Kodak Safelight Bulb and Filter Question

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SofaKing - 09 Apr 2004 01:58 GMT

I'm almost into my darkroom....question is ... I've got two 20-30 year old
Kodak Safelights, the grey metal ones which take the ~5" glass filters. One
has a red bulb in it the other no bulb. Do I have to use a red bulb? Isn't
that what the glass filter is for? [Filters are: OC, two #13s, #10 and #3
what do I use for black & white?] If I can use any bulb what is the maximum
wattage? Thx.

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Peter Irwin - 09 Apr 2004 03:00 GMT

> I'm almost into my darkroom....question is ... I've got two 20-30 year old
> Kodak Safelights, the grey metal ones which take the ~5" glass filters. One
> has a red bulb in it the other no bulb. Do I have to use a red bulb? Isn't
> that what the glass filter is for? [Filters are: OC, two #13s, #10 and #3
> what do I use for black & white?] If I can use any bulb what is the maximum
> wattage? Thx.

You should use a 15 watt bulb or smaller in your safelight.
For the #13 filter (for Panalure and some colour papers) Kodak
recommends a 7 1/2 watt bulb.

You should test your safelight. Kodak has lots of good information at:
<www.kodak.com/global/en/consumer/products/techInfo/k4/k4Contents.shtml>

The 0C filter is for black and white enlarging paper.
Some fixed grade papers can be used with the brighter 0A filter
but multigrade/variable contrast papers need the 0C filter.

The #13 and #10 filters can be used with Panalure and some colour
print materials. These are rather dim safelights, and many people
just figure out a way to work in complete darkness.

The #3 filter is for developing panchromatic films by inspection.
The safelight is only used when the film is at least half developed
and then only for a very short time. It could be handy in emergencies,
but it isn't something you would likely use often.

Peter.

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pirwin@ktb.net

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