Viewing Lights in the Darkroom?

[LFLarry]

Hi, I am getting ready to replace my old viewing lights that I have in my darkroom that I use to view the prints while making them. I know there are a lot of different opinions about light temperature, wattage, distance from the prints, etc.

I would like to know what you use to view your prints and any tips or advise that you think might be helpful.

I am looking forward to the responses because I always learn something new that I would have never thought of myself.

Thanks!

[Bob Salomon]

While you are printing them or to examine after they are still wet?

While printing a sodium vapor, afterwards a light that approximates the lighting they will be viewed at. But remember they will darken down after processing.

[LFLarry]

Hi Bob, why sodium vapor while printing? I want to make sure I understand why.

While you are printing them or to examine after they are still wet?

While printing a sodium vapor, afterwards a light that approximates the lighting they will be viewed at. But remember they will darken down after processing.

[Bob Salomon]

Hi Bob, why sodium vapor while printing? I want to make sure I understand why.

It is variable in output and, if you wanted to, you can read all labels or a newspaper without fogging.

[LFLarry]

How about a sodium vapor lightbulb like this? https://www.amazon.com/Sunlite-03610...dp/B0036Z033A/

It is variable in output and, if you wanted to, you can read all labels or a newspaper without fogging.

[Bob Salomon]

How about a sodium vapor lightbulb like this? https://www.amazon.com/Sunlite-03610...dp/B0036Z033A/

You want a used Thomas or a Kaiser/Osram. But new tubes are difficult, if not impossible to find with the second as Osram discontinued them many years ago.

[ic-racer]

I have always used quartz halogen lamps over the washing bath and bleaching area but I see led technology has improved offer similar color temp. I actually have a bunch of MR16 LEDs in front of me now, but I have not tried them yet.

[LFLarry]

I was hopeful that LED lights would make it into the mix. What color temp are your lights?

I have always used quartz halogen lamps over the washing bath and bleaching area but I see led technology has improved offer similar color temp. I actually have a bunch of MR16 LEDs in front of me now, but I have not tried them yet.

[Peter De Smidt]

I process the prints under red LED safelight. Once a print comes out of the fix, it goes up on a glass plate set at an angle in the sink. I then have a pull chain to turn on a regular 15 watt bulb. The bulb should be dim, as your eyes are dilated, and it also helps account for dry down. I rinse the print with running water quickly, and then it's into the trash or the Versalab. (All of this is for fiber-based prints.) I hold the prints in the washer until toning time, tone, final rinse, dry....

[LFLarry]

Thanks Peter.

I process the prints under red LED safelight. Once a print comes out of the fix, it goes up on a glass plate set at an angle in the sink. I then have a pull chain to turn on a regular 15 watt bulb. The bulb should be dim, as your eyes are dilated, and it also helps account for dry down. I rinse the print with running water quickly, and then it's into the trash or the Versalab. (All of this is for fiber-based prints.) I hold the prints in the washer until toning time, tone, final rinse, dry....