Loading film; how dark is dark enough?

[John Kasaian]

The darker the better. I load and soup film at night, but after a few minutes in my darkroom/bathroom I can detect some dim "gray" light from around the door jam in spite of the towel, or where the cardboard over the window has made a small gap---but nothing direct. With my back to the leaks, shielding the film, it dosn't seem to make any difference

[John Bowen]

You can never be too rich, too thin or have a darkroom that is too dark :-)

[Jiri Vasina]

John, only 2 out of 3 (you CAN be too thin).

I also have some light leaks around the darkroom door, but have not had any fogging so far. I always place myself between the film and the door, and try to always orient the film edgewise to the possible light source (not flat).

Jiri

[W K Longcor]

Just because it is night -- don't forget to cover ALL possible openings. There is the old story of the guy who waited until late at night - went into the bathroom and closed the door. Right after all his film was out, his son arrived home. High beams coming right through the window!!!

[Ole Tjugen]

"How Dark?" is like "How Pregnant?" There is no degree of either. it ieither is or isn't.

I've loaded film in holders outdoors at night, by starlight. No fogging at all.

Just imagine how long an exposure you would need to make a picture exposing by starlight!

[cyrus]

If you turn your back to the light leaking from the door, you're usually fine. Then again, sometimes there are "happy accidents" in life ...