Green safelight

[Aaron_3437]

Does anyone has any idea if a dark green bare light bulb can be used in place of the Kodak Wratten No.3 filter safelight for development of film by inspection? Thanks.

[Louie Powell]

Using a dark green safelight to develop by inspection is kinda tricky - the safelight doesn't really produce enough light to be able to see much of anything. You can try, but my suspicion is that your dark green bulb is considerably brighter than a safelight with a No. 3 filter and will fog your film.

[John D Gerndt]

The green color is chosen only because it provides (by theory) more light your eyes can use. It is best operated by a foot switch for 1-2 second periods as it will fog your film.

Cheers,

[Michael A.Smith]

It might be okay if the bulb is small enough:seven-and-a half watts maximum. Test it first by developing some negatives you can afford to lose.

[Aaron_3437]

Appreciate your reponse. Thanks.

[CP Goerz]

I use a small flashlight with some green cellophane over the lens and some black cloth tape till only a small part of the entire output escapes. You just flash the light on the corner of the film to see how the 'clear' edge compares to the meat of the negative. A second of light at the most will allow you to judge how much longer to go.

CP Goerz

[Aaron_3437]

Thanks again for replying.

[Erik Asgeirsson]

You might want to post a WTB add on photo.net or the rec.photo.marketplace.* newsgroups. I went this route a few years ago and got a Wratten dark green filter for around $10, IIRC.

[Aaron_3437]

Thanks Erik, I'm considering various options and your recommendation is one of them. Appreciate it.