If you close your eyes in the darkroom...

[Dan Henderson]

This morning I was developing a sheet of film. As I waited in the darkness between agitation cycles, I noticed that I often close my eyes, and, with all that time and nothing else to do, began wondering.

Why do I close my eyes in the dark? Does my brain think that since my eyes can't see anything that they must be closed, and so they are?

Am I subconsciously denying the existence of those tiny infiltrations of light that always seem to subvert my continual quest for absolute darkness?

Am I the only person who closes his/her eyes in the darkroom?

While loading film holders later in the morning, I noticed that I did not close my eyes. Since I need my eyes to do many other things, does my brain think that being busy with something mean that my eyes must be open, even if can see nothing?

"Enlighten" me with your perspectives.

[BrianShaw]

I believe that you are quite normal. Don't worry.

[Richard Wasserman]

I always close my eyes in the dark—I can see better that way.

[Bruce Schultz]

I've done it too, when I worked with film.

[bobwysiwyg]

I always close my eyes in the dark—I can see better that way.

At least as well.

[WayneStevenson]

When I close my eyes, I stop trying to see.

[ROL]

When I close my eyes, I stop trying to see.

As good a reason as any, I believe.

I have forced myself to close my eyes, but more specifically to protect them against errant pyro splashes, etc. It is for this same reason that I wear eyeglasses in the dark.

[Mark Stahlke]

I close my eyes when I'm using a film changing bag. I always thought that would help focus my attention on my sense of touch.

[Winger]

I've discovered that I close my eyes more if I'm working with 120 or 35mm, but not as often with 4x5. Is that even more weird? And I seriously can't load 35mm on a reel with my eyes open.

[vinny]

interesting observation, Dan. I never close mine in the dark.