Turn D-76R to D-76D?

Thread view:

Enable EMail Alerts

Start New Thread

Thread rating:

Philip Wang - 23 Apr 2004 04:52 GMT

I have a few packages of D-76R (replenisher) not being used. Look at the
formula difference of D-76D and D-76R, I thought the best use could be
to turn D-76R into D-76D so I can at least to use it up for normal
developing.

D-76D formula:

Water, at 125F or 52C 750.0 ml
Metol 2.0 grams
Hydroquinone 5.0 grams
Sodium Sulfite anhydrous 100.0 grams
Borax, crystaline 8.0 grams
Borax, acid 8 grams
Water to make 1.0 liter

D-76R formula:

Water, at 125F or 52C 750.0 ml
Metol 3.0 grams
Hydroquinone 7.5 grams
Sodium Sulfite anhydrous 100.0 grams
Borax, crystaline 20.0 grams
Water to make 1.0 liter

I think about using following steps (here is for 1 liter package, though
I have 1 gallon package so need to do some calculation):

Water, at 125F or 52C 1000 ml
Metol add 0 grams
Hydroquinone add 0 grams
Sodium Sulfite anhydrous add 50 grams
Borax, crystaline add 0 grams
Borax, acid add 12 grams
Water to make 1.5 liter

The problem is there is 20 gram of Borax, crystaline in the final
mixture. Will this pose a danger to the result? If there is too much
Borax, crystaline, what will be the impact?

Also, can I cut Borax acid to compensate for the abundance of Borax
crystaline? What is the purpose and the difference of two Borax for D-
76D?

By the way, any better use for those D-76 Replenishers?

Thanks,
- philip

Reply to this Message

Patrick Gainer - 23 Apr 2004 18:38 GMT

> I have a few packages of D-76R (replenisher) not being used. Look at the
> formula difference of D-76D and D-76R, I thought the best use could be
[quoted text clipped - 43 lines]
> Thanks,
> - philip

Years ago, unavailable light photographers were using D-76R as is to
push Super-XX. There was no Tri-X yet.
The replenisher has extra alkali because the products of development
reduce the pH. The boric acid in the developer increases the buffer
capacity and stabilizes pH. The original D-76 had only 2 grams of borax,
and pH would increase over time even without use. If anything, make
borax and boric acid equal, assuming it will all dissolve.
Don't lose hair over it. A test roll will tell. You will probably want
to dilute it anyway. Hardly anyone uses D-76 full strength these days.
You'll just have to experiment with developing times.

Reply to this Message

Philip Wang - 23 Apr 2004 19:35 GMT

Thanks. D-76R can also be made into a fine paper developer by converting
it into D-72. Just not sure what the extra Borax will be doing during
the paper developement. Will they have any harm?

D-72 formula has no Borax. With Sod. Carbonate and Pot. Bromide added.

Metol 3 gram
Sod. sulfite 45 gram
Hydroquinone 12 gram
Borax <none>
Sod. Carbonate 80 gram
Pot. Bromide 2 gram

Need some math to get the mix right.

- philip

[posted and mailed]

> Years ago, unavailable light photographers were using D-76R as is to
> push Super-XX. There was no Tri-X yet.
[quoted text clipped - 6 lines]
> to dilute it anyway. Hardly anyone uses D-76 full strength these days.
> You'll just have to experiment with developing times.

Reply to this Message

Michael Scarpitti - 24 Apr 2004 03:02 GMT

> I have a few packages of D-76R (replenisher) not being used. Look at the
> formula difference of D-76D and D-76R, I thought the best use could be
[quoted text clipped - 37 lines]
> Also, can I cut Borax acid to compensate for the abundance of Borax
> crystaline?

No.

> What is the purpose and the difference of two Borax for D-
> 76D?
>
> By the way, any better use for those D-76 Replenishers?

If you're not going to use them as replenishers for stock D-76, throw them away.

> Thanks,
> - philip

Reply to this Message

Philip Wang - 24 Apr 2004 04:28 GMT

To me "throw them away" is the worst idea, from protecting environment
point of view, and make use of thing that is still useful.

Anyway thanks for your answer though it may benefit if there are some
supporting details, for example, "throw them away" is actually cost
less, or even is great for the environment, etc.

- philip

==

>> I have a few packages of D-76R (replenisher) not being used. Look at
>> the formula difference of D-76D and D-76R, I thought the best use
[quoted text clipped - 50 lines]
>> Thanks,
>> - philip

Reply to this Message

Michael Scarpitti - 25 Apr 2004 03:53 GMT

> To me "throw them away" is the worst idea, from protecting environment
> point of view, and make use of thing that is still useful.
>
> Anyway thanks for your answer though it may benefit if there are some
> supporting details, for example, "throw them away" is actually cost
> less, or even is great for the environment, etc.

The amount of effort necessary to do anything useful with the
replensher exceeds its cash value. Dispose of it properly or use it as
intended.

Reply to this Message

Philip Wang - 24 Apr 2004 04:13 GMT

"Borax, acid" in the formula should be changed to "Boric Acid Crystals".

Reply to this Message

Dan Quinn - 24 Apr 2004 08:39 GMT

> I have a few packages of D-76R (replenisher) not being used. Look at the
> formula difference of D-76D and D-76R, I thought the best use could be
> to turn D-76R into D-76D so I can at least to use it up for normal
> developing.

Use that replenisher just as you would D-76. You will likely find a
1:2 or 1:3 dilution a more near match for your D-76 1:1 dilution. Dan

Reply to this Message