Photographers Formulary TF-4 suggests that their 1 Liter bottle makes 1 gallon of solution once diluted. If I wish to make a smaller batch, such as 1 liter total (250ml tf-4:750ml water), would I be able to save the rest (750ml) of the chemical in its original bottle for any decent expanse of time?
I have never used TF4, I use TF5 and buy the gallon concentrate which I dilute to make 1 gallon working solution at a time as I use it. Do not know of any residue with TF4, but the concentrate will separate if sitting after a while, but that is normal, just remix it then dilute it. I use the same dilution of TF5 for film and paper.
Photographers Formulary TF-4 suggests that their 1 Liter bottle makes 1 gallon of solution once diluted. If I wish to make a smaller batch, such as 1 liter total (250ml tf-4:750ml water), would I be able to save the rest (750ml) of the chemical in its original bottle for any decent expanse of time?
This is the only way I've ever used TF-4. I use all chemicals one-shot, so I pour out enough for only one or two rolls. And as brianmquinn said, shake well and immediately pour so the TF-4 won't have a chance to separate.
TF-4 is quite alkaline, and if you use it in open trays there's a good chance of high Ammonia odor. Make sure you know what you get into before you plan on using it in open trays. T-5 is neutral and as odorless as it gets, and both concentrate and working solutions last seemingly forever.