Kodak Utility Safelight OC filters

[Removed Account]

I was browsing a local thrift shop today and to my surprise they had 3 BIG Kodak safelights in. They all appear to be the 10x12 size, and are equipped with glass Kodak OC filters. The colour of the glass seems to be a dark orange, almost brown colour. Definitely not the red that I am used to, but depending on how much they are asking I may pick up one or all 3. There is a label on each housing talking about X-Ray film, mentioning other filters besides the OC, and something about chromogenic film, but nothing about paper. Would the OC filter be safe for standard black and white printing? Would it be safe for printing anything else? As always, thanks for the help!

- Justin

 

[MattKing]

OC was the recommended filter for Kodak Polycontrast (variable contrast) Black & White papers. IIRC I've used OC safelights with (older) Ilford paper as well.

At a thrift store price, I'd try them with the paper you use. Just do a fog test - there are a number of descriptions of same referred to here on APUG, and probably on Kodak or Ilford websites too.

Matt

 

[Bob F.]

The datasheet for Ilford MGIV paper notes that: "Other safelight filters can be used, for example, the Kodak OC and the Agfa-Gevaert G7, or the Philips PF710 safelamp."

Cheers, Bob.

 

[Removed Account]

Thanks guys! I think I'll grab one, if not all, of them tomorrow!

 

[Nick Zentena]

You can always replace the filters if you don't mind the sticker shock on new filters.

 

[fschifano]

This document will give you all the information you need to know if a particular filter will be safe with a given material. Click here: http://www.kodak.com/global/en/professional/support/techPubs/ti0845/ti0845.pdf

A perfectly serviceable red safelight filter can be made from a sheet of glass or lexan with a couple of layers of something called rubylith. I've done it, tested it, and it works.

 

[ic-racer]

I have always used Kodak OC filters in my darkroom. Out of curiosity last month, I did a safelight test on some lightly fogged paper sitting on my easel and sitting over the developer tray. No safelight fog at 2.5, 5 or 10 minutes with Ilford Multigrade paper.