Bulb for #13 Safelight?

[thefizz]

I have been given a 10x8 piece of #13 safelight glass and plan to make a housing for it but I'm unsure what strength of bulb I should use?

I normally print in darkness with the aid of an RH Designs safe torch but want to try using the proper safelight.

Peter

 

[pentaxuser]

Peter, I am sure that the No13 with a 7.5W bulb will be safe but whether it will be bright enough to see with is another matter. I had a Durst Tricolor with a filter for colour and a similar wattage bulb. After about 15 mins I could just about see a vague outline of my hand if I waved it vigorously in front of my face

In other words it was next to useless. The DUKA 10 or 50 gives good and safe light. When I obtained one I couldn't believe how bright it was and yet safe for the length of time needed for normal colour printing.

They come up on e-bay secondhand quite frequently and are reasonably cheap. Fintan had one(may still has)). He is worth speaking to to get confirmation of what I am saying about the DUKA

Try the No13. Your idea of how much light is needed may be different from mine and your very lowlight vision may be better as well but if it isn't successful and you are going to do a lot of RA4 in comfort then IMO the DUKA is the way to go.

pentaxuser

 

[thefizz]

Thanks for the info guys. I am used to working in the dark so I'm sure a very dim light would be sufficient.
Making prints in the dark is fine but contact printing the negs is where I'd like a little light to line them up etc., as I just use a piece of glass rather than a proper holder. I'll get my hands on a 7.5W bulb and take it from there.

 

[Rick A]

I have a kodak safelight with a #13 filter, never used it myself, I got it in a DR that I bought.

 

[hpulley]

It is so dark with a 15 watt bulb I can't imagine using it with 7.5! I'm used to working in the dark but recently saw a #13 in the right size at a local seller so I picked one up but wow, it is dark, Dark, DARK! Is it better than nothing? I'm not sure yet... the outlines of white trays can be seen at least.