Enlarger bulbs - 100w to 200w bulbs

[fran]

There was talk of this at the print showing.

Well, I was in my local hardware yesterday evening and noticed that they have 100W and 200W bulbs back in stock!!

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/earth/energy/9498092/Retailers-avoid-ban-on-traditional-light-bulbs.html

They are to be widely available (eg woodies etc) and are classed as "Rough service bulbs". The ones I saw were from GE and Phillips and were frosted - and the ones I saw were only in bayonet cap, although I'm sure screw in will be available too.

Best of all was the price - ~€2.

I know someone will have to test them out for even illumination etc, but its good news!

From a UK site:

http://www.energybulbs.co.uk/incandescent+bulbs/gls+bulbs/gls+rough+service+bulbs+-+heavy+duty

Fran

 

[ic-racer]

Unlike film, fresh enlarger bulbs last a lifetime. Everyone should have a big stash of them for each enlarger.

 

[Sirius Glass]

Should fresh enlarger bulbs be stored in the refrigerator or the freeze? :devil: My bad!

 

[Gerald C Koch]

Ordinary frosted bulbs may not be suitable for some enlargers which require opal glass bulbs. Frosted glass bulbs may produce "hot" spots and may have printing on the top which may show up in prints

 

[awareofthevoid]

Thanks Fran, I picked one up after the print show but have yet to install/ test it. That is a useful link.

 

[fran]

For the USA guys - environmental laws here mean that for the last few years nothing more than 60W has been produced, so getting even a 75W enlarger bulb has been tough going!!


The re-emergence of higher wattage bulbs is very good news for us here!!!

Fran

 

[ath]

Frosted bulbs are not enlarger bulbs. Enlarger (opal) bulbs are special purpose bulbs and thus not banned in the EU. You can buy them e.g. here or here or at silverprint.
They cost a bit more than an ordinary frosted bulb but about the same amount as a halogen reflector bulb for an enlarger.