Metol gone... tan

[Anon Ymous]

Hello

I use to search ebay for raw photochemicals and this listing caught my attention. The price is fine and it gets even better the larger the quantity. It's way too good actually. But judging by its colour, it looks iffy. So, you experienced home brewers out there, how bad is it?

 

[David Lyga]

First, even if it were good, it would be bad, price-wise. This 90g (offered for $12) equates with avoirdupois to be merely one fifth of a pound. Fresh metol from reputable sellers is about $45 or $50 per pound. Where is the value and why do you even ask is this tan matter OK? - David Lyga

 

[AgX]

The first reputable source for small amounts I have at hand quotes 50g @ 9€

 

[David Lyga]

That is rather expensive AgX, 9 Euros equating to USD 10, as that 50 grams is only about one ninth of a pound. - David Lyga

 

[Anon Ymous]

Over here, metol costs about 150€ per kilo. That's about $73 per pound. Generally speaking, you guys at the US are very lucky considering the prices and availability of chemicals (and other photographic goods). As I said David, the price gets very good for larger quantities (other listings), not necessarily for 90g. It becomes outrageously good if you factor in that it includes shipping! Anyway, I'm more interested about what is acceptable when it comes to what metol should look like, not just this specific item.

 

[zanxion72]

Looks mostly like a white balance problem with the photo that makes it show dark.

 

[Anon Ymous]

Looks mostly like a white balance problem with the photo that makes it show dark.

You can't be sure, but it might be a possibility, given what the second photo of the listing (with the bag) looks like.

 

[David Lyga]

Anon Ymous: chances are that metol is good. I have some that I bought in New York in 1972 and it is still good, although just as brown. - David Lyga

 

[Gerald C Koch]

Metol is a white crystalline chemical. I have some that is decades old that has taken on a slight grayish tint that is totally acceptable. It really should not be tan or brown. This indicates improper storage or less than a photograde product. I would never buy anything on e-bay.