Old HC-110 syrup.

[Robbie Shymanski]

I was just going through my basement and I came across a full bottle of HC-110. I used about a half ounce of the syrup about 10 years ago. It hasn't been opened since. Been kept in pretty consistent temperature. Anyone have any ideas about how well this stuff keeps. Should I keep or chuck?

[CG]

Just try a little - diluted a bit - since HC-110 is inactive till water is added - on a clipped corner of a piece of film. If totally exposed film darkens to black, you've got a fair chance it's in workable shape. HC-110 is reputed to have extreme shelf life.

If it proves active, check the level of activity. Shoot identical average contrast scene exposures on a roll of film at varying EIs from way below normal speed thru normal speed. Process as directed on instructions or look up info on this great site: www.covingtoninnovations.com/hc110 Whatever shot looks good is a good guide to the speed to use for this old developer.

Good luck,

C

[D. Bryant]

I was just going through my basement and I came across a full bottle of HC-110. I used about a half ounce of the syrup about 10 years ago. It hasn't been opened since. Been kept in pretty consistent temperature. Anyone have any ideas about how well this stuff keeps. Should I keep or chuck?

I can assure yout that it will be fine. It seems to never go bad. Test to be sure but it will most certainly be good.

[windpointphoto]

OTOH why mess with something that is so cheap to replace. My time, energy and film costs are more valuble than 15.00 worth of chemicals.

[BradS]

I friend gave me a half full bottle of the concentrate that had "disappeared" for seven years after he moved. He found in a box in the garage a while back. Since he had long since...er, "gone digital", he gave it to me...Now, I love HC-110 and use lots of it so, I used it. The concentrate had turned quite brown over the years. Still worked perfectly.