These are great safelights, however Freestyle is way overpriced on the bulb. Here's the same bulb for $36 instead of $120.
http://www.topbulb.com/find/Product_Description.asp?intProductID=46477
Yes, I've seen this before. But FWIW, I've also read speculation in other places that the Thomas replacement versions were cherry-picked from the standard line. Now just which qualities of the bulbs might show sufficient normal deviation that cherry-picking would become desirable, I do not know. Could be an urban myth. But that's what I've read in the past from more than one source.
Agreed that they are very good safelights. When fog-tested with Kentmere Bromide in my darkroom (pre-flashed, combined yellow/red filters, vanes all the way open), the first sign of fog didn't appear until the 30 minute mark.
Since that test I've reworked the filter pack by adding a carefully selected sharp-cutting Roscoe theatrical filter that serves to remove all of the additional unwanted secondary sodium emission lines that pose a danger, so now it's even more safe.
These are good units.
Ken
