Restore a Thomas Super Safelight?

Nokton48

Member
Joined
Oct 8, 2006
Messages
3,001
Format
Multi Format
I was nosing around in the clearance area of the local used photo shop, and I found this working Thomas Super Safelight, along with a pile of extra glass filters. We plugged it in, it dosen't buzz, and the vapor light is emitting light.
I had an old enlarger I'm not planning to use, so with trading that in, I got this unit for Thirty Bucks I know I can use Rosco gel filters from B&H (easiest way for me) to restore this unit at not too great an expense.

Opinions Please?? My darkroom is 10x12 feet.

Thomas Super Safelight by Nokton48, on Flickr
 

Kino

Subscriber
Joined
Jan 20, 2006
Messages
7,775
Location
Orange, Virginia
Format
Multi Format
I think you'll find that you will have more than enough light, even perhaps TOO much light with that unit, but they are wonderful!
 

Pieter12

Member
Joined
Aug 20, 2017
Messages
7,647
Location
Magrathean's computer
Format
Super8
You can vary the output of the safelight by adjusting the vanes. Just out of curiousity, which gel would you use for the safelight? Not sure why you would need the gels unless you didn't get the proper filters with the safelight.
 

Attachments

  • THOMAS_DUPLEX_SUPER_SAFELIGHT.pdf
    13.7 KB · Views: 205
OP
OP

Nokton48

Member
Joined
Oct 8, 2006
Messages
3,001
Format
Multi Format
Hi Pieter,

I'm going to assume the filters I have are faded (they are old; some are in shreds!). B&H sells 20x24" sheets of RoscoGel $6.95 each. I can see that is what they use at the factory.

I'm using graded B&W paper. Rosco makes hundreds of colored gels

I may start using VC paper in the future, right now graded paper.

https://www.jbhphoto.com/blog/tag/thomas-duplex-super-safelight/
 

Arklatexian

Member
Joined
Jul 28, 2014
Messages
1,777
Location
Shreveport,
Format
Multi Format
Do you really need to restore it? It doesn't look that old. My darkroom is 9 x 16 ft. and I keep the vanes closed so it will be dark enough in there to focus my enlarger. Just clean it up and try it out, run a safelight photo paper test and enjoy........Regards!
 

MattKing

Moderator
Moderator
Joined
Apr 24, 2005
Messages
53,267
Location
Delta, BC Canada
Format
Medium Format
The only thing to remember about the Thomas is that it must be left on throughout your session. Sometimes that can be inconvenient when you need to make your darkroom darker - e.g. when it is difficult to see an image on the paper but dodging and burning is required.
It is a good is a idea to mount it in a way that at least the area around the easel can be shaded from light from the safelight.
 
Last edited by a moderator:

Arklatexian

Member
Joined
Jul 28, 2014
Messages
1,777
Location
Shreveport,
Format
Multi Format
+1
 

mshchem

Subscriber
Joined
Nov 26, 2007
Messages
14,781
Location
Iowa City, Iowa USA
Format
Medium Format
That's a nice one. I have 3 setup in my darkroom. I have the color printing filters in the outer filter holders. As mentioned these are enormously bright after about 10 minutes . When I am printing VC paper I open the vanes about a inch, this means that the inner yellow tape filter is doing all the work.
I close the doors (color filters engaged) to focus the enlarger. It's a great safelight . I think you could put a Rosco or get some new yellow taped filters, Freestyle sells filters. I think you could put brown cardboard in the outer slots. Just crack the outer vanes open a bit.
These low pressure sodium vapor lamps have a very narrow emission line. Paper is not real sensitive to these wavelengths but your eyes are. Important to let your eyes adjust as well. You need to keep the white lights off to allow your eyes to go into dark vision mode.
Google dark vision I can't remember but it's got something to do with a Vitamin A compound in your eyes.
Long story short these are awesome, and safe. I can even see somewhat with the color printing safelight filters, which amazes me.
The ceiling has an effect as these bounce light off the ceiling.
Check out the spectra for LOW PRESSURE Sodium lamps and you will see why these work so well.

I have a fancy Aristo two tube red and amber safelight . That thing fogs paper if you get too close.
 
OP
OP

Nokton48

Member
Joined
Oct 8, 2006
Messages
3,001
Format
Multi Format
Great info! So, if it is OK (no fog) with VC paper, it should be OK with graded too, right? Of course I will test.
 

darkroommike

Subscriber
Joined
Mar 22, 2007
Messages
1,728
Location
Iowa
Format
Multi Format
mshchem said:
This is partly why I use the color filters in the outer slots , if you close them you cam make it dark without turning off the safelight.
Click to expand...
You can also just cover the filters in the outer vanes with blackened aluminum foil, Rosco makes that stuff, too. I've also used black mat board.
 
Last edited:
OP
OP

Nokton48

Member
Joined
Oct 8, 2006
Messages
3,001
Format
Multi Format
Thomas Safelight Restored by Nokton48, on Flickr
My Thomas Pro Sodium Vapour Safelight was dismally dark fired up, until I took it apart and thoroughly cleaned it inside and out. Cut new filters and replaced any that had faded. There was dust and humidity marks inside the filters. Now fresh and pristine.
I can read small print on a label, standing all the way across the room,. I love this new safelight!
Now I am pleased. THIS is more like it!
 

KenS

Member
Joined
Jan 2, 2005
Messages
941
Location
Lethbridge, S. Alberta ,
Format
Multi Format
I managed to 're-invigorate' mine a few years ago (rather than having to 'find' another one in working condition by putting some "Rubylith" in the vanes... works well enough for me

Ken
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Menu
Log in
Register
Cookies are required to use this site. You must accept them to continue using the site. Learn more…