Thomas Duplex Super Safelight

[mikewhi]

Hi:

I own one of these safelights but I haven't used it in a few years because my darkrooms recently have been a little small for it. I use a Zone VI safelight now.

I am thinking of sending the Thomas to a friend who is building a large darkroom. Can someone answer a few questions about it:

1) Are replacement filters still available? If so, from where (other than eBay)?
2) How long do the filters last? How can I tell if they are worn out (I guess a fog test would do it).
3) Are these 'safe' with VC papers?

Thank you.

-Mike

 

[photobackpacker]

The major New York photo suppliers are still selling the Thomas Safelight so I would assume replacement parts are still available.

I removed the Thomas from my darkroom (12 X 22 feet) and bought a crusty old Kodak 10X14 safelight with an OC filter. With VC paper, the Thomas reduced my safe-time to less than 2 minutes exposure unless I stopped it down to the point where it did little good as a light.

I now have the Kodak 10X12 used inverted off a white ceiling with a 25 watt bulb and the Zone VI. I cannot believe how bright is is in the darkroom. At my last test, I have a 12+ minute safety margin with VC paper.

 

[Lee L]

I worked in a very large darkroom with a dark ceiling lit by one Thomas. I had a lightproof roller transport processor, so the Kodak Polycontrast RC paper was only out for the time in the easel and about three steps to the processor. I had to close the Thomas vanes completely to make it safe for just that 30 second to 1 minute of safelight exposure.

I use LEDs in my own darkroom and have never been tempted to pay the price for a Thomas.

Lee

 

[ann]

we use one in a large gang lab, it is turned to face the ceiling and the window is closed as far as it will go.

We have run some test for fog and have no problems with the set up as described.

 

[hortense]

Thomas Duplex ...

1) Are replacement filters still available? If so, from where (other than eBay)?
2) How long do the filters last? How can I tell if they are worn out (I guess a fog test would do it).
3) Are these 'safe' with VC papers?
-Mike

1) Yes. 2.) Depends on total hours but a long time. 3.)Yes, depending on how close and the shutter setting. To be safe (no pun), do a safe light test.

 

[Ryuji]

In my experience, if you reasonably limit the exposure to safe light, AGFA and Ilford multicontrast papers are safe. But when I tried last time, Oriental paper was more susceptible. They may use different sensitizing dye. But I really don't see problem with Thomas safelight as long as you build a shade to block the light in the enlarger area (otherwise, you'll have hard time in burning in light areas. you can't see!!!).

I have two small safelights for enlarger areas. They are connected to a dimmer and then to the enlarger timer. For the processing zone, Thomas is great.

I also use the doors all closed for multigrade papers. I open the doors when working with Fortezo or homemade enlarging papers.

 

[MurrayMinchin]

3) Are these 'safe' with VC papers?

I have a smallish darkroom that used to be the laundry room. When I switched to VC papers I had to test, then tape pieces of cardboard over portions of the light, re-test, cover a bit more, re-test, cover more and re-test until fogging wasn't a problem.

Graded papers could handle so much light from the Duplex it was almost as bright as a normal room. VC paper has made it a darker place, more conducive to deep thoughts and photographic revelations

Murray

 

[JLMoore3]

Put in a lower-wattage bulb!

I have one in a 12x14 darkroom, so I found a smaller wattage bulb ... Instead of the 35 watt I put in an 18 watt- works fine & it's only $32! I can still see quite well in the darkroom. I keep the vanes down during exposure & open them once the paper is in the fix.

Sox18 18 watt bulb @ Pro Lighting

 

[MurrayMinchin]

...so I found a smaller wattage bulb ...

Well slap my ass and call me Judy...that there's a great idea!

Murray

 

[mikewhi]

I had no idea these even existed. What a great idea. I bet they sell out their entire inventory in the next week!

Thank you!

-Mike

 

[JLMoore3]

Well slap my ass and call me Judy...that there's a great idea!

Murray

Okay- but this must be said in a droll Cary Grant accent:

Judy, Judy, Judy.

 

[MurrayMinchin]

Okay- but this must be said in a droll Cary Grant accent:

Judy, Judy, Judy.

LOL! Where did that come from???