Gralab Timer Glow-in-the-Dark Dial and Digits

focus_on_infinity · Dec 27, 2020

Silly newbie question, but here goes. The glow-in-the-dark digits on the Gralab timer - dim enough to not ever think or be concerned about, right? Or, are there some circumstances where even that is too much light, and it has to be covered?

juan · Dec 27, 2020

I’ve never bothered to cover it. I think it’s too dim to affect paper, and my film is in a tank of some kind most of the time.

BrianShaw · Dec 27, 2020

Cover it with a rag when loading film on reels or into holders.

Sirius Glass · Dec 27, 2020

I never had a problem with it fogging paper. I would shoot a strobe at it to make the numbers brighter for a while.

Bill Burk · Dec 27, 2020

Everyone asks themselves this question at one time or another. The green glow is dim. But it can fog film and paper. It is only necessary to move it "a few feet" away from the film or paper to mitigate the risk.

I like to imagine deliberately trying to take a picture of the timer in the dark. Ask yourself: "How long would it take to actually take a picture by that light?"

GRHazelton · Dec 27, 2020

I've successfully loaded film in the "dark" when after 5 or 10 minutes I could see, but barely. I try to interpose my body between the film and such and any perceived light leaks. Best practice loading your reels in the light so there's not wasted time fumbling. I suggest putting all the needed stuff in a 11 x 14 tray or some such so you don't have to try to find someihing on the floor in the dark. Ask me how I know.....

DREW WILEY · Dec 27, 2020

It absolutely will fog certain fllms. I don't use any kind of illuminated timer above the sink, only on a shelf below where the film itself can never "see" any kind of light source. It doesn't belong anywhere above film developing trays or even where one might be loading a reel. Even ten feet away can be too close. Paper is a slightly different issue because it is less sensitive; but I simply don't take chances in that case either - there's no sense in cultivating bad habits.

focus_on_infinity · Dec 27, 2020

Interesting. I've been moving it to the floor and turning it to the wall when handling film. Now that I'm using an enlarger, it's location will be more fixed. It has wall hangers on it, and I'd like to mount it so it's not taking up any valuable counter space. Maybe the best solution is to mount it fairly low so there's no direct line to anything sensitive, and to cover it if there's any question. Thanks.

Gralab Timer Glow-in-the-Dark Dial and Digits

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