First steps with D76

[juBadub]

So, I bought a pouch of D76. Now I'm supposed to mix it and use it but I'm not exactly sure how to. I've never used this stuff before.

I've heard that you can use a soup D76 over and over again. But how does that work? What's the dilution for that and how many films can I develop with that?

Sorry if I'm not clear (this doesn't sound clear to me). I'll give an example:
I have one gallon of D76, mixed by the instructions on the pouch, in a bottle. I develop two rolls of film so I need, say, half a liter of the stuff. So does it work like this: I pour half a liter of D76 from the bottle, develop the films with that half a liter of D76 and after it's done I just pour it back to the bottle where the rest of the D76 is. Can I do this and then use the same soup again with same times etc.?

So basically, can you inform me with first steps with D76! I really appreciate your answers!

Thanks!

 

[Tom A]

You can in theory use D76 Stock (what you have in your gallon bottle at the moment) over and over again - but it is not recommended. The "shelf" life of the developer is shortened and you have no control over the exhaustion of the developer.
For D76 I recommend diluting it 1 part D76 stock and 1 part water and, depending on the film, develop it in that and then simply "dump" it. A full gallon will give you enough D76 diluted 1:1 to do upwards of 30 rolls anyway - and you are ensured that your developer is fine throughout all the rolls!
If you are shooting something like triX/HP5 I would recommend that you develop in the 1:1 solution for 10 -11 minutes, agitate the first 30 sec (shake,, rattle and roll) and then, depending on the tank size, smaller tank (1-3 rolls) agitate every 30 seconds (turn and flip) for 5-10 seconds. Larger tanks (4-5 reels) agitate every 60 seconds for 10 seconds.
The result will depend on your style of shooting - but after a couple of rolls you will know if you need to develop longer/shorter and agitate more/less.
Also remember that the stock solution has a limited life - particularly as you keep using it up and more air is introduced in the bottle. Expect 3-4 weeks of "clean" developer - after that it can start go "hyper active" and produce some rather ugly negatives (excessive contrast, rough grain etc). Just means that you have to shoot more not to waste it!
Good luck - and with some practice you will get good at it. Film developing is not one of the "dark" secrets and once you have established a routine, just stick to it.

 

[ColSebastianMoran]

So, don't try to reuse D76.

Another tip I got was to divide the gallon of stock solution into smaller bottles, filled right up to the top and sealed with minimal air. Once opened, a bottle is good for 3-4 weeks. The sealed bottles keep longer.

 

[Jockos]

Storing it cool, like in the fridge makes it keep for longer.

I prefer to dilute it 1+2; 1dl D76 + 2dl water is perfect amount to soak a 35mm roll in a Paterson tank 🙂

 

[nikon_sam]

Storing it cool, like in the fridge makes it keep for longer.

I prefer to dilute it 1+2; 1dl D76 + 2dl water is perfect amount to soak a 35mm roll in a Paterson tank 🙂

Just make sure if you do this the bottle is well labeled so no one drinks it...😱

 

[juBadub]

Thanks for the answers and tips! I really appreciate it. So now I'm going to get four 0.95 liter bottles and divide the developer in them. Let's see when I'm going to make that happen. I have something like 20 rolls of exposed and undeveloped film. So it'd better be soon.

So should I use a stop bath with this or is plain water okay?

 

[Tom A]

I never use stop batch with film. There is small chance that you can get "pin holes" in the emulsion from the "chock" of the acid stop bath. Just fill the tank with water "slosh" it around - dump it and repeat once more then pour in the fixer.

 

[ColSebastianMoran]

Thanks for the answers and tips! I really appreciate it. So now I'm going to get four 0.95 liter bottles and divide the developer in them. Let's see when I'm going to make that happen. I have something like 20 rolls of exposed and undeveloped film. So it'd better be soon.

So should I use a stop bath with this or is plain water okay?

0.75 Liter wine bottles work well.

If these are 20 precious rolls, practice with a couple that aren't so important.

With B&W developing, the broad strokes are important (dilution, time, temperature, don't shock the film by changing temps, dust control, photo-flo at the end, fresh chemicals). Stop bath vs. water probably makes no difference.

 

[presspass]

It also works well diluted 1:3, 20 minutes at 68º f, if you want a sharper negative. Just make sure you get enough developer - I usually do 250ml/750ml in a Jobo tank big enough for four rolls but only put two in it.