Really dark "fresh" Ansco 130?

[Jeff Bannow]

I just mixed up a batch of Ansco (Formulary) 130. All of the chems were in separate sealed baggies, and the package was probably 9 months old overall.

I mixed with distilled water as directed, using what I believe to be clean glassware. When I got to the last ingredient, glycin, the whole solution turned a dark brown, like a strong cup of tea.

Is this normal / okay? Should I make a fresh batch?

 

[Christopher Walrath]

"Coloration does not indicate that the developer has deteriorated or is unfit for use."
- Amphoto B&W Processing Data Book

Although it does say the solution should be clear to slightly colored.

 

[Jeff Bannow]

That's good to hear. I was really surprised to see it start out so dark - maybe one of the chems had oxidized in storage.

 

[Christopher Walrath]

Think it was the sodium sulfite?

 

[Jeff Bannow]

Not sure. All the chems looked powdery as they should. The sulfite was white and dry.

 

[L Gebhardt]

It was almost certainly the glycin. If it's not fresh you get a developer that looks like cola. Glycin doesn't keep very well as a powder. I keep my glycin in the freezer, and it does seem to extend its life a bit. You might be best off mixing the Ansco 130 and storing the liquid as Ansco 130 will keep a long time when mixed.

 

[Jeff Bannow]

That's exactly what happened - it is cola colored. I assume as we determined, that the color won't affect development?

 

[Shawn Dougherty]

L Gebhardt nailed it. It was the Glycin. I've had stock solution stored in brown plastic bottles with no air and saran wrap in the lids for two years mix up and yield results like new. Mix it when you get the powder, it will definitely keep better wet.

 

[L Gebhardt]

That's exactly what happened - it is cola colored. I assume as we determined, that the color won't affect development?

I forget how well it works when mixed with old glycin. I seem to remember it stained the paper some, but was a kind of nice warming effect. Of course my memory could be off. Try it and let us know.

 

[archer]

When glycin turns dark brown, it loses it's effectiveness as a development agent. It will stain paper and suppress highlights. Because of its cost, it is important to buy only what you will use in about 2 months.
Denise Libby

 

[Jeff Bannow]

So I should dump it then?

 

[Christopher Walrath]

<Posted via APUG mobile wap service..>

Sounds like it. The print may flatten tonally.

 

[eclarke]

When glycin turns dark brown, it loses it's effectiveness as a development agent. It will stain paper and suppress highlights. Because of its cost, it is important to buy only what you will use in about 2 months.
Denise Libby

Exactly what Denise said, it will develop but won't have the sparkle. It is the glycin (I use glycin in two other formulas and go through about 4 pounds a year) but it and the packaged 130 will keep very well in the freeze, my glycin stays almost white in the freezer. The stock doesn't like oxygen...Evan Clarke

 

[Jeff Bannow]

Rats! Off to order more developer ....