Gralab timer issue

Nicholas Dellerba · Jan 9, 2023

I am having an issue with seeing my Gralab timer after a few minutes. Does anyone know of a safe glow in the dark paint/stickers/etc. that I could use that would be more effective for my poor aging eyes?!?!

Rick A · Jan 9, 2023

A wee bit pricey but.....

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/271590-REG/Delta_30110_Photoluminescent_Glow_in_the.html

ic-racer · Jan 9, 2023

I think any 'glow in the dark' material will stop glowing after a short period of time. Which is probably a good thing, because the green light is not really safe for either film or paper. Maybe aim a safelight at it.

gone · Jan 9, 2023

If you stick whatever you buy on your timer, just turn the timer away from your print area and you should be fine.

You're probably going to be setting the timer w/ your safelight on? If so, that should afford ypu plenty of light to see. I use a red safelight bulb in a floor lamp. That way I can move it to where I need to see something, then grab it and move it away for printing, Just in case, it would probably be fine w/o moving it.

Kino · Jan 9, 2023

You could build a black poster board "snoot" on the timer that limits light spill and paint the dial with UV paints with a UV LED to illuminate the face of the dial. Just keep it pointed up and away from your work area...

Mal Paso · Jan 9, 2023

Rick A said:
A wee bit pricey but.....

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/271590-REG/Delta_30110_Photoluminescent_Glow_in_the.html

Cool! I've never had a problem with fogging from a GraLab. I develop film in open top tanks. As long as the timer doesn't directly illuminate the film, no problem. A cardboard flag between timer and tanks is plenty.

Says the tape is OK for color too.

RalphLambrecht · Jan 9, 2023

Nicholas Dellerba said:
I am having an issue with seeing my Gralab timer after a few minutes. Does anyone know of a safe glow in the dark paint/stickers/etc. that I could use that would be more effective for my poor aging eyes?!?!

Check, Amazon. They sell glow in the dark paint and stickers!

albada · Jan 9, 2023

I keep a red LED flashlight in my darkroom so I can read f-stop markings and notes on paper.
Actually, it's white with red plastic film (such as rubylith) over it.
That would work well for illuminating a timer.
RH Designs sells the "SafeTorch" here. It's on a lanyard to hang around your neck, so the torch is always with you, letting you see things anywhere in the darkroom.

Mark

Luckless · Jan 10, 2023

Any chance it is just getting poorly charged in the first place?

I use a high powered flash light and just 'recharge' mine as needed. It charges quickly, is far brighter, and lasts longer after an intense bright light is used on it at close range compared to if I let it charge with just the room light.

Nicholas Dellerba · Jan 10, 2023

Thanks all for your replies. I think I'll try the tape from BH and see how it goes. At least I should only have to buy it once unless I plan on doing my whole house in glow in the dark tape!

gordrob · Jan 11, 2023

I have used this type of tape for years and have never had any issues with it fogging films. I clip it in small pieces to reduce any chance of problems. A small piece by the Gralab switch, another by light switches and a small piece on the darkroom sink so I know where my developing tank is in the sink

Sirius Glass · Jan 11, 2023

My foot control, bought used with the enlarger, has glow in the dark on it so I can find it. The lights only need to be on for a short time to revive the glow.

Mal Paso · Jan 11, 2023

I was 9 years old when, on the sly, I bought some luminescent paint. I was decorating my room when my folks announced a trip to the Griffith Park Planetarium. You really don't understand how far a little bit of that paint goes until it gets dark. I was my own Galaxy.

Gralab timer issue

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