Question: Putting together a quick setup darkroom: lights

[Candlejack]

So Ill probably ask a series of questions as I put together my simple small set up /tear down bathroom darkroom.

My first question is this: Red safelight. Im thinking an LED headlamp, a bike light or something. Has anyone a solution for this? (Im not asking yall to search for me, more "ive looked on B and H and seen 20 dollar red light bulbs and bulbs on Amazon that people say dont work well")

There is a window in the bathroom. If there is a coated film I can cover that with during the session that would work as well...

 

[mshchem]

A red led might work. You would need to test. You don't want to get it too close to the paper. The black plastic heavy duty leaf bags would be a place to start.

Years ago I had a darkroom that I would wait until dark

It just needs to be a dark room.

 

[jimjm]

The $20 safelight bulbs (15W) from B&H or Adorama are fine in most situations. Depending on the size of your space you may need more than one. I have one in an existing light fixture, and another in a portable work light clamped to a shower curtain rod. Keep them at least 3 feet from where you will handling undeveloped paper and it helps if you can point them up at a ceiling or a wall so that the light is not shining directly at your paper.
Yeah, any heavy black plastic or felt will work to cover windows. Sit in the room with the lights off for about 10 minutes and you'll easily see any light leaks around the window or door. Easy to seal up with foam weatherstripping.
Small leaks here or there are not a big deal for paper, but are more critical when handling film.

 

[Candlejack]

The $20 safelight bulbs (15W) from B&H or Adorama are fine in most situations. Depending on the size of your space you may need more than one. I have one in an existing light fixture, and another in a portable work light clamped to a shower curtain rod. Keep them at least 3 feet from where you will handling undeveloped paper and it helps if you can point them up at a ceiling or a wall so that the light is not shining directly at your paper.
Yeah, any heavy black plastic or felt will work to cover windows. Sit in the room with the lights off for about 10 minutes and you'll easily see any light leaks around the window or door. Easy to seal up with foam weatherstripping.
Small leaks here or there are not a big deal for paper, but are more critical when handling film.

Yup this will be just for printing making and developing.

Im debating getting 2 lamps, one for the red light (if i have to go the bulb route if there is no LED red light route I can take) and one lamp for a simple bulb. Im thinking contact prints until i can source an enlarger. (If i go this route, do you think I could just use an LED desk lamp as my printing light source?)

 

[Candlejack]

A red led might work. You would need to test. You don't want to get it too close to the paper. The black plastic heavy duty leaf bags would be a place to start.

Years ago I had a darkroom that I would wait until dark

It just needs to be a dark room.

That sounds like a great way to darken that window. (I do plan to gear my print making towards nighttime hours)