Tim of Tim Layton Fine Art debunks the myth that D-76 changes pH after two months by measuring the actual pH of a solution of fresh D-76 developer against a bottle of the developer left on the shelf for two months.
The reason one would leave D-76 to age in an attempt to increase its pH is to increase contrast in the negative developed in the agent. If the pH is higher, then there will be more contrast.
By mixing up a solution of the developer two months in advance, he was able to measure the pH against a fresh batch of D-76, and therefore assess any possible increased potency of the developer.
The result? The pH was nearly the same for both batches, well within measurement error. The conclusion, contrary to the forums, was that D-76 aged by two months does not increase the contrast of negatives developed in the solution.
As a bonus, Tim gives us free access to a collection of formulas he has put together into an e-book.
Check out his video here.
