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Photographers Formulary 130 paper developer very dark


Cheers!

This is going to be useful in checking out out of date glycin powders for go/no go purposes.

Godspeed
 
Here we go again. I just opened the bags of PF 130 and the glycin was very dark but I mixed it anyway because I need to print tomorrow. I purchased the box in November of 2024 from B&H. I also googled and found that the shelf life of unmixed PF 130 is years. Now my dilemma. First, is the developer useable? I have seen different opinions on this. Two, I just ordered some new PF 130 and it is on back order - should I cancel it? Three, if PH has not solved this problem what developer do folks recommend for Ilford Multigrade Classic. I had used LPD but that left a greenish tone. I do not print often so a long lasting developer is of great benefit.

I emailed B&H and told them my problem and even had the nerve to ask for a refund but will not be upset if they can't do it. I also asked them if they are aware of the problem and if the back ordered 130 should be okay.

I will send PH an email and hopefully get a response that helps.

Any thoughts are much appreciated.

Thanks.
 

The problem PFis having is the shortage of raw materials to make Glycin. I've been waiting to buy Glycin from them, but no luck. There was a post about them finally getting what they need to make a new batch of Glycin or just about to take delivery. I can't say whether or not your 130 is good or bad, but it wouldn't hurt to give3 it a try with a half sheet or two of paper. LPD is a very good developer and last a long time. I miss all my own from stock chemicals and never have a problem of running out. Except for getting very low on Glycin. If I run out I'll just make some D72 or E72 to get me buy until PF get their Glycin made.
 
I should have added this to the above post. Be sure to compare borders from one of your prints from the last printing session you did with the other PF130 to the print you tried with the dark PF130. I had some very dark 130 once slightly tint my paper a very light yellow-brown.
 

Thanks for the tip. I am printing tomorrow so fingers crossed. The LPD produced a slight greenish tint with Ilford Multigrade Classic so that is a no go. Have you had success with other developers for MCG?
 

Same happened to me not long ago. Batch ordered from B&H came in with the Glycin dark brown. I asked for a refund. Not only did they do it, but they asked PF to send me some Glycin to replace the bad one. I think the problem might be that B&H has some pretty old boxes of PF's developer 130 and that they do not check whether or not the Glycin has gone bad in them.
 
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