Should I toss TEA that's darkened?

ppg677

Member
Joined
Dec 31, 2023
Messages
5
Location
United States
Format
DSLR
I'm getting back into B&W processing.

I have a half bottle of TEA purchased 15 years ago. It's darkened a bit.

Toss and replace? If so where is a good source? B&H has a reasonably priced product but 2-4 weeks lead time.

I assume my clear half bottle of proplene glycol is still good. And that my phenidone powder is also still good.
 
Last edited:

GLS

Member
Joined
Apr 29, 2018
Messages
1,726
Location
England
Format
Multi Format
Darkening of many amines is typical over time, due to formation of trace amounts of oxidised species. However I am sure it will still be perfectly usable.

Glycols will be fine as they are highly stable. The phenidone should also be fine assuming it has been stored in a well sealed container and thus protected from air and moisture.
 

P C Headland

Subscriber
Joined
Mar 24, 2005
Messages
824
Location
New Zealand
Format
Multi Format

From my single data point (mine), you should be fine. I bought my TEA & Phenidone in 2013. The PC-TEA developer I mixed then and some developer I mixed end of last year seem to work just the same. The PC-TEA I mixed back in 2013 is now very dark, but still works fine.
 

Sirius Glass

Subscriber
Joined
Jan 18, 2007
Messages
50,415
Location
Southern California
Format
Multi Format
As always one should always test any developer which has not been recently used.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Menu
Log in
Register
Cookies are required to use this site. You must accept them to continue using the site. Learn more…