Originally Posted by
Bill Burk
The ATN Viper is a first generation unit that is small and not extremely expensive.
I have not tried the rubberized newer model. The older smooth black anodized one with headgear is the one that I find useful in the darkroom.
A quick search on eBay shows several are available, a price of under 200 dollars would seem reasonable to me.
The deep red light is visible to human eye, but seems to not affect film.
I've tested it for safety 15 minutes with TMY-2. I believe that the spectral characteristics of this film (sharp drop-off of red sensitivity on TMY-2) is partially responsible for the surprising safety even though you can see the light. I would test with other 400 speed films or any film with extended red sensitivity. Obviously you would not use it with IR film.
I added attenuation (2 stops to make it safe to 60 minutes) over the light source, because you don't need to light up a deer on the other side of the creek.
Bookmarks