Premixing D-76 1:1?

[stephen_poe]

My standard developer for HP5+ is D-76 1:1. At home I usually mix the gallon

size and put it up in quart bottles - diluting to 1:1 when I get ready to

develop. I am going to be spendeng some time on the road, and wondere if

there is any problem in mixing up the dilute solution ahead of time. This way

I can carry 16 or 32 oz bottles that are ready to go, just get them to the

right temp. and use straight out of the bottle - since I would have already

made the 1:1 dilution I don't have to measure anything. But I wonder about

any problems with stability and keeping (usually not more than a couple of

weeks). Thanks in advance.

 

Stephen

[rich815]

Even if it worked ok why would you want to take that extra weight and volume on the road? I'd rather bring a 1000ml light-weight plastic measuring cup instead.

[neil_grant]

An advantage in using the dev diluted is that the working solution can be brought to the

desired temperature most efficiently by addition of water at an appropriate temperature. This

is likely to save time compared to tempering a ready-diluted working solution.

[StuartMoxham]

It may well not keep very well once diluted 1:1. You can of course use D76 straight and proccess around 4 rolls with 1 liter probably more if you look at Ilfords instruction on reusing straight ID11. An other option would be to carry the water and d76 in separate bottles.

[randall ellis]

Once diluted, developers should be used within 24 hours (at the most) - some last only a few hours. After that time the developer will begin to weaken rapidly, producing very poor results. It would be much better to store stock solution in bottles one half the volume that you will need, pour that into a container, refil the bottle with water, pour that into your container, stir lightly, and then use and discard.

 

- Randy

[frank.schifano]

The shot answer is that once diluted to a 1+1 working strength, it won't last long at all. See page 7 of this document, http://www.kodak.com/global/en/professional/support/techPubs/j78/j78.pdf

[w_t1]

I'd use Rodinal or other one-shot, seems more common sensical unless you're traveling by car and have room for D-76. I'd also echo D-76 undiluted if you go with that.

[profhlynnjones]

Don't do it Stephen,

 

It dies after a few hours.

 

Lynn