Without a buffer will my developer suffer?

[David Lyga]

I regularly mix a simple B&W film developer using 1g metol, 3g HQ, only 6g sulfite and 1g carbonate, mono. This does the job well. I ALWAYS use it 'one shot' at a rather high dilution (hence, the carbonate). Doing this, I never experience changes in energy due to the passage of time, even after six months or more (I store in PET plastic, filled to the rim, thus I get away with using such a small amount of sulfite, as this plastic does not 'breathe').

Should there be a buffer included in my formula? Or is the buffer primarily for a replenishment system? Again, I experience no problems but just want more light on the purpose and function of buffer as relates to proper pH maintenance. - David Lyga

 

[Steve Smith]

I'm no expert but I think the buffer is to make it alkaline and it would be too acidic without it.


Steve.

 

[David Lyga]

I think, Steve, its purpose is to maintain the SAME pH. Correct if I am wrong. - David Lyga

 

[Kirk Keyes]

Carbonate has some buffering properties. As it gets neutralized and converts into bicarbonate, it will gain some buffering capacity.

 

[Gerald C Koch]

A buffer is not really needed when a developer is used as a one-shot. The formula that you use is similar to the Beutler formula which contains no specific buffer.

 

[Ian Grant]

A buffer's more important when a developer is re-used (and often replenished) as it keeps the pH more stable.

Ian

 

[David Lyga]

That's the confirmation I was seeking. Thank you. - David Lyga

 

[Trask]

I confess your post has me confused, David. If the developer is mixed as a one-shot, why is the issue of storage being discussed? I can only speculate that you are mixing larger quantities of the chemicals (in the proportions you discuss) in a concentrated solution, then dilute when needed, as with HC-110.

So I wind up uncertain as to whether a buffer is truly necessary or not.

 

[David Lyga]

No Trask and I think that you just caught me with semantics!
It is not MIXED one shot but USED one shot. Sorry for the confusion. I mix several liters at one time. - David Lyga