Developer questions

[darin3200]

1. I got some developer that is supposed to be the same as D-76. In a 1:2 dillution is acts like stock D-76, and in 1:4 is acts like D-76 1:1 and is supposed to give a finer grain.
Is their any down side to going 1:1 for the finer grain?

2. Does anyone reuse film developer. In the past I always got rid of it after 1 use but is it really necessary?

Thanks

 

[ksmattfish]

I always prefered the tonal range I got with D-76 1:1, than straight D-76. The only downside I know is that it takes more time.

I don't save film developer after it's been mixed into a working solution and used. I occasionally push the manufacturer's recommendation for capacity by a roll or three, but I don't save it even if I don't think it's been exhausted. On the other hand, I always use paper developer until I can tell it's getting weak. It's okay to waste a sheet of paper, but I'm not willing to take a chance with film.

 

[KevinR]

I don't store the developer after it is mixed but I have reused the developer for multiple rolls of film and have had no problems with it.