Two Adox Rodinal questions . . .

John Galt · May 24, 2019

I am really liking the convenience of using the liquid developer Rodinal from Adox. I typically mix one shot batches at 50 + 1.

Question 1: Is Rodinal truly a "one shot" developer? Mix a batch, use it then toss it? Or can I use a batch more than once?

Question 2: Can I pre-mix a gallon and use it as needed? Does Rodinal's legendary shelf life extend to pre-mixed at 50 + 1??

Thanks!

Hatchetman · May 24, 2019

Question 3: How long does this stuff really last? I have some about 4-5 years old, unopened. But its getting pretty dark.

twelvetone12 · May 24, 2019

No and no. It will be exhausted after use, and if you premix it it will go bad very fast

David Lyga · May 24, 2019

Here is the scoop. Rodinal is not happy with being diluted for long, so have it diluted in terms of hours, not days, weeks, months. (REASON: Sodium Sulfite destroys the potency.) However, I have found that if kept in air-tight containers, filled to the brim, (PET plastic bottles) you can get away with a 'permanent' 1+9 dilution which makes it much easier mixing your working solutions. But, diluted, like 1+49 or more: don't try to keep this for long.

In its original concentrate: all I can say is this: I bought the original concentrate from a darkroom sale about three years ago. It must have been at least from the early sixties, as the concentrate had some solids in the bottom of the very old bottle. It worked about 2/3 the strength as brand new, so I had to mix 50% more with each tank. That should say what you need to know, as this stuff is almost bulletproof (but don't shoot me or nuttin'!!!!!) - David Lyga

John Galt · May 24, 2019

David Lyga said:
Here is the scoop. Rodinal is not happy with being diluted for long, so have it diluted in terms of hours, not days, weeks, months. (REASON: Sodium Sulfite destroys the potency.) However, I have found that if kept in air-tight containers, filled to the brim, (PET plastic bottles) you can get away with a 'permanent' 1+9 dilution which makes it much easier mixing your working solutions. But, diluted, like 1+49 or more: don't try to keep this for long.

In its original concentrate: all I can say is this: I bought the original concentrate from a darkroom sale about three years ago. It must have been at least from the early sixties, as the concentrate had some solids in the bottom of the very old bottle. It worked about 2/3 the strength as brand new, so I had to mix 50% more with each tank. That should say what you need to know, as this stuff is almost bulletproof (but don't shoot me or nuttin'!!!!!) - David Lyga

Thanks Dave

John Galt · May 24, 2019

twelvetone12 said:
No and no. It will be exhausted after use, and if you premix it it will go bad very fast

Thanks

Team ADOX · May 26, 2019

John Galt said:
I am really liking the convenience of using the liquid developer Rodinal from Adox. I typically mix one shot batches at 50 + 1.

Question 1: Is Rodinal truly a "one shot" developer? Mix a batch, use it then toss it? Or can I use a batch more than once?

Question 2: Can I pre-mix a gallon and use it as needed? Does Rodinal's legendary shelf life extend to pre-mixed at 50 + 1??

Thanks!

Dear John,

to answer your first question:
Yes, Rodinal is a "true one shot developer". For best - and consistent - results we recommend using it this way as described in the datasheet.
To your second question:
No, the excellent shelf life is true for the concentrate. But after you have mixed the working solution with water you should use it for development right after mixing. The working solution cannot be stored for a longer time.

Patrick Robert James · May 26, 2019

You can use Rodinal replenished if you add Sodium Sulfite to it. Sulfite also increases the speed of development. If you mix it 1+50 with 50-100g/liter of Sulfite you use the 1+25 times. Add about 1.5ml of stock Rodinal for each roll developed. I've used it for months this way. Keeps working fine, although it isn't technically Rodinal anymore. The Sulfite gives finer grain.

Most people just use it once and chuck it. I would recommend you do that.

David Lyga · May 26, 2019

I believe that sodium sulfite destroys the base. - David Lyga

guangong · May 26, 2019

I bought several bottles of Agfa Rodinal right before discontinued. Still using from my stock. And still good. So cheap, why would anyone want to replenish Rodinal? Not being a commercial lab, I treat all developers as one shot or one session.

Two Adox Rodinal questions . . .

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