Kodak Dektol Sludge

[Born2Late]

I started printing some photos last weekend and noticed that they were rather flat. I was using Dektol that I had mixed several months back, but the bottle (brown plastic) was nearly full. I guessed that it had gone south on me and poured it out in preparation of mixing a new batch. There was a dark sludge that was the last to come out of the bottle which pretty well confirmed my suspicion. I was a little surprised that it went bad as quickly as it did since my darkroom is in the basement which keeps all of my chemicals rather cool.

I mixed a new batch but this time stored it in new clear wine bottles using vacuum stoppers. I've had good luck using this system with other developers. I noticed this weekend however that there is a fine matte film coating the bottom of the bottles. I know that I mixed the Dektol completely and even filtered it when I bottled it. Has anyone else had any similar experience?

Also, it seems to me that since Kodak has stopped manufacturing chemicals themselves, there always seems to be a few grains of dry components that simply refuse to dissolve. This is one reason that filter my chemicals before bottling.

Thanks

 

[megzdad81]

I always mix developer with distilled water because of the high mineral content here in Tennessee. Have not had a problem, but always have had some grains/clumps not dissolve.

 

[Photo Engineer]

I never use DW for mixing Dektol and it is clear. Properly mixed Dektol (agitation and temperature) will be clear and light straw colored.

Of course, if you mix it right and have bad starting powder, it is going to be bad too!

Best of luck.

PE

 

[Neal]

Dear Born2Late,

Even though I am well aware that Kodak formulates their products to work with a wide range of tap water sources, always mix my chemicals with distilled water. It is ridiculously cheap and I never have problems. When I say never, I really mean it. I have a bottle of dektol (working strength for full disclosure) that is over a year old and there is no crap in it (it's in a clear pet bottle).

Good luck,

Neal Wydra

 

[Born2Late]

I agree, probably distilled water would be best to use and I generally do. In this case I didn't, not because of cost, just because a one gallon jug won't fit into the microwave to get the water to temperature. I guess I'll have to set a jug in a pan of hot water next time to see if it helps.

Thanks for the answers

 

[ROL]

Like PE, I believe using DW is a waste for printing (I only use it mix film developers). I use filtered tap from my water panel. I have seen unmixed sludge result from some packs of Dektol. It was returned to Freestyle for replacement/refund and may be a sign of a bad or expired batch (of powder). Good Dektol stays mixed in tap per PE.

 

[Neal]

Dear Born2Late,

I assume you need to warm the water for mixing. You don't have to put the full jug in the microwave. A 500ml beaker works just fine. You get it hot and pour it into the cooler water. Do it twice if necessary.

Neal Wydra

 

[#1 Son]

We must be aware that many companies along our rivers and water sources, dump thousands of chemicals into our water. And never inform anyone, until they have too.

As more and more States are trying to get businesses into their cash strapped State. They turn their eyes to violators until it become news.

So yes, use distilled water, until you can solve the problem with your "tap" water source.