Which nightvision googles for darkroom work?

[eli griggs]

Header says it all.

Which Goggles represent a practical value pricewise and in the darkroom environment?

 

[Steve Goldstein]

I'm also interested. I bought a pretty cheap (USD40 or so) set years ago that sort of work but are difficult for me, a glasses wearer, to use.

 

[eli griggs]

That is really cheap, especially when you consider how expensive good ones were, just a few years ago.

 

[spookyphoto]

40 years ago I was using Oldelft goggles which were $ 10K each. Then switched to surplus Israeli tank goggles which were $ 300each and they worked fine. Gotta make sure they focus close.

 

[eli griggs]

40 years ago I was using Oldelft goggles which were $ 10K each. Then switched to surplus Israeli tank goggles which were $ 300each and they worked fine. Gotta make sure they focus close.

The ability to close focus is paramount, but easy to assume any pair can do that critical and important task.

Thank you for bringing this up, I would have overlooked that feature.

 

[spookyphoto]

The ability to close focus is paramount, but easy to assume any pair can do that critical and important task.

Thank you for bringing this up, I would have overlooked that feature.

What kind of work are you going to be doing that you want to use goggles ?

 

[eli griggs]

Handling film and other photosensitive materials.

In particular, 16mm film into tiny rolls and cassette insertion, as well as inspecting film bulk loaders I am curious about.

 

[Kino]

Be aware that most inexpensive IR goggles are built for uncorrected vision. If you wear reading glasses, you probably won't be able to focus clearly on the internal screen.

Also, most will not focus closer than about 3 feet at best.

Also, when you strap-down one of these "face mask" type goggles to your face (and you have to strap them firmly to avoid light bleeding out from around the mask), the screen instantly fogs-up. Sometimes you can do the old snorkle diver trick of polishing the inside lenses with a clear soap, but if you sweat enough, it runs into your eyes.

Ask me how I know.

 

[spookyphoto]

I used to do that stuff for a living I used an infrared glove box. Big box with an I.R. camera inside and could watch what I was doing on a TV screen. Was waaaay better than using goggles. You can actually build one out of wood. Mine was Italian and really fancy and cost $ 20K.

 

[Kino]

I used to do that stuff for a living I used an infrared glove box. Big box with an I.R. camera inside and could watch what I was doing on a TV screen. Was waaaay better than using goggles. You can actually build one out of wood. Mine was Italian and really fancy and cost $ 20K.

That would be the ideal solution if you could get a large paper cutter and all your supplies inside for cutting down sheet film.

I don't know if my arms are long enough!

 

[eli griggs]

Be aware that most inexpensive IR goggles are built for uncorrected vision. If you wear reading glasses, you probably won't be able to focus clearly on the internal screen.

Also, most will not focus closer than about 3 feet at best.

Also, when you strap-down one of these "face mask" type goggles to your face (and you have to strap them firmly to avoid light bleeding out from around the mask), the screen instantly fogs-up. Sometimes you can do the old snorkle diver trick of polishing the inside lenses with a clear soap, but if you sweat enough, it runs into your eyes.

Ask me how I know.

Never used soap but spit was free and handy.

 

[Bill Burk]

ATN Viper was the best suited to the task, headgear is awkward. Focusing eyepiece and close focuses. Not telephoto (1:1). Don’t make them anymore but great for the job.

 

[mshchem]

 

[mshchem]

Jakks Pacific SpyNet toy IR goggles. I use them for handling film. Extremely narrow view, focuses up close. Only available used, no depth perception, one camera so not truly stereo. I would be screwed without them. I've posted a bunch on these here look around.

Bungee cord or similar to smash to your face so no light leaks.....

 

[TheYoungPretender]

The Nightfox Swift was recommended in an earlier thread, including for cutting down film.

Using IR googles in the darkroom - effect of red'ish IR lights

Hi all, I know this has been discussed but I couldn’t find an answer for this specific question. So I have purchased Ir googles from Amazon, however they have red lights on the side next to the camera. I’m wondering if they would fog film? Currently i am covering the lights with a strip of...

www.photrio.com

There is some useful info, including some pros and cons, as well as some discussions regarding different models in that thread.

 

[Kino]

The Nightfox Swift 2 Pro (an upgraded version of the model I have) MIGHT be a bit better, but I have no practical experience with the unit.

In my experience, the goggles have proven to be of somewhat limited use and are a pain to use.

YMMV

 

[Rick A]

I use Nightfox Swift (1st gen) and they work perfectly for cutting film and other assorted tasks around the shack. I've had to resort to using them for loading 120 film onto reels since my right hand no longer functions properly. Any NV device you choose will have somewhat of a learning curve and some drawbacks. They come in handy for sneaking up on the neighbors at night and spooking the kids.

 

[Alan9940]

I use a Nightfox 119V. No longer available new, but might be found on the used market. I was attracted to this model because it's 1X which, for me, makes it easier to deal with everything at arm's length. It has a button to magnify the view, if needed, but I've never used it. The only real downside is that you have to do something to block the internal screen light from seeping out around the eyecup. I use a neck gator and pull it up around the eyecup. This works, but it's not comfortable during the hotter months of the year and the screen can fog up a bit, as mentioned above.

 

[eli griggs]

Wh

ATN Viper was the best suited to the task, headgear is awkward. Focusing eyepiece and close focuses. Not telephoto (1:1). Don’t make them anymore but great for the job.

What replaced it and about how much?

 

[Frank53]

I’m also interested in getting one of these. We used them in the film lab I was working some 50 years with an IR light bulb. Can’t find those bulbs anywhere, only IR heat lamps. Are those still available?

 

[eli griggs]

I’m also interested in getting one of these. We used them in the film lab I was working some 50 years with an IR light bulb. Can’t find those bulbs anywhere, only IR heat lamps. Are those still available?

Arnt most b&w films IR sensitive?

 

[Frank53]

Arnt most b&w films IR sensitive?

We did only color film.
But most BW films are not IR sensitive (I think?) Except films like Adox HR50, etc.

 

[koraks]

Arnt most b&w films IR sensitive?

No.

 

[Alan9940]

Arnt most b&w films IR sensitive?

A few B&W films extend somewhat into the red spectrum, but I don't think any standard panchromatic film goes all the way into IR. I've used my goggles with many different film stocks and have never had an issue.

 

[pentaxuser]

The ability to close focus is paramount, but easy to assume any pair can do that critical and important task.

Thank you for bringing this up, I would have overlooked that feature.

Is this close focus necessary for those with either perfect vision or who are slightly shortsighted? I had always assumed that the googles were only ever meant to see in the dark and were just googles

pentaxuser