Fomadon R09 shelf life

tho60

tho60

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I believed that Rodinal and its clones were eternal. Now I developed a roll in Fomadon R 09 (expired in 2016 November) and I got almost blank frames. The film leader is not black, but grey. What is your opinion?
 
I also used some older Fomadon R09 and got nothing but blanks. I'm positive my dev times were correct so I'm pretty convinced it's not the same as Rodinal.
 
I have read more than a few reports of similar problems with R09.
If stored and used properly this is disconcerting and disappointing.
Rodinal users expect this developer to be reliable with long shelf-life.
My next bottle of Rodinal-clone developer will be another brand.

Chris
 
At the end of the day, it doesn't seem to be a problem just limited to R09.
I had the same issue of Adox Adonal and R09. Both undiluted and used as a one shot when required.
So YMMV, all I know is that I'm moving to Fuji SPD as a oneshot instead and no more R09/Rodinal/Adonal/Clones for me.
 
Ong said:
At the end of the day, it doesn't seem to be a problem just limited to R09.
I had the same issue of Adox Adonal and R09. Both undiluted and used as a one shot when required.
So YMMV, all I know is that I'm moving to Fuji SPD as a oneshot instead and no more R09/Rodinal/Adonal/Clones for me.
Click to expand...

Speaking of Fujifilm SPD, I don't see much info about it online in English.

If you don't mind me asking, what films are you developing with it and what are your dev times? Any samples? :D
 
Larry H-L said:
In my experience it lasts fairly long, if undiluted. Once diluted, a very short shelf life.
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I mixed a fresh batch from undiluted stock and got blanks. So I really don't trust the stuff anymore. Pretty much only use HC-110 now (if I can get it) because that stuff seems to survive the heat in Thailand quite well.
 
A true Rodinal clone - made using the original AGFA formula, as most brands claim - should have extended shelf life in concentrate form.
IMO this is an essential characteristic of anything calling itself Rodinal, and a major reason many darkroom workers choose this developer.

Chris
 
Those of us in cooler climates seem to be getting longer R09 shelf life, perhaps it is heat related.

Kodak HC-110 seems to last for decades in heavy syrup form if tightly capped, but I have heard that the non-US version is less concentrated?
 
This has more to do with the packaging than the developer. No chemical lasts very long, let alone 'almost indefinitely' in packaging that readily allows diffusion of oxygen.

Marty
 
Larry H-L said:
Those of us in cooler climates seem to be getting longer R09 shelf life, perhaps it is heat related.

Kodak HC-110 seems to last for decades in heavy syrup form if tightly capped, but I have heard that the non-US version is less concentrated?
Click to expand...

It is most likely heat related. I live in Thailand and it's always hot with high humidity here. Most chemicals don't last long.
 
FalseDigital said:
It is most likely heat related. I live in Thailand and it's always hot with high humidity here. Most chemicals don't last long.
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I'm in Brisbane, hot and humid. I keep my R09 in the fridge next to my other chemicals and they last well enough that I haven't had any issues.
My film goes on a higher shelf.
 
michaelwj said:
I'm in Brisbane, hot and humid. I keep my R09 in the fridge next to my other chemicals and they last well enough that I haven't had any issues.
My film goes on a higher shelf.
Click to expand...

Ah maybe that’s what I should do also. I’ve had two bottles of the R09 go off in the last few years.
Nathan
 
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