New safelight

[dfoo]

I was previously laboring away with a red bulb safelight in my darkroom. I picked up a couple of weekends ago some used darkroom gear off a local photographer. Included in the gear was an big 10x12 amber safelight (like http://www.amazon.com/Premier-10x12-Safelight/dp/B000B73TSW).

I used it for the first time yesterday. Wow! What a difference! Its so big and bright in my darkroom now. I highly recommend getting one if you get a chance.

The only thing is I think the bulb in there is going. I opened up the filter and looked inside and the bulb flickers... The one in there is long kodak 15w bulb I think. Anyone recommend a replacement?

 

[Al Kaplan]

It it's a standard household bulb socket you can put about any bulb in there. 15 or 25 shouldn't be a problem. A 40 might throw more heat which would cause the bulb to burn out faster. I've never tried using a compact flourescent bulb. It might put out too much UV light, but then again it might not.

The inside of my safelight housings is lined with wrinkled aluminum foil for a bit of increased brightness. I have two 10x12 lights for overall illumination and a small Kinderman unit over the developing tray.

 

[David William White]

Do a test with your paper! Make sure you're safe.

 

[dfoo]

I did a test. It looks good 🙂

I wouldn't mind another one or two in there... its just so much more pleasant now! I also picked up a bucket style Kodak red safelight. Perhaps I'll look for a yellow filter for that. Thanks for the advice on the light Al.

 

[MartinP]

Remember some types of papers might need a red filter (some Foma for example), rather than the orangey-browney one that you seem to be describing (ok, I know it should be called OC, but that is not exactly descriptive!) which works fine for multi-contrast paper.

 

[dfoo]

Its a good point. I print my contact sheets on ERA grade 2 paper. This paper is very cheap, btw, (about $18 for 50 12x10 sheets) and the quality is pretty good. I printed a bunch yesterday, and the contacts don't seem fogged, but I'll do a test to be sure.

 

[Al Kaplan]

Before the OC filter was in common use we used the OA, but it wasn't safe for use with variable contrast papers.

The yellow and amber filters are visually brighter than red filters. You still need a red filter if you're working with orthochromatic materials, which are just blue sensitive. Most litho films used in the printing industry, such as the classic Kodalith Ortho Type 3, are used with a red safe light. For panchromatic films like the film we shoot you can make a very brief "inspection" towards the end of development using a green filter. The sensitivity curve of most B&W camera films dips down about a stop in the green region.

http://thepriceofsilver.blogspot.com

 

[Pablito]

Try a Thomas sodium vapor safelight. Expensive but incredibly bright.

 

[Al Kaplan]

They sure are bright, and incredibly expensive. I guess there's a glut of used ones these days though.