UV lightbox in the UK

buze · Oct 15, 2006

I see plenty of reference of bulb and materials available in the US, but I wanted to know if there were readily available equivalents for the UK.. I'm getting hooked on alt printing and I'm planning to kit up a little...

From my first batch of cyanotypes; what do the experts think ?

Jerevan · Oct 16, 2006

Maybe it is the scan of the print, but it seems slightly blown-out in the highlights? Other than that I think it's nice. The "Grandad" picture you have on Flickr is also good, and an interesting story to it, too. You've got the hang of it, now get on and make a few more!

As to the lightbox, it all depends on sizes you want to print, but you probably have to build it yourself. In the case of making small print sizes, (4x5 - 5x7 inches) you could try to source 15 w flourescent blacklight bulbs (which amounts to 75 watts in a normal bulb). I can't tell you more in specific, as I don't live in the UK.

buze · Oct 16, 2006

Well the highlights gets disolved in the water; I developed another batch today with a vinegar-spiced first bath, and with a gentler water bath next (face down in water). I do keep a lot more highlights but clearly some do wash out anyway...
If anyone had a magic trick feel free to disclose the secret

Next I'll do Vandykes I think, seems that it's easier to control and give a fuller range of tones...

Still hunting for UV lights; I can't even seem to find the "spiral" low energy ones that I've seen in pictures...

BarryWilkinson · Oct 16, 2006

If you are not going to print larger than about 10x12", get a Philips Home Solaria. I think you can get these new from Argos? They also turn up at Car Boot sales.

I have used one succesfully with numerous 'alt' processes.

Barry

buze · Oct 16, 2006

Thanks Barry ! Very useful!

I think I'll stick to 8x10 max for the moment, so thats perfect

BarryWilkinson · Oct 16, 2006

buze said:
Thanks Barry ! Very useful!

I think I'll stick to 8x10 max for the moment, so thats perfect

They seem to have got a little more expensive than when I got mine...

http://www.argos.co.uk/static/Product/partNumber/4401784.htm

However, as I said, they can be found very cheap at Car Boot sales. I have used mine within 150mm of the print and have had even exposure. They work very well.

Good luck with your printing.

Barry

buze · Oct 16, 2006

I just snatched one of eBay for £7 ;-)

Thank for the very useful tip. What kind of exposure time did you use, for you various processes with that lamp ? (just to get an idea, overall)

philldresser · Oct 16, 2006

Buze
I use a Philips solaria and have exposures as follows:
Cyanotypes 18-30 mins
Kallitypes 7-13 mins

Depends on the neg density, paper etc

I took off the timer unit and wired in a switch. Much more controllable

Phill

kevs · Oct 17, 2006

Hi Buze,

If you are still sourcing UV bulbs, you can buy BL (Black Light - the type used in pubs and clubs) tubes and bulbs from branches of Maplin Electronics - website is at Dead Link Removed . Look under 'disco lighting'.

Good luck,
kevs

BarryWilkinson · Oct 17, 2006

philldresser said:
Buze
I use a Philips solaria and have exposures as follows:
Cyanotypes 18-30 mins
Kallitypes 7-13 mins

Depends on the neg density, paper etc

I took off the timer unit and wired in a switch. Much more controllable

Phill

I have have experienced similar times to Phill.

BTW I expect you already know but it's best not to look into the solaria without eye protection for any length of time.

Barry

Dave Miller · Oct 17, 2006

kevs said:
Hi Buze,

If you are still sourcing UV bulbs, you can buy BL (Black Light - the type used in pubs and clubs) tubes and bulbs from branches of Maplin Electronics - website is at Dead Link Removed . Look under 'disco lighting'.

Good luck,
kevs

Different wave length I think.

philldresser · Oct 17, 2006

Dave

I 've used Black Lights as well and they do work but the solaria is a better prospect.

Phill

buze · Oct 17, 2006

BarryWilkinson said:
I have have experienced similar times to Phill.

BTW I expect you already know but it's best not to look into the solaria without eye protection for any length of time.

Barry

Thanks; are Ray Bans sufficient to check the print exposure ? Otherwise, what do you use ?

Thanks for all the input guys, I hope it helps others going into alternative printing too, because most of the "vocal" people and articles speaks of experienced users who "build their own" etc.
Might all be very well to make one, but that doesn't help newbies getting started

BarryWilkinson · Oct 18, 2006

buze said:
Thanks; are Ray Bans sufficient to check the print exposure ? Otherwise, what do you use ?

I don't use anything, I just try not to look at it too long. I set it going and stay away from it except for checking exposure (split back frame)

Barry

Gustavo_Castilla · Oct 18, 2006

You may want to get hold of Terry King he is in the U.K.
TERRYAKING@aol.com
www.hands-on-pictures.com

buze · Oct 27, 2006

I finaly got to play with my first Vandykes tonight. I first tried an exposure of 15 minutes to see what happend...

Well, after a handful of tries, I figured the exposure I need is 1 minute 50. So I can tell you that the first 15 minute one was nice and dark

I tried a few negs and they all are around that time. The tubes are about 10cm+ from the glass of the contact print frame...

UV lightbox in the UK

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