Freshly Mixed D76 is a Dark Colour

Geoffsco · May 2, 2011

I've just mixed a batch of D76 from an old can. I have no idea how old it is, but would be at least 20years old I imagine.

When adding water, it went a dark brown/maroon colour. I will use a test roll before processing important negs, but am wondering what is likely to have happened here, and am I perhaps better off saving my time and film?

aaronmichael · May 2, 2011

Geoffsco said:
I've just mixed a batch of D76 from an old can. I have no idea how old it is, but would be at least 20years old I imagine.

When adding water, it went a dark brown/maroon colour. I will use a test roll before processing important negs, but am wondering what is likely to have happened here, and am I perhaps better off saving my time and film?

I think that means it's bad. 20 years is a very long time. If it were me, I'd just buy some new D76 to make sure that it's going to perform how you want it to. No point in risking important negatives in a 20 year old developer (even if a test roll comes out okay).

Luseboy · May 2, 2011

I'd give it a shot anyways. If it was powder, you're likely ok. Just test it with an un-important roll first.
-Austin

CJBo001 · May 2, 2011

I recently had the same experience with some old Dektol that came in a foil packet. I was quite surprised because I assumed the hermetic seal was enough to maintain viability. I guess I was wrong. In any case I just tossed it out rather than try to use it.

jerl · May 2, 2011

For me, I would rather buy a new batch of D76, given that it isn't too expensive, and given the risk of ruining a roll of film.

PhotoJim · May 2, 2011

If it mixed up dark, it's bad, plain and simple.

Thomas Bertilsson · May 2, 2011

PhotoJim said:
If it mixed up dark, it's bad, plain and simple.

Agreed. Nothing good will come from using it.

pgomena · May 3, 2011

Fresh D-76 should be almost colorless or a very, very light tan, nearly colorless. Toss it!

Peter Gomena

Ronald Moravec · May 3, 2011

Do not use. If it tests ok today, in a week it may be dead.

Geoffsco · May 4, 2011

Getting rid of it seems the sensible thing to do, as I expected. I picked it up in a bulk lot of dark room gear, which included a few more cans I can try.

kb3lms · May 4, 2011

D76 is cheap, throw it out and buy some new.

dehk · May 5, 2011

I know if you get the dektol too hot when mixing it turns brown, but my brown dektol been usable with no problem. Not sure about D76, i think i went overboard on mixing D76 one time but its still pretty clear.

Freshly Mixed D76 is a Dark Colour

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