Expired (?) D-76

[hardyphotography_net]

I recently acquired a 9 lb. box of dry D-76 that's dated Nov. 2004. Does D-76 ever "expire" in dry form? If I were to use it now, would my development times change?

 

[David A. Goldfarb]

As long as it's stayed dry it should be good.

That's the 10 gal. box? Someone just posted about acquiring one of these. Be sure to mix the whole package. You can't count on the components of the developer being equally distributed through the package.

 

[hardyphotography_net]

As long as it's stayed dry it should be good.

Thanks for the quick response. That's what I thought, but I wanted to make sure before mixing it.

That's the 10 gal. box? Someone just posted about acquiring one of these. Be sure to mix the whole package. You can't count on the components of the developer being equally distributed through the package.

Yes, it is the 10 gal. box. Thank you for pointing that out; I never would have thought of that!

 

[Phillip P. Dimor]

I've got some unopened stuff from the late 70s/early 80s. Works fine for me and no need to fiddle w/ times really. I've read of the old Dektol that was packaged in a tin to go bad once opened over a long period of time (It turns brown I believe) but otherwise unopened in a paper package is still fine.

 

[hardyphotography_net]

I've got some unopened stuff from the late 70s/early 80s. Works fine for me and no need to fiddle w/ times really. I've read of the old Dektol that was packaged in a tin to go bad once opened over a long period of time (It turns brown I believe) but otherwise unopened in a paper package is still fine.

Thanks!

 

[Alan9940]

Good advice to mix the entire box. However, something to keep in mind... the pH of D-76 changes over time which will affect contrast in your negs. I read, once, that back when John Sexton used this developer he kept the stock for only one month, then tossed it because the activity level became unknown. Just something to consider...

 

[hardyphotography_net]

Good advice to mix the entire box. However, something to keep in mind... the pH of D-76 changes over time which will affect contrast in your negs. I read, once, that back when John Sexton used this developer he kept the stock for only one month, then tossed it because the activity level became unknown. Just something to consider...

I guess I'll just have to shoot a lot of film in the next month...

 

[bcostin]

Wow, that's a lot of D-76. I recently mixed up a sealed one-gallon pouch of D-76 left over from my late father's darkroom. It dated from the early 80's at very latest. The powder mixed fine with no discoloration or clumping, and a couple test rolls show that it works exactly as it should.

 

[hardyphotography_net]

Wow, that's a lot of D-76.

One of the perks to working at a university.

I mixed it all up yesterday, and as far as I can tell it worked perfectly. Thanks to those who responded.