Looking for a cheap lightbox

[Ashfaque]

Hello,

Please recommend me a lightbox with link. I'd like to have the following features
- use it for slides and B&W and colour negatives (both 35mm and 120 now). But large enough to keep things not falling off the lightbox.
- flexibility to use both 100-240 voltage power source and rechargeable batteries (either AA or AAA will do). Of course I can use buy a converter separately to change the voltage (so that's optional, but you see I need to be careful about spending)
- ability to scan negatives (please don't scold me for this)
- ability to change lights myself (optional) and hopefully the lights aren't prohibitively expensive
- as big as possible within $50-60

Another request: whilst browsing @ BHPhoto, I noticed various categories of lamp - for e.g., 5000K, 5500K, etc. Which one should I get and why? I've almost no idea in this area. So, if possible, please give me a very easy explanation.

Bests,

Ashfaque

 

[Ashfaque]

Just a gentle bump.

 

[RalphLambrecht]

get a translucent plastic box at IKEA and put a light bulb into it;works greatand is easy to clean

 

[Ashfaque]

Thanks Ralph. Can you please give some specific example (links). I don't see Ikea in Dhaka. So seeing them online, I might be able to find something from local shops.

Anyway, I still like to know about some good quality and cheap light box (for slides and quick scans as I don't have my scanner with me now). I like the Kaiser Lightbox Slimlite LED (13x18 cm) that I saw on Fotoimpex website yesterday. Is there anything better and cheaper? In most cases, they possibly don't go together, but there you go!

Bests,

Ashfaque

 

[DWThomas]

Don't know about availability elsewhere in the world, but art supply stores generally have a lot of light table items. An example here from Blick's in the US. It's quite likely LEDs are the way to go if you want battery operation. Another possibility would be an LED panel used for photographic lighting with a piece of white translucent acrylic over the surface, but as far as I know those get pretty pricey in larger sizes.

Edit: Just noticed Blick's explicitly don't ship those outside the US to avoid getting entangled in possible electrical mismatch difficulties. Since the spec for those units calls out a wide voltage range, I suspect it would cover you if you could find it elsewhere.

 

[frank]

I use my ipad.

 

[Ashfaque]

Thanks for the link, Dave. They have some really good stuffs in there. But the price and voltage thingy are a bit of hassle. I really like various options they have on offer though. So far, it seems Kaiser Lightbox Slimlite LED is my best bet. Anything else anyone?

Bests,

Ashfaque

 

[hamradio]

I have a pretty sizable X-ray viewer I snagged at a hospital surplus sale for five bucks. Doesn't run on batteries, but it was five bucks...

 

[PtJudeRI]

Ask your dentist if they have any light boxes still lying around. Mine gave me his for free. Nice and large, easy to change the bulb, and I can fit 3 4x5 negs on at a time. Great for digitizing with a dSLR in a pinch.

Can't beat free.

 

[Ashfaque]

Hi Jude,

What a great idea! I've never been to a dentist for myself though. But I'll be asking my dentist friend about it.

Bests,

Ashfaque