Diafine found in Toronto, partial mixing?

[maitrestanley]

Finally found some diafine in Toronto! 8 Elm Photo (Elm St. & University) has several boxes of it in the two sizes (actually only 1 more in the small size). It was kinda pricy at $31.99CAD!!!! With tax, it came to just over $36. Still, it's cheaper than ordering it online through Adorama (who charges 35$ just for shipping)

I got myself the larger box that makes 1 gallon. Does anyone know if it's okay to mix only half the powder to yield half a gallon?

If this stuff lasts as long as people say, I figure I can mix half a gallon (or less!) first to use for the first 6months - 1year then mix the other half when the first batch dies. I really don't want to have to worry about finding large enough containers to store 2 gallons of developer + accelerant.

Oh yeah, I will be using a digital scale to divide the powder up into halves.

 

[dfoo]

I got some from filmplus.ca, perhaps its the same store. I only bought a quart size.

 

[ed1k]

Well, you would have some results, but generally this is a bad idea. Powder is a mix of different chemicals and powders are not mix as good as solutions. Why not dissolve all powder and fill up a few bottles, according to your tank volume. Those that not used will be stored while you use the first one until it exhausted, filled up to cork it will store long enough. Plastic bottles from water should be good enough, check they may be air proof closed and you may squeeze plastic to get liquid up to the cap - no air inside. And find permanent market to label each bottle, so no guess work later.
Ed

 

[xayraa33]

why do people bother with this stuff at these prices?
there are so many classic film developers at much cheaper prices.

 

[maitrestanley]

I'm actually a die hard rodinal user. Been using the same bottle for the last 3-4 years without problems (always kept it super sealed and always pushed the air out) haha it's about finished though. I have another bottle lined up in the fridge and am eye-ing some remaining bottles at the camera store.

Since selling my M6, I shot digital for the last 2 years. I recently got back into shooting film.. but developing it is really blah. Anything that can ease and quicken the process is greatly welcomed, ie. Diafine! Can't really go wrong with being able to mix different films and different speeds in 1 tank for 3+3min. Also, I figure I can also shoot at iso800 to iso1600 on the same roll of film and still produce acceptable negs.

I am also considering bringing some to Hong Kong with me when I visit in May so I can easily develop my film on the go.

 

[Doug]

With any powdered product, it should be all mixed at the same time for consistency. I'd suggest finding a couple of GLASS gallon jugs for Diafine, or at least those heavier brown plastic jugs sold for photo solutions. I've had Part A eat through a plastic gallon milk jug in a matter of months. Makes a mess.

I like Diafine, finally standardizing on this as my only developer for traditional B&W films. Been using it for over 40 years.

 

[maitrestanley]

So I just mixed the whole batch and have some big tubs of developer now : P Hopefully this stuff lasts as long as people say it does

 

[bmattock]

So I just mixed the whole batch and have some big tubs of developer now : P Hopefully this stuff lasts as long as people say it does

It does. .............

 

[venchka]

Maybe longer even.

Buy the quart size to add a bit to the larger jugs as it gets used up.

 

[JeffGreene]

.....I like Diafine, finally standardizing on this as my only developer for traditional B&W films. Been using it for over 40 years.

Another big thumbs up for Diafine for me, although I can't come close to your 40 years of experience. I also like it because it's fast, relatively idiot-proof as long as you don't mix any solution B into A, and consistent.

Jeff

 

[Trius]

So I just mixed the whole batch and have some big tubs of developer now : P Hopefully this stuff lasts as long as people say it does

See post #10 in this thread.

Easy way to keep developer fresh.

 

[Jim Evidon]

I assumed that I could mix only a part at a time for one quart amounts. So I did. An entire roll is ruined with no discernible images. Don't cut it. Mix it all.

 

[Doug]

... I also like it because it's fast, relatively idiot-proof as long as you don't mix any solution B into A, and consistent.

Agreed, and the way it works appeals to me, relatively insensitive to time and temp, and sort of like stand development only done in 10 minutes or less!

 

[Sam N]

I have 2 of the brown photo-solution 1 gallon jugs. I labeled them A and B in huge reflective tape. The diafine has been in there well over a year already and it still works perfectly. Just mix it all up at once.

Be VERY careful not to get any B in your A.