I currently am planning a new B&W darkroom. I've been using small lights with OC filters in my old makeshift darkroom. I was thinking about installing a Thomas safe light as I understand that it is the Rolls Royce of safe lights. However, I recently read about the use of OC filters that cover long fluorsent(sp?) tubes.

Does anyone have experience with these and where can they be obtained?

Also, any other options I should consider?

Thanks in advance.

-- Gene Crumpler (nikonguy@emji.net), October 21, 1998

Answers

Re: Darkroom Safe Light Options

Gene, I gave the OC sleeve a try a couple of years ago and got fogging big time! I got mine from a local camera store so I returned it. My darkroom is relatively small -- 7 ft x 12 feet and perhaps this was part of the reason for the fogging? I got the Thomas duplex safe light and just barely cracked the barn doors a bit and have been extremely happy and satisfied. The Thomas is really made for a larger darkroom, but with adjustable barn doors it is quite flexible.

Cheers,

Gene

-- Gene Laughter (genealt@aol.com), October 21, 1998.

You might want to check Calumet's web site. They sell a Zone VI safe light that looks interesting and is about half the price of the wonderful Thomas Duplex safelight. http://www.calumetphoto.com/

-- Darron Spohn (dspohn@clicknet.com), October 22, 1998.

I looked at the Zone VI safe light on the Calumet web site. I looks like just what I was looking for, state-of-the-art. I'll definintely consider it. Thanks for the lead!

-- Gene Crumpler (nikonguy@emji.net), October 25, 1998.

Safe Light options

Many years ago I purchased what I think was called a "Fireball" safelight. It was about 5" in diameter, reddish and NEVER gave me problems with fogging, even when I held paper about 2 ft. from the light. Don't know if they are still made but for B&W papers---it was great.

-- H. David Huffman (craptalk@ix.netcom.com), May 12, 1999.

Gene,

What I have been doing is using dual 5-1/2" OC safelights. The lights are wired through a dimmer switch and contain 15 watt bulbs. I am able in this way to control the amount of emitted light for different purposes. Have not had any problems with this set up.

John

-- John A. Schwab (jschwab@uswest.net), August 07, 1999.

I went with cheap and easy. Bought some 15 watt red "Party" bulbs at the local convience store. I've never had any fogging at all and they cost about $1.50 each

-- Matt (mguindon@drew.edu), December 16, 1999.

There are few things in life that turn out to be truly life time investments. The Thomas is one of them. Yes- it is a bit more expensive.But it is also a one time buy. To be blunt, I would not trust a Zone VI produce if it was given to me.

-- jim megargee (mvjim@interport.net), December 20, 1999.