Bought a bottle of paper developer in May, I used a small bit of it and then didn't step a foot in my darkroom all summer.... When I opened the bottle to mix a new batch last week, the developer had turned brown in it's original bottle. I mixed some and used it..... I wasn't working on anything important just wanted to make some contacts and print a few RC test prints for images I'd like to print up on fiber. I'm wondering if I should just toss the stuff.... the prints looked OK.... I did just buy some Dektol which I haven't mixed up yet, but it seems a waste to toss a bottle that's 3/4 full...

i know this problem too,Michelle. for now there was no problems the prints always looks ok. regards gerhard

[It has been a VERY long time since I've worked in the darkroom.] I'd toss it. Your time is much more valuable that the few dollars you may save. Stains!. That being said, B&W home development has REALLY gotten expensive! The chemicals and paper are pricey. And where do you throw away the used chemicals, [in the "good old days," we'd just chuck them down the toilet; 'prolly not a good idea now...].

Hmmmm stains? Maybe save it and use it with the Holga film? I think it was that you had? I don't know much about darkroom chemicals (yes I have played in a darkroom, but don't have my own to play in) is your darkroom air conditioned? Maybe it got too hot? Has to be a reason why this happened. I personally would have a hard time throwing away a bottle that is 3/4's full too, but I would also want to know why this has happened. Brenda :)

As a humble Cook...I have had a similar problem by adding too much Soya Sauce to the Chicken Noodle Soup :]

Developers will oxidize, turn brown, with contact with air over time, in both the dry and liquid form. . . Like all the rest, I've used it like that, but its not the best. Development time and density development over areas can vary. Not bad if you just want to see something enlarged. . . bad for your final prints. Get fresh developer for your good stuff! Cheers, Brett

Mmmm..... kind of figured it was oxidation, just didn't realize it would happen so fast, and also didn't realize it would happen to dry chemicals too! I guess I won't toss it just yet. I didn't think it would be too good to use on fiber base paper, but for quickie RC prints it's probably ok then.... Yes Nilla that's me who has the Holga, and the dark room is air conditioned.... but it's nothing fancy, it's basically my mud room/laundry room with an enlarger sitting there... have to set everything up and take it all down when I'm done.... it's a PIA but it works. Really do wish I had a dedicated area.

Stir in some bleach...that will make it turn white? LOL. Just kidding! Don't do that!

If the prints are satisfactory, use it. The fix neutralises the developer chemicals and make sure of your wash. I have just found some 12 year old Acutol developer and some 19 year old HP4 film which I am going to use in my favorite camera ( Zeiss Ikon Super Contessa circa 1950) shot by 69 year old. Never know what I'll end up with!