Restore a Thomas Super Safelight?

[Daniel Unkefer]

I was nosing around in the clearance area of the local used photo shop, and I found this working Thomas Super Safelight, along with a pile of extra glass filters. We plugged it in, it dosen't buzz, and the vapor light is emitting light.
I had an old enlarger I'm not planning to use, so with trading that in, I got this unit for Thirty Bucks I know I can use Rosco gel filters from B&H (easiest way for me) to restore this unit at not too great an expense.

Opinions Please?? My darkroom is 10x12 feet.

Thomas Super Safelight by Nokton48, on Flickr

[Leigh]

Hi Daniel,

My white darkroom is 10' square.

I have a Thomas hanging ~1 foot below the ceiling near one corner on the wet side at the end farthest from the sink. It provides enough light that I can read the small print on bottle labels anywhere in the room even if shadowed by my body.

Excellent safellight.

- Leigh

[Tin Can]

Greg, a very useful link, as your filter dissection and revelation of how they are made is wonderful.

The post before yours #51 contains the factory instructions. Bingo!

The need for filter replacement is also very interesting.

Now I know what it does, how it does it and how to adjust it.

I found the comment on X-Ray films illuminating and worthy of pursuit.

Thank you!

I made a list of which gels are used in each filter here: https://www.photrio.com/forum/thread...3#post-1144454

[Jac@stafford.net]

I made a list of which gels are used in each filter here: https://www.photrio.com/forum/thread...3#post-1144454

Greg, did I miss it or is there a particular order i which to layer the filters? TIA

[scheinfluger_77]

Like a developer formula, go from top to bottom of the list.

The order can’t possibly matter, can it!?

[Jac@stafford.net]

The order can’t possibly matter, can it!?

If they are mounted with one set in the top lift-up doors (vanes), and a different fillter in the body, it sure does make a difference when the vanes are open, which they usually are. Besides, the filters for each should be different sizes.

[Daniel Unkefer]

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Bag-Sealing...53.m2749.l2649

Here is relatively inexpensive BAG SEALING TAPE. Ordered a roll of red and yellow $13

Even if your filters are OK you might want to replace the tape.

[Tin Can]

I think the order you described is the most logical. Outside protects the inner.

I’m sure it doesn’t. I listed them in the order they were placed in the sample I opened up.

[Jac@stafford.net]

I think the order you described is the most logical. Outside protects the inner.

Have you looked at your Thomas safelight or do we have different models?

[Jac@stafford.net]

I’m sure it doesn’t. I listed them in the order they were placed in the sample I opened up.

Next please tell us which parts of the safelight in which they fit, the body or vanes. Thank you.