Mixing brown Ansco 130 (Formulary 130)

[Michael R 1974]

Yes. I've only used PF kits to mix 130.

[Renato Tonelli]

I've resorted to keeping the Glycin in the freezer until needed.

I have developed paper with ANSCO 130 when the Glycin was no longer fresh, resulting in a brownish developer - the prints came out brownish as well (I liked it for some prints!).

A mixed stock solution of ANSCO 130 (with fresh Glycin) will last for several months.

Having said all that, Ethol LPD is my preferred developer.

[PhotoJim]

Glycin always fizzes for me in 130 too.

I buy 100 grams of glycin (and already have the other ingredients). I mix up 9 litres of stock solution (using 99 grams of glycin) and the stock solution seems to keep up to a couple of years, so I get through it all, typically.

[Michael R 1974]

The longevity of 130 is well documented, but that presumably assumes there are no premature oxidation or other problems when it is being mixed fresh. So while it turns brown with use, my assumption at this point is that if it starts out brown, it's no good. Certainly it is not what I would want to use when trying to do accurate paper/developer tests.

I'll try one more batch for the purposes of these tests, but frankly I am unlikely to use 130 anymore. 130 may end up being part of my upcoming scathing review of the photographic process. Beware, people....

[Shawn Dougherty]

I'll try one more batch for the purposes of these tests, but frankly I am unlikely to use 130 anymore. 130 may end up being part of my upcoming scathing review of the photographic process. Beware, people....

can't wait to read that!

[PhotoJim]

Pity 130 didn't work out for you, but I've been using it for five years with terrific results. It's particularly useful for the occasional darkroom worker, since it has such a long life as both a stock solution and a working solution.

[Rick Olson]

I have mixed the PF130 kit and it fizzed also, turned dark brown (similar to Coca-Cola) and works great. Long life and beautiful prints. Works for me!

[eclarke]

I use about four pounds of Glycin a year and have never had fizzing except once in the beginning when I way overheated the developer.

[jnanian]

when i spoke with the good folks in montana
the last time i bought my years supply of 130 ...
i was told that it isnt supposed to fizz, and does
because i use regular old tap water to make it ..
if i used distilled it wouldn't fizz ...

michael, did you use distilled or tap or ? to make your developer?
i sometimes use my black as cocacola 130 to process paper negatives it works great.
aged-stuff works great for film too ...

[Michael R 1974]

Hi John - I used distilled. Not that one should have to though...

Regarding the dark brown color, don't get me wrong I'm not saying it won't develop paper. But the purpose of this particular batch was a careful testing of print color. In that context I can't be sure if a 130 solution that starts out brown will be useful.