I've been printing black and white prints from color negs using Panalure. I have to do the work in total darkness because I don't have the recommended Kodak 13 amber safelight filter YET. Since these filters are expensive and I don't do that much work with Panalure, is the No.13 filter safe with all B&W papers as well as Panalure. I don't want to have to change filters back and forth when switching papers. Thanks...

-- Greg (gjaugie@home.com), February 10, 2001

Answers

I've worked with Panalure and a #13 darkroom filter and maybe it's just my tired old eyes but it isn't a very big step up from working in the dark! I couldn't imagine doing all my black and white work in that light level. I'm curious now though, and will see what it does to normal paper and post an answer. Harv.

-- Harv Jenkins (hjenkins@prcn.org), February 10, 2001.

With a No. 13 safelight you have to turn your head and look at the safelight to see if it is on. Unless you do extended printing sessions (so your eyes adjust to the dim light) often, stick with TD (total darkness). For some reason Kodak thinks their filters are worth their weight in gold. I've switched from Kodak to other alternatives.

I haven't used them, but one of the LED safelights might be a reasonable option. Some offer several colors in one light.

-- Charlie Strack (charlie_strack@sti.com), February 10, 2001.

Normal B&W papers are OK with the #13 safelight but as mentioned previously the light is very dim and the recommended bulb is only 15w. I agree with your other answer - those filters cost a bundle. (I found mine at a garage sale). See if you can find one of those Kodak Brownie Darkroom lamps - model B, with an amber cup and a dark green cup. The amber will do for your normal papers and the dark green works OK with the Panalure. It too is very dim but better than nothing. Try to find a used one because Kodak thinks these are gold as well.

-- Harv Jenkins (hjenkins@prcn.org), February 10, 2001.

I have used a no.13 filter and have found it useless. All Kodak safelight filters are overpriced.I'm using a premier with an amber filter for VC with excellent results. The entire safelighr with filter and bulb cost as much as the Kodak filter alone. I regularly use amber orange and red filters depending on the paper requirements. With Panalure I work in total darkness.

-- Robert Orofino (rorofino@iopener.net), February 10, 2001.