Kodak DK-50

[pinhole_dreamer]

If the can is sort of rusty on top...and it has a KEY on the bottom of it...should I just toss it? I have a WHOLE BOX of this stuff that was given to me. There's also some Ektanol (?) developer and replenisher and some Ilford chemicals. Of course, all the tins are pretty rusty.

 

[Gerald C Koch]

As long as the rust hasn't gone all the way thru the can you should be OK. I have quite a few cans of DK-50 that are surplus from WWII. From time to time I open one and use it. They have always been fine. The contents should be white and not brownish.

 

[pinhole_dreamer]

Thank you! =D That makes me happy!

 

[removed account4]

dk 50 is great stuff. have fun with it

 

[David Lyga]

Even if the powder is brownish it will still be good. I have Dektol powder that is dark brown and still as good as the white powder. - David Lyga

 

[pinhole_dreamer]

I'll not know unless I crack the cans open. Now, how does one open a can with a key?

 

[brucemuir]

I've not used canned photo chemicals but I have opened a sardine can or two in my day.
Look for a metal tab near the ridge where the can is sealed.
Could be on the top lid or the bottom lid. Not sure.

Thread that tab into the key slot and start twisting the key.
Try to keep the key aligned perpendicular to the top as you go.
That tab could be rusted by now so proceed with caution and don't cut yourself.

If I were you I'd forgo the entire key and find an old manual can opener.
The kind with the gears not a churchkey type.

 

[brian d]

If you use the key method to open it be very careful of sharp edges!

 

[Bill Burk]

Maybe you need one of these...



Like the old days, one big hole to pour from and one little hole to let in air.

 

[pinhole_dreamer]

If I were you I'd forgo the entire key and find an old manual can opener.
The kind with the gears not a churchkey type.

It's a good thing that I still have the old manual can openers. ;D

 

[pinhole_dreamer]

Maybe you need one of these...

View attachment 40924

Like the old days, one big hole to pour from and one little hole to let in air.

The old days? I still have one of those...plus a really old manual can opener. They're both with our camping supplies.