used. In your case test your aged and
compare with your next fresh.

I test film developer performance using 5 x 7 RC paper
at film strength and 1/4 the volume; 125 ml. I note the
induction time then allow some further development.

You may even wish to test paper performance against
a standard developer. Which brings up the question
which is the most standard, the film and paper or
the developer? I,m inclined to put my money on
my Homebrew. Dan

jim appleyard · Jan 15, 2006

You could always try a test roll first.

Ronald Moravec · Jan 16, 2006

Kodak told me Xtol can`t even be checked with a clip test. There is no home method of checking activity. It is possible to have enough activity to do 6 exposures, but when you try a whole roll it will not work.

The only way is a large tank, control strips, and a densitometer.

After that disaster with a new fresh mixed package, I went back to D76.

Claire Senft · Jan 16, 2006

2 months should not be a problem. I am not a user of D76. Take a roll of film and shoot several test shots. Go to the darkroom and snip them off. Develop them. So what do you think..good or not? It is my understanding that D76 will experience an increase in activity after moderate amount of storage when compared to freshly made

noexit · Jan 17, 2006

I went ahead and used it. Everything turned out fine, and it was the last of that batch, so now I can mix a fresh batch, date it this time and I don't have to worry about it. Thanks everyone.

dancqu · Jan 17, 2006

Ronald Moravec said:
There is no home method of checking activity.
The only way is a large tank, control strips, and
a densitometer.

Are you saying that the test I described in
my earlier post this thread is not a valid test?
My method is an extrapolation of the method
mentioned in the article which was referred
to in that previous post. Dan

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