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Expired D-76 and Dektol

Sanjay Sen

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Mar 7, 2005
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Location
New York, NY
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Hello all,

I have unopened packets of D-76 and Dektol that expired in 09/2009 and 10/2010 respectively. Are these still usable? I am thinking yes, because they are still sealed in the packages, and both of these are in powder form. Does anyone have experience to the contrary?
 
When you open one and the powder has brownish crystals or is caked, throw it away, if it is snow white like sugar, it is ok to use.
 
Very likely, they are perfectly fine - unless of course the seal wasn't perfect or got damaged at some point. Even a solution made out of fresh Dektol has a slight brownish tint. That's fine. D-76 is clear.
 
For paper developers, some oxidation will still yield a usable developer, but with slightly different characteristics from when it was new.

Old canned Kodak and other vendor chemicals last for decodes. I successfully mixed a batch of d-19 that was dated 1965 last year.

The foil under paper packaging was ok as long as no pinholes developed from folds, etc. ; I am not sure how long lived thecurrent plactic/foil packaging is good for.
 
The worst that can happen with expired paper developer is that it doesn't produce a usable print. No harm done. Simply mix up a fresh batch of developer. The risk is with the film developer-you only get one shot at it. Therefore, if you are unsure, start with film that you can afford to lose.
 

Yes, that's what I think I'll do.

The D-76 and Dektol packets are all intact, and there doesn't seem to be any pinholes or tears in any of them.
 
Well... I would at least do a clip test. Take a clip of film like a cut off piece of leader portion. Expose it to light if not already. Develop it in this suspect developer, then fix. If the developer didn't work at all, the film will be clear. If it did work, it'll be at maximum density. (ie. black)
 
Mike Wilde said:
Old canned Kodak and other vendor chemicals last for decodes. I successfully mixed a batch of d-19 that was dated 1965 last year..
Click to expand...

My old copy of "Kodak Processing chemicals and formulas" gives the life of almost all powdered products as "Infinite in Package" The stuff in those days came in a metal can for the most part. (probably filled with inert gas)

If the packages is not damaged, your chances of usable chemicals are fairly good. Still wish they offered the cans however.
 
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