Support our Sponsors, they keep FADU free: AG Photographic The Imaging Warehouse Process Supplies RH Designs Second-hand Darkroom Supplies |
> Check your safelights! |
*** Click here for the FADU 2015/2014 Yearbooks *** |
|
Thread Tools | Search this Thread | Display Modes |
#1
|
||||
|
||||
Check your safelights!
I was struggling to get good tones from the Kentmere VC RC paper, something didn't look right regardless of the grade/time chosen. Therefore I decided to do a proper safelight test, and surprise surprise, my safelights fog the paper after only one minute!
Forget the coin test, do the Kodak way:https://www.kodak.com/content/produc...nation-K-4.pdf Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZuJr...edPhotographer Now the question, what is the best safelight still available for Multigrade/Kentmere papers? Currently, I'm using two 15W red bulbs by Dr Fischer, and they fog: https://www.retrocamera.be/en/darkoo...501043707.html |
#2
|
||||
|
||||
Here's the Ilford safelight technical information sheet.
__________________
MartyNL “Reaching a creative state of mind thru positive action is considered preferable to waiting for inspiration.” - Minor White, 1950 |
#3
|
||||
|
||||
I have a number of different safelights for different materials.
From memory, and to the contrary to popular belief, there are not that many products where a red safelight is recommended. Ilford suggests the 902 for Kentmere VC Select. https://www.ilfordphoto.com/kentmere...-glossy-sheets
__________________
MartyNL “Reaching a creative state of mind thru positive action is considered preferable to waiting for inspiration.” - Minor White, 1950 |
#4
|
|||
|
|||
I have no experience of Kentmere paper, but their data sheet says "Safelight filters which are suitable for use with VC SELECT are :-
ILFORD 904, ILFORD 902 and Kodak OC or 1A". The Ilford 902 'light brown' safelight filter, which is currently recommended for Multigrade, is amber. Ilford 904 has the same absorption curve but is darker. Ilford safelight data sheet here. The 902 filter will fog current Ilford MG paper within 3-4 min if too close. My safelights hang about 1m above the wet bench. I did the test and had to turn the lamps upwards to face the (white) ceiling. Now we're fine. My understanding is that 'safe' means you won't notice a difference if exposure to it is realistically brief. If you leave paper lying about under a safelight you definitely will. |
#5
|
|||
|
|||
I tested my lighting a while ago, and needed to move it a little further away.
The link takes you to the Kodak Publication K-4 It took me three tries before I got it correct and understood just what I was doing. Well worth it though. Perhaps your lights are just too close to the process area. https://www.kodak.com/content/produc...nation-K-4.pdf Good Luck
__________________
It will all be over by Christmas. |
#6
|
||||
|
||||
I know about the Ilford 902 from these documents but I don't think it's available for purchase?
|
#7
|
||||
|
||||
Secondhand. You may find the SL1 suitable depending on the size of your darkroom. Otherwise the DL10 or DL20.
__________________
MartyNL “Reaching a creative state of mind thru positive action is considered preferable to waiting for inspiration.” - Minor White, 1950 |
#8
|
||||
|
||||
Thanks Marty, I see these are readily available s/h.
|
#9
|
||||
|
||||
The technical data sheet from the Ilford website for Kentmere VC Select, has no mention of a safelight, which I find odd.
__________________
MartyNL “Reaching a creative state of mind thru positive action is considered preferable to waiting for inspiration.” - Minor White, 1950 |
#10
|
||||
|
||||
While the technical data sheet for kentmere vc select l downloaded from the US does mention safelights.
__________________
MartyNL “Reaching a creative state of mind thru positive action is considered preferable to waiting for inspiration.” - Minor White, 1950 |
Support our Sponsors, they keep FADU free: AG Photographic The Imaging Warehouse Process Supplies RH Designs Second-hand Darkroom Supplies |
Thread Tools | Search this Thread |
Display Modes | |
|
|
Similar Threads | ||||
Thread | Thread Starter | Forum | Replies | Last Post |
How Many Safelights @ | Nat Polton | Darkroom | 19 | 2nd November 2019 08:45 PM |
Bronica ETRSi - How i check if it's working properly? | stratos | Cameras - medium format | 8 | 17th July 2015 06:04 PM |
Check Out The Description | vanannan | Auctions of Interest | 7 | 4th October 2014 05:39 AM |
Check out Taschen for great deals | kennethcooke | Books | 0 | 12th March 2009 03:46 PM |