Mixing Developer Chemicals

altbossy · Nov 29, 2015

Hello all,

I am quite new to developing, and have been developing my 35mm BW film in D76.

Now i am wanting try my hands with XTOL and have got a packet.

I was wondering everytime i need to mix the powder to make stock, do i need a different container dedicated to D76 and Xtol separately?

I am using 5 litre plastic beaker and was wondering, can i use the same beaker to mix any developer after washing?

I dont want to ruin my developer. Please excuse my ignorance, incase it is a newbie question. i did try to search the internet for answers before posting.

Thankyou.

Sirius Glass · Nov 29, 2015

If you have enough containers to dedicate to each developer, then use two well marked containers in your case. Otherwise wash out the shared container and update the label.

Clean the plastic beaker between each use. I rinse them well between uses. I also rinse the mixing container when it has sat around for a while.

I use replenished XTOL and Rollo Pyro in a Jobo processor. On occasion, I use tanks for 135 and 120 film instead of the Jobo processor, but not often.

Welcome to APUG

Gerald C Koch · Nov 29, 2015

There should be no problems in using the container for a variety of different solutions. Just make sure that it is well washed each time.

altbossy · Nov 29, 2015

Thanks for you help. Sirius. I am using separate beakers for preparing fixer and developer stock.

I am using separate bottles for storing stock as well.

altbossy · Nov 29, 2015

thanks Gerald, this really helps. What do you think about sharing beakers and bottles(i use glass amber bottles and plastic HDPE) between developers, stopbath and fixer?

Kirks518 · Nov 29, 2015

I'll share developer bottles, but I won't store developer in a bottle previously used for fixer (I use a water stop). Even though I wash everything well, I don't want to risk ruining a fresh batch of developer. Don't forget to wash the cap as well!

MattKing · Nov 29, 2015

altbossy said:
thanks Gerald, this really helps. What do you think about sharing beakers and bottles(i use glass amber bottles and plastic HDPE) between developers, stopbath and fixer?

I'm not Gerald ......

But, I've never dedicated particular mixing or usage containers to particular chemicals - not even trays.

I do dedicate them when long term storage is involved.

I've always been diligent about cleaning containers and trays after each use, and I don't leave chemicals in containers or trays over night.

altbossy · Nov 30, 2015

Thankyou all for the answers, its a great help to understand best practices. Glad to be a part of this community.

fotch · Nov 30, 2015

Hello and welcome to APUG. I would keep the bottles separate for each type of chemicals even though I would rinse thoroughly when re-using.

Ronald Moravec · Nov 30, 2015

Just wash half well. My mix is Calumet 1 liter and 1 gal stainless steel. Rinse and store bottom up to keep junk out.

I would think twice about fix & developer.

Gerald C Koch · Nov 30, 2015

altbossy said:
thanks Gerald, this really helps. What do you think about sharing beakers and bottles(i use glass amber bottles and plastic HDPE) between developers, stopbath and fixer?

No problem if bottles are well washed.

HDPE is not the best choice for developers. This plastic is permeable to oxygen. The two best bottle materials are glass and PET plastic.

nworth · Nov 30, 2015

Some PE bottles, including some HDPE, tend to absorb things, making them essentially impossible to clean. Most PET bottles work well. I use old soft drink bottles. The plastic used for soft drink bottles is essentially PET with an additive to make them gas impermeable. Glass is excellent, but it is heavy and fragile. I have no problem reusing storage bottles for different solutions. I just rinse them with water, refilling and completely emptying the bottle five times.

Mixing Developer Chemicals

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