Most diodes-sold-as-diodes, like BAV99 and 1N4148 and such, leak nanoamps, and the glass ones are photosensitive.
I took data on using BFT25A C-B junctions as diodes. They are fantastic. I measured about 20 fA reverse leakage at a few volts, log linearity from 1 pA to 10s of mA, and about half a pF. I didn't try the B-E junction, because it will zener at a few volts so isn't as generally useful. The measurements are tedious.
It leaks less than a PAD-1, has much lower forward resistance and capacitance, and costs a lot less. You can hardly buy a diode that good.
One exception is the Central CMPD6001S, a dual SOT-23 that leaks about
50 fA at -5 volts and room temp. It's probably a bigger junction than the BFT25, because it leaks more and is more like 2 pF. That's two diodes for about 16 centsJohn