best uv light source wattage

[TheFlyingCamera]

Oh, the discount is the real deal. jump on it before they change their minds. No, I'm not a pilot. More like glorified tourguide packing large format gear. The genesis for the idea was a trip I took to Cambodia to photograph Angkor Wat, and it was just me and my guide. I had the freedom to photograph what I wanted, on pretty much my own schedule.

 

[bill schwab]

Ammonium Citrate works as a developer - I think it is also cheaper, so that's why they put it in the kit.

I think the biggest reason is that it is less toxic and safer to use for the beginner. Pot Ox should be handled carefully.

Bill

 

[MVNelson]

I like the idea for less toxicity...because of my line of work which has it's signifigant inherent risk factors "safe and sane " use rings loud and clear..

Miles

 

[TheFlyingCamera]

PotOx comes from Rhubarb. Yes, you need to be careful with it, but the biggest hazard from it is easy to avoid - just don't get your hands in it and don't drink it. Reasonable safety precautions are all that is needed. If you're worried about absorption, a set of inexpensive nitrile gloves from the drugstore will do the trick. If you have small children around the house who are prone to getting into your darkroom and messing around, stick with the Ammonium citrate. Then again, if you have small children who are prone to messing around in your darkroom, don't hook up that 6000 watt exposure unit.

 

[MVNelson]

I practically live in gloves all day. Yeah, my darkroom is secure from intrusion . The unit is out in another room and it too is secure (from the big kids that run around here from time to time).

 

[MVNelson]

ok I have light hung and unity appears ready... I have coated a sheet of Bergger cot 320 with a brush(looks pretty good, some uneveness noted on this first attemp). How long will the coated paper be stable if keep in a light tight safebox? I'm hoping for about 24 hrs because I got some emergencies to attend to before making the first exposure. Also , does anyone know about the settings for the light sensor unit?


Miles

 

[TheFlyingCamera]

It will keep for 24+ hours. You'll want to re-humidify it though, before printing, especially at this time of year.

 

[MVNelson]

Ok! so This is the 2nd step tablet image (I was sooooo.. excited I threw the closest negative I could find with it). The 1st step tablet was under exposed by what looked like 2 steps ( after coating and drying I cut the paper in 3rds to make 3 seperate exposures). For the second exposure (this one I uploaded today in the gallery titled "EXCITED!)) I cranked in another 100 units into the light integrator and this what I got. I know that the brushing on this first coating I've done sucks but oh,well the next will be better. I used drops, 6,6,1(NA2 20%), done on Bergger cot 320. The step tablet indicates range between 1.35-1.40. The Nuarc VFC43 can cook but with like integrator it is very easy to keep under control. If your there Sandy,Miller, JPL, Theflyingcamera ,et al. I did push the 6000 watt button this a.m. about 4:50 and ran out the exposure booth we built around the thing and went outside and oh yeah it lit up the place ! My dog was out taking a crap and it stopped her and two early morning passers-by on the road a 300yrds away ! To quote Forrest Gump, "thats all I'm gonna say about that". Now that I've broken the ice I am relieved and ready to really learn how to make meaniful images with what I have named "The Nug's Lighthouse" . Thanks guys for the humor that made the frustration of getting up and running less painful ! I'm sure as I get further down the road you'll see my dire request for help.....

Miles

 

[Donald Miller]

Miles, Soo funny. Thanks for a laugh to start today. I am happy that things are working out for you.

 

[mark]

If you would have caught a cat having a dump, it would have had a heart attack.

This has been an interesting thread to follow.

 

[JLP]

Thanks for this last post Miles, that explains my alarm clock, VCR timer and other grid connected timers were of this morning.



jan