uv light source for alt process

Jarvman · Jan 7, 2009

I just recieved my parcel from B&S and have realised that the UV bulbs supplied aren't going to work over here in the UK because of the voltage difference. Does anyone know what light source would be suitable to use in the UK? I've found these but want to double check here before proceeding http://www.bltdirect.com/product.php?pid=349

Thanks, Gareth

Monophoto · Jan 7, 2009

I use compact fluorescent lamps in my UV box. I chose spirals, but there is no reason why linear bulbs would not work.

nsurit · Jan 7, 2009

Depending on what you have invested in light bulbs, would a voltage converter make any sense? Bill Barber

Trevor Crone · Jan 9, 2009

I use the same as you've link to, only 25W/BC, here. I use 9 of them in my UV light box.

You may be able to use a step down transformer (230v to 110v). I have a couple of electronic appliances from the US which use such a transformer.

Trevor Crone · Jan 9, 2009

Step Down Transformers; Dead Link Removed

Tom Kershaw · Jan 9, 2009

Eurobatteries sells up to 3000W step down transformers:

http://shop.eurobatteries.com/power-supplies-acacbrtransformers-adaptors-c-45_61.html

Tom.

Jarvman · Jan 9, 2009

Thanks Trevor, I'll get those ones then. About your light box, did you make it yourself? Is it worth me getting my cousin to make me one or shall I just go for 2 lamps to begin with? i'm just doing 10x8's for starters.

Trevor Crone · Jan 9, 2009

Jarvman said:
Thanks Trevor, I'll get those ones then. About your light box, did you make it yourself? Is it worth me getting my cousin to make me one or shall I just go for 2 lamps to begin with? i'm just doing 10x8's for starters.

Gareth, I made my own from a bedside cupboard I bought from a house clearance shop. See pic.

You can try a couple of lamps to see how things go, but it depends on what alternative process you are using. I wanted mine for Pt/Pd printing so I knew I would need a fairly high light output. My 9x25W UV lamps give me an average exposure of 5 minutes with the contact print frame at a distance of 6" from the lamps. You can also use UV tubes, most people do but I wanted this setup for other forms of contact printing. So when I don't want UV lighting I simply remove the UV lamps and replace them with a 75W opal lamp. The whole setup is connected to an enlarger timer.

I don't go any larger the 8x10 but the cabinet will take 12x16".

Hope this is of some help?

Trevor.

nworth · Jan 10, 2009

I looked at the B&S site, but I couldn't determine what kind of lamps they use. If they are standard fluorescents, you could swap fixtures or just ballasts for ones designed for your line voltage and frequency. The same applies for arc lamps. If it uses compact fluorescents, you can probably find a local source for replacements that will work (try a web search for fluorescent lamps). A step down transformer may work, but ask a lighting contractor first. US made fixtures are designed for 60Hz current, while most European systems are 50Hz. That could make a difference with inductive ballasts.

Jarvman · Jan 10, 2009

That's great help Trevor, thanks a lot again. I'm getting into pt/pd myself but will also be using it for cyanotypes too. How did you rig the lights up to an enlarger timer? that's a very sweet idea. My cousin is making me a 12x16 contact printing frame so an exposure unit the same size as yours would be ideal. likewise, I'd like the opportunity of printing larger than 10x8 if I wanted to. Initially I was just going to use 2 lamps with uv bulbs either side of the print, would that idea have fallen flat on its face? Could you give me the exact dimentions of the cabinet please. I'll go order the bulbs today.

Trevor Crone · Jan 10, 2009

Jarvman said:
That's great help Trevor, thanks a lot again. I'm getting into pt/pd myself but will also be using it for cyanotypes too. How did you rig the lights up to an enlarger timer? that's a very sweet idea. My cousin is making me a 12x16 contact printing frame so an exposure unit the same size as yours would be ideal. likewise, I'd like the opportunity of printing larger than 10x8 if I wanted to. Initially I was just going to use 2 lamps with uv bulbs either side of the print, would that idea have fallen flat on its face? Could you give me the exact dimentions of the cabinet please. I'll go order the bulbs today.

Gareth, the interior dimensions are; 17" high x 16.1/4" wide (this would be too small if you are using a contact frame for 12x16" prints) x 15" deep. This little cupboard is an ideal size for me as it sits on the floor under the enlarger bench.

All nine lamps are wired in parallel, 3 rows of three, to provide me with not only light intensity but evenness of illumination (very important). The lights are wired to a terminal block and from there a single 3 core cable is then connected to a Viponel electronic timer which has an exposure range of 0.1 second to 16 minutes, anything longer I just hit repeat. If you are going to use an enlarger timer make sure it is powerful enough to take a total of at least 300W (my lamps are a total of 225W). The lights are fitted to a removable shelf that I can slide out for maintenance if need be.

I've also fitted an electric fan (separate circuit) to help cool things down during long exposure times. Although the cabinet is well ventilated; slight gap below door and two adjustable louvers at the top to allow free circulation of air.

When I have to dodge and burn I wear sunglasses, just to be safe, as the door is open and the UV light is quite bright. This is another reason I wanted the light box on the floor so its away from eye level. Although BLB UV lamps are safe if you use sensible precautions.

Hope all goes well and do let me know how you get on.

Trevor.

Jarvman · Jan 11, 2009

How do the strip lights compare to the bulbs? I'm thinking it might be easier to have 5 of the 18" wide ones attached to the underside of a 22" piece of board with 3 wooden sides keeping it upright. A panel at the back, two at the edges and nothing on the front or underneath. That'll sit ontop of a work surface when I'm using it then and can get taken in and out of the darkroom.

Trevor Crone · Jan 11, 2009

I attended a super workshop on Pt/Pd printing which was run by photographer Ian Leake and Ian has a UV box which uses 8 - tubes at a distance of about 6" from the printing frame and they work really well. I went for BC fitting UV lamps because it is easier for me to switch from them to an ordinary tungstan lamp for contact printing with the new silver chloride paper, Lodima. Even 1 - 25W UV lamp was way too fast for this paper.

Tom Kershaw · Jan 11, 2009

Trever,

What variety of lamp are you using for contact printing Lodima?

Tom.

Jarvman · Jan 11, 2009

Ahh I gotcha. That's worth knowing seeing as I'd quite like to try that stuff some day. Cheers.

EDIT: Actually, I've just found these for a really good price locally. Think these would do the trick?

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=220342678284&ssPageName=ADME:X:AAQ:GB:1123

Trevor Crone · Jan 11, 2009

Tom Kershaw said:
Trever,

What variety of lamp are you using for contact printing Lodima?

Tom.

Tom, 1 x 75W Philips Photocrescenta, 8" from paper gives on average 12 second exposure time, and the eveness of illumination is spot on. But I would have thought any decent opal lamp would do, and they are cheap.

Trevor Crone · Jan 11, 2009

Jarvman said:
Ahh I gotcha. That's worth knowing seeing as I'd quite like to try that stuff some day. Cheers.

EDIT: Actually, I've just found these for a really good price locally. Think these would do the trick?

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=220342678284&ssPageName=ADME:X:AAQ:GB:1123

Gareth, yes, these will do the trick.

Jarvman · Jan 27, 2009

Well here it is then! Thanks for all the help Trevor. There's some paper drying in the darkroom coated in cyanotype solution as I type this

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