Freezing flexicolor

Endeavourx · Mar 23, 2017

Is it now generally accepted that freezing C41 developer prolongs it's lifespan?
I know PE on here was against it at first, but changed his mind.

Also, is there actually any demonstrable difference between airtight stored developer vs refrigerated vs frozen?

I'm curious if the freezing is done prior to mixing or not?

RPC · Mar 23, 2017

Do not freeze mixed developer. It causes the ingredients to separate and is difficult to remix. It is much better to simply store mixed developer in glass or high-quality plastic containers, filled, and tightly sealed, and will last many months, even years.

Gerald C Koch · Mar 23, 2017

Freezing or just refrigerating concentrates and working solutions can cause dissolved solids to come out of solution. These can be VERY difficult to get back into solution. The solution is to buy only as much as can be used within the expiration date.

Endeavourx · Mar 23, 2017

Yes I would love to be able to buy low volume quantities of Flexicolor - unfortunately it's bulk only. so thats why I am asking.
If anyone has any actual experience of freezing, and if it does indeed prolong the life or not (compared to airtight storage)

RPC · Mar 23, 2017

Yes, I have frozen it and had the problems described above. Outside of that problem, I would say it would last indefinitely. But to remix it, you have to shake it, not good for developer as it oxidizes it, losing a lot of what you gained by freezing it. Do it the way I suggested. I have been doing it for years and it works!

David Lyga · Mar 24, 2017

Again, ad infinitum: simply putting the mixed developer in PET plastic or glass, FILLED TO THE BRIM, with secure caps, will preserve the developer for years and years to come. I have some Kodak RA4 Ektaprint Developer, mixed in 2003, that works perfectly. - David Lyga

bvy · Mar 24, 2017

David Lyga said:
Again, ad infinitum: simply putting the mixed developer in PET plastic or glass, FILLED TO THE BRIM, with secure caps, will preserve the developer for years and years to come.

This.

Endeavourx · Mar 24, 2017

David Lyga said:
Again, ad infinitum: simply putting the mixed developer in PET plastic or glass, FILLED TO THE BRIM, with secure caps, will preserve the developer for years and years to come. I have some Kodak RA4 Ektaprint Developer, mixed in 2003, that works perfectly. - David Lyga

yes thank you

I am fully aware of this method, but that doesnt mean I cant ask about alternates. I was specifically asking about the effectiveness of freezing (or not)

chassis · Mar 24, 2017

One suggestion is to test freezing some solution. Then compare to what has been posted. For example, freeze 1 liter of working solution developer, for 2 weeks. Thaw and bring to 100 deg F processing temp. Process a roll of film and see if the results meet your expectations.

Photo Engineer · Mar 24, 2017

Freeze NO, refrigerate YES. And, do the latter with caution as some of the ingredients may precipitate out or separate as oily materials.

PE

Freezing flexicolor

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