my D76 developer turned brown-gray!

[darkkavenger]

Does anyone has a clue when this would happen? I have a 2 liters bottle prepared, and I've been using 2 times 1/4 of it to develop 3 negatives (120 film). After use I've been putting back the solution (D76, 1+1) into the bottle. Maybe I shouldn't have done this ?

Any help would be greatly appreciated!
Max

 

[Wayne R. Scott]

D76 is a one shot developer at 1:1. Use it and discard it. Your solution is oxidized.

Wayne

 

[darkkavenger]

That means I must throw it away and make a new solution, I guess ?

 

[varjag]

You normally make "stock" solution as specified on D76 packaging, and then dilute the necessary amount (i.e. tank worth) as you go. Diluted D76 doesn't keeps.

Or just use stock solution, that one can be reused.

 

[phototone]

D-76 is mixed as a "stock" solution, and in that form can be kept quite a while. You can also develop your negatives with this solution, and you can pour it back into the bottle with little problem, to use again. You can even replenish this solution.

When diluted 1 +1 with water, D-76 becomes a one-shot type of developer. Use once, throw away.

Most people think that D-76 diluted 1+1 with water just before use, provides a superior negative than D-76 straight.

 

[kbg32]

That means I must throw it away and make a new solution, I guess ?

Yup. Throw away after use, dump it from your tank. Mix new working solution from stock.

 

[darkkavenger]

Allright, I just prepared a mixture of D76.

I used, as indicated on the box, 3 liters of water, added the developer, and then added water to bring the solution to 3.8 liters.

If I count in gallons, I have a 1 gallon liquid solution of D76.
This is considered as "stock", now ?

Thanks a lot, for I haven't a clue about it !
Max

 

[kbg32]

Yes, that is considered the stock solution from which you make your working solution.

 

[darkkavenger]

Allright! Sorry I'm so slow to get things!

If I want to make a working solution, i'll just have to pickup this stock solution and dilute it with water, right?

Thanks to all your contributions!
Max

 

[Nachkebia]

darkkavenger : you are fast learner! 😀

 

[kaiyen]

Max,
Yup - working solution is stock diluted to desired strength. If you dilute (and yes, you can use it undiluted if you want certain effects), then you must throw away.

allan

 

[darkkavenger]

😀 oki and thanks again!