haeberlein
Hello!
I’ve been given some colour paper and wanted to have a go at colour photography. The instructions for the photographic paper only mention ‘amber’ light. Which darkroom filter is that, and where can I buy it?
Thanks.
Renate
Hello,
There are no darkroom filters suitable for colour paper. You need a special lamp for this. A sodium vapour lamp is best suited. The colour paper’s sensitisation range is precisely matched to this. These lamps are very good, but not exactly cheap. Alternatively, you can use yellow LEDs. However, you must ensure that the peak wavelength is 590 nm. LEDs must also be fitted with a yellow-orange filter, as they also emit a small amount of light in the green spectrum. Furthermore, it must be possible to dim the LEDs. I set the brightness so low that I can just about make out the tray. As colour paper cannot be developed by sight, the light is only needed for orientation in the room. The image can only be assessed once the paper is dry.
Best regards
Renate
Wolfgg
Hello,
Don’t spend a lot of money on it; just use a few yellow LEDs and, with a potentiometer connected in series, adjust the brightness so that the plates are just about visible. Don’t leave the sheet under the enlarger for too long; perform the exposure quickly and develop it with the emulsion side down, timing the development. This has worked for me for 25 years without any problems.
Best regards, Wolfgang
Kryschtof
When I tried out RA-4 tray development, I made myself a little torch by fitting a single yellow LED, along with a resistor, batteries and a push-button switch, into a small casing. I only ever switched it on for a few seconds at a time, just to move the paper from one tray to the next. Of course, you shouldn’t get too close to the paper with it. Indirect lighting via a white wall is perfectly adequate.
haeberlein
I’ve got one of those Jobo Minilight Color lights now. It should be pretty much the same. Thanks.
