Expired powder developer

[manfromh]

I just bought a package of Slavich UP-2 developer. Its meant for both paper and film. I will use it for paper.

The problem is, there is a sticker on the package with information in english. In the bottom of the sticker it says 'Process before 07.2004'.
How long do powder chemicals last? I have used this developer before and was happy with the results, but I didnt check the expiration date.
It only cost me 2 dollars, so its not a huge loss.

I also bought some Ilford paper. On the package it tells me to use a light-brown safelight. Is it safe to use red instead? It would only be exposed to the safelight for maybe a minute before going into chemicals.

Matis

 

[bmattock]

I just bought a package of Slavich UP-2 developer. Its meant for both paper and film. I will use it for paper.

The problem is, there is a sticker on the package with information in english. In the bottom of the sticker it says 'Process before 07.2004'.
How long do powder chemicals last? I have used this developer before and was happy with the results, but I didnt check the expiration date.
It only cost me 2 dollars, so its not a huge loss.

I also bought some Ilford paper. On the package it tells me to use a light-brown safelight. Is it safe to use red instead? It would only be exposed to the safelight for maybe a minute before going into chemicals.

Matis

Powder form chemistry will generally keep if kept from contact with the outside environment. Air and water, primarily. How well your package has been kept isolated is unknown, so the results will be unknown. You'll have to test it.

As to the paper and the safelight, I have no experience, but found this:

http://www.ilfordphoto.com/aboutus/page.asp?n=109

They seem to indicate that 'orange' lights won't work. I don't know if red would also be out.

 

[Limpovitj]

I think you'll be just fine in both instances. Chemicals in powdered form last very long. I've used outdated (powder, yes) without any problems whatsoever. Obviously, it'll vary with specific ingredients, packaging, and how it has been stored as bmattock says, but it'll most likely be fine. (Also, from what I've heard about developers intended for both paper, you're doing right in using it just for paper.)

As for the paper and safelights, I've yet to encounter an Ilford paper that didn't work fine with red safelights. Come to think of it, I think I've yet to discover any bw paper that doesn't work with red safelights (except, if I remember correctly, Kodak Panalure, but that was almost 10 years ago). I've had issues with papers fogging in light brown and orange safe lights, though (not Ilford, however).

It's easy to test if your safelight is safe, without wasting too much paper. With all lights turned off, open the box, take out a single sheet and close it again (this will prevent fogging the rest of the box if there's a serious problem with the lights). Put some coins, or whatever you have handy on the paper and turn on your safelights. Wait a couple of minutes and develop the paper. If you can see the shape of the coins on your paper then your safelights aren't safe. If the sheet is perfectly white, then your lights are fine.

You might as well test the developer as well. Take a sheet of paper out of the box (close the box!) and turn on your (regular) lights and develop it. It should, of course, go absolutely black, and then you'll now that your developer is active.

 

[manfromh]

Thanks to both!
After thinking about it, im pretty sure the last pack of this developer I got was expired aswell. I guess im gonna try it (and the paper) out on monday.