THOMAS DUPLEX SUPER SAFELIGHT

[J Drew]

Hi All
THOMAS DUPLEX SUPER SAFELIGHT DOUBLE FILTER DARKROOM LIGHT
E Bay Item number: 251067458078
US $179.00

I remember reading when these were new on the market that they actually allowed one to see better in the darkroom w/o fogging the paper. Was that the usual sycophant hype or was there any truth to this? Is this a reasonable price on E Bay for this one. I notice that the filters have a mottled look to them, but look OK in the shot w/ it turned on. I'm obviously not knowledgeable about their technology. Are there any well know traps, glitches to look out for when buying. I would welcome anything that allows me to see better in a darkroom. All my life, until recently, I've had great vision except @ low light levels
Thanks for any insight, Jay Drew

 

[J Drew]

BTW Does APUG have a way I can be reminded or told when someone replies. I sometimes post, then totaly forget about it.
Thanks JD

 

[Newt_on_Swings]

Yes the Thomas duplex is a a very bright and capable safelight that will allow you to read a newspaper (or fine printed filter value charts included with paper) easily even if your walls are not of a light color with the vanes up. With the vanes down and using the red filtration it is much dimmer. There was one that was posted in the classifieds recently here for a bit less. They pop up randomly, I got mine for ~100 pretty cheap when a 5x7 new safelight costs $35, and 3 of them won't get you anywhere near the light levels of the duplex.

You can replace the gel filters, they crack and wrinkle with age. As long as the glass panels aren't broken the filter gel change is easy.

You can subscribe to threads to be notified by email as well.

 

[lightwisps]

I have had one since the mid 70s. Never had a single problem. They are great

 

[J Drew]

Thank you for the info.
Will it fog a typical bromide VC paper w/ the filters up?
Of course I mean in terms of the ~ 5min. or less paper is out of the box.
(Any safe-light will fog paper if left exposed long enough)
I'll keep looking for a better price, although that one on E bay is remarkably clean.
Thanks again

 

[Newt_on_Swings]

It all depends on how sensitive you paper is, how close it is to the safe light, and the color walls you have. I make it a habit of not to take the paper out right until I need to put it in the easel. All aspects of enlarger adjustment is done with a scrap piece of paper of that same brand and type. When I am good to go I then take out a sheet. You can test your setup when you get one.

 

[Ken Nadvornick]

Will it fog a typical bromide VC paper w/ the filters up?
Of course I mean in terms of the ~ 5min. or less paper is out of the box.
(Any safe-light will fog paper if left exposed long enough)

You may find it useful to read (there was a url link here which no longer exists) from last July, beginning with paragraph five. There is information in it regarding sodium vapor safelight fogging in general, and some inexpensive additional precautions which can be used with the Thomas Duplex to significantly extend paper safe times. Bromide paper under the Duplex is also discussed.

The technical data sheet for the referenced Roscoe #19 Fire filter may be found here.

Ken