How long will Ilford DD-X 1:4 last mixed?

[jonw]

Well, being a newbie to developing B&W, but going full throttle ahead having acquired initially a HP Combi Tank (used it a couple of times) and now have my JOBO CPA2 rig set up (Cool operation and will never go back), I have developed less than 20 sheets of 4x5. Most of it has been Pro100, efke25, TMAX100, and 320 TXP. Initially, I have used D76 1:1 and it has worked fine. A couple nites ago, I got a wild hair and decided to mix up my DD-X and not realizing the difference between it and D76, I mixed the whole liter of concentrated DD-X and made the 1:4 dillution. Needless to say, it would not all fit in my gallon jug. OH well, I was able to keep the dillution at 1:4 and divided up into different appropriate containers. Although I looked at various websites, I could not find a direct reference to the life shelf of my mixed DD-X 1:4. My local photo/darkroom shop told me it probably goes bad immediately due to it being mixed etc. I have developed some sheets with the mixture about 24 hours after it was mixed and they appear to have been processed OK. see: (there was a url link here which no longer exists)
and
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Does anyone have any thoughts on the Shelf Life of my mixed DD-X 1:4?
Should I have a developing party today and use it all up? If yes, you bring the beer and send me a pm.
Thanks. Jon

 

[Eric Rose]

Personally I have always used DD-X within 24 hours of mixing it. I'm probably wrong, but my spidey scenes keep telling me the developer should be treated like a one shot developer. You might want to mix it up full strength and then store that in an air proof bottle, diluting it when needed.

DD-X is one of my favorite developers.

 

[david b]

I've been wanting to buy some DD-X but $15 to develope 10 rolls of 120 film is a bit too expensive for me.

 

[dancqu]

IF you had used re-boiled distilled water and
had placed those 5 liters into 5, 1 liter glass
Boston Rounds with sure seals, then, your
supply of dilute DD-X may have been
good for months. Dan

 

[jonw]

Thanks for all your insights. I was afraid it would need to be used quickly. I need to use it ASAP.....I am going to have to use it all tonite or tomorrow. I will be developing some Ilford HP5+ and some other sheet film so if anyone is in the neighborhood and wants to join the party, send me a pm.

 

[dancqu]

If you've any printing to do try some on paper.
I tested ACU-1 last night on paper and got slow
but good results. Other film developers also make
good print developers and vise versa. Dan

 

[JHannon]

I've been wanting to buy some DD-X but $15 to develope 10 rolls of 120 film is a bit too expensive for me.

David, I find the recommended 1+4 dilution too active and use 1+7 or 1+8 with good results. It helps stretch it out a bit. DD-X is expensive but seems to be a very good developer.

 

[david b]

jhannon....tell me more.

 

[titrisol]

Ilford says that 1+4 DDX should be used within 24 hours. I have reused it for 5 or 6 rolls in one session without problems, following the guidelines found here:
http://www.ilford.com/html/us_english/pdf/ilfotecd.pdf

1+9 works as well, development time are about twice as those for 1+4.
Unfortunately DDX is a pretty new developer (1998 or so) and 1+9 times are not widely available.