What happens if i leave paper developer out for too long?

i am using a pin hole camera and i was wondering if this would affect my pictures in any way. also how long is too long for developer to be out in a container

What happens if i leave paper developer out for too long?
The developer will oxidize and turn brown if left out for too long. I used to mix my chemicals so after one session I tossed the developer down the drain. Some photographers mix their paper developer at different ratios so the oxidation will occurs at different rates. The developer is a relatively inexpensive chemical so I would mix it 1:1 or 2:1 for a session. (It would also depend on hold many prints you run through the chemistry....more prints the quicker it will go bad.) If you want to "save" the developer you could place a layer of plastic wrap over the tray to limit the amount of air to the developer....it will help for a bit but don't expect anything over 24 hours.





Hope this helps.
Reply:it's good until it turns brown but always keep it in a container as much as possible and in a cool place. a good way to check to see if it is good is do a test print and develop it. if it dries and there are chemical stains, its no good.