Expired developer = No photo at all ?

[ulrich.von.lich]

Hello,

I just got a blank roll, that is transparent with some dark vertical stripes, after using a bottle of DDX expired maybe one and a half, maximum two, years ago.

I know, I know, the shelf life of the DDX is only three months but shouldn't I get at least some fainted images?

I'm often lucky with Rodinal.

It's also possible that the film wasn't properly loaded.

Thanks & Regards

 

[Steinberg2010]

Rodinal is infamous for its extensive shelf life - I don't know anything about DDX though...

~S

 

[Roger Hicks]

If there are dark vertical stripes, something was developed. I'd back improper loading, though 18-24 months is a long time even for DD-X. I've had it last a year or more.

Cheers,

R.

 

[Chris101]

Are the frame numbers or other markings in the sprocket area (assuming it's 35mm, otherwise in the side margins) visible? If so, then it's not the developer.

 

[ulrich.von.lich]

Thanks Steinberg and Roger.

Actually I had suspected the improper loading. That's why I didn't use the fresh DDX. (Now how embarrassing...)

Roger, how the results differ when the DDX reaches one year old? Did you spot by any chance unusual vertical stripes?

 

[ulrich.von.lich]

Chris, I'm going to check right now.

EDIT: Yes they are visible. Thanks for the excellent method!

 

[Roger Hicks]

Thanks Steinberg and Roger.

Actually I had suspected the improper loading. That's why I didn't use the fresh DDX. (Now how embarrassing...)

Roger, how the results differ when the DDX reaches one year old? Did you spot by any chance unusual vertical stripes?

When it goes off, which doesn´t happen suddenly, you'll get a weaker and weaker image (and eventually, none at all). But not stripes.

Cheers,

R.