Ilford multigrade dev longevity

[GregY]

I notice a color change when using the Multigrade 500 ml size after 3-4 weeks. I have not done tests for activity. My previous experience printing with developers which had changed from straw to a darker color is they are compromised for fine, repeatable work. I just switched from Multigrade to LPD powder. LPD is less expensive per session and lasts longer. Nothing wrong with Multigrade….except it seems to have a short life.

I still have some LPD powder in cans....that was one of my favourites.

 

[kykr]

I had a half-full bottle of MG developer that I had forgotten about, best laid plans etc... Time in the darkroom sometimes doesn't work out. It had sat over a year and was as brown as molasses. I tried it anyway and it worked about as good as you'd probably expect.

 

[BMbikerider]

Accordion bottles are potentially the worst possible choice for storage.
They are just about impossible to thoroughly clean, and their pleats are prone to letting oxygen through.
A glass bottle with a good cap is much better.
If you are concerned about handling glass, a heavy walled PET bottle with a good cap is very good - think of the material in good quality soda bottles.

I fully echo Matt's statement. The price of MG developer if bought by the litre is comparatively expensive. so I buy mine in 5 litre containers which, when I open the contents are decanted into 500cc brown glass screw top bottled. The (non child lock capped type) but with polypropylene seals. In the smaller containers with an even smaller surface area exposed to air the 2 years stated by Ilford may very well be pessimistic.

I can but the 5 litre containers for around £39 but 1 litre containers from the same source are around £12 per litre so a saving of almost 20% The glass bottles are bought from a commercial supplier for about 50p each, but they are reusable so you only buy them once.

Before use I further decant a full 500cc bottle into 5 x 100cc. I find that unless I am making a number of 12x16 prints. 100cc of developer is enough for an evenings darkroom printing. If you only make 3-4 10x12 prints then the diluted developer will probably be safe to use the following morning.

The inventor of concertina bottles should be indicted for crimes against photography!

 

[BMbikerider]

I still have some LPD powder in cans....that was one of my favourites.

If you talking about opened but partly used 1/2 litre bottles discolouring - then I am not surprised. See my notes below for decanting into 100cc glass screw top bottles. That actually works.

 

[GregY]

If you talking about opened but partly used 1/2 litre bottles discolouring - then I am not surprised. See my notes below for decanting into 100cc glass screw top bottles. That actually works.

I always buy Multigrade in 5 litre jugs. I've never decanted it and never had problems with it going bad.