unopen packets of xtol ... are they still good ?

[removed account4]

hi -

haven't used xtol in a while, but i have some unmixed, unopened packets that are a at least 1-2 years old ...
anyone have an idea how long they are good for?

storage has been pretty consistant - 60-65º ...

i called kodak - the guy i spoke with suggested for at least 3 years after they were purchased ... but when i inquired a little more, he said he had no idea

any unopened-chemical-packet experience?

thanks!
-john

 

[bjorke]

They tend to cake up. Whack 'em on the countertop before opening to break up the bits.

Go for it.

 

[removed account4]

besides it not working
is there any way i can tell if it went bad?

... like " i know my glycin went bad because it turned brown ... "

thanks! <gg>

-john

 

[Jorge Oliveira]

With Xtol the only way is a test strip (it will not change color).
Take a samll piece of film (35mm leader or whatever), develop in a small tray, glass, etc in roomlight for the specified time, fix.

If the film becomes dark as usual, it's OK.

Jorge O

 

[removed account4]

much thanks to you both

8D

 

[Dave Mueller]

If it's a 1 liter package, throw it away. There were problems in the packaging for the 1L sets, that's why Kodak discontinued them. If it's a 5L set, I think 2 years is OK if they packets were kept dry. The mixed stuff lasts almost a year in a bottle!

 

[removed account4]

hi dave -

the 3 packets i have are all for 5L. i think i'll just mix them and see what happens when i just process a sheet or 2 of film.

i'll post my results when i get a chance to do the mix/shoot/process/scan thing.

thanks again
john.

 

[Thilo Schmid]

Whenever in doubt, test it. It is always reasonable to do a full test with a well known exposed (piece of) film, because developer is usually not either working or not working. Aged developer might require some adjustments. On the other hand, XTOL is “famous” for total failure as well.

 

[Jorge Oliveira]

One of my biggest darkroom faillures was when I tried my own version of a 'long lasting' Xtol clone.

I did my alchemy, made a dark strip test - OK, took some test shots - OK, then by the weekend went out for some real photos.

Totally blank roll! ops:

All within one week!

No, I'm not a good alchemist.

Jorge O

 

[clogz]

Jorge,
I had the same thing happen to me with the 1 litre packet.