How Long Will Powdered Film Developer Last?

[ozphoto]

I just scored a box of Atomal FF film developer and was wondering how long it would last in their original unopened packs?

I used to use this stuff before Agfa bit the dust (and I ran out) and loved the results and the longevity of the working replenished solution.

 

[Martin Reed]

It's probably still fine. Not so long ago I made up a pack of original Promicrol and found it worked as well as ever, and that had to be at least 20 years old. Have a look at the colour of the powder in the smaller developing agent pack, if it's brown or staining the packaging it's probably past it.

 

[hawkwind]

I've been using cans of Kodak Dk-60a, dating (likely) from the early 1960s to make Ansco 130 by adding glycin and topping off a few other chemicals. My results have been excellent.

--Gary

 

[Ian Grant]

It really depends on the type of packaging. Older Ilford developers 60'/70's were packed in a thick type of polythene, this was fine for probably 5-6 years but over time the developing agents oxidised, so my 8 packs of Ilford Hyfin are useless. I have packs of Agfa Adaptol that are over 25 years old and still perfect.

Ian

 

[markbarendt]

I've been told that the ID-11 I have as powder won't go bad. Add water and the clock starts ticking.

 

[PHOTOTONE]

I think it more depends on the method of packaging. If the powders are in sealed cans (like canned vegetables) then they should be good for decades. If you can shake the can, and hear the powder inside, then it is dry and good. Sealed plastic or foil bags are not as good, but again, if you can manipulate the bag and feel dry powder (not chunks) inside then you are probably OK.

 

[ozphoto]

Great thanks everyone. The powder is still fine - sealed in their original foil & plastic packets and I can shake them quite happily and hear the powder.
I'll mix some up and get processing on my next batch of film (of course I'll test it first just to be on the safe side.)

 

[oldlugs]

I've got lots of the regular Atomal that's at least 25 years old... Still works perfectly, even with brown stained packets. Mixed up, it's a light brown color, but still develops perfectly, with good tones and extremely fine grain.

 

[nworth]

Powdered developers seem to last indefinitely in their unopened containers. I have used packages that were over 20 years old and were like new. Leaks can cause problems. When you use an old lot, check the container for damage, and be suspicious if you find any. Look at the dry contents and check for discoloration or unusual clumping. Finally, when you mix it up, check for off colors and odors. If you suspect it may be bad, based on these inspections, either throw it out or try developing something non-critical first.

 

[Colin Corneau]

I think it more depends on the method of packaging. If the powders are in sealed cans (like canned vegetables) then they should be good for decades. If you can shake the can, and hear the powder inside, then it is dry and good.

It's funny you mention this - I came across a few cans of Dektol and D-76 (IIRC) from about the 1950's or 60's. I never knew it even came like that at any point in time.

The powder inside is loose and, by your post, still viable...amazing.