Safelight Torch BW
Introduction
Stationary safe lights always fail to illuminate some areas of the darkroom. Interestingly, dropped stuff always seems to end up there.
Shopping for darkroom supplies, I stumbled across the Heiland Electronic Safelight Torch and decided to give it a try.
Safelight Torch B&W from Heiland Electronic (Germany)
Review
General & Battery Life
It is essentially a matchbox-sized black box with five red high intensity LEDs. It comes with a cord and runs on a single L1028 battery. Depending on use, the battery lasts for one to two years.
Operation
As long as the red button is pressed, the LEDs produce a beam of safe red light. It is bright enough to read labeling on photographic paper packaging, data sheets and instructions from a distance of 30cm. The light is also more than adequate to locate the occasionally dropped dodging tool.
Fogging
I tested it for fogging with various photographic papers (ADOX MCC110, Ilford MGIV, BERGGER Prestige) - even prolonged direct exposure did not have an effect.
Colour Printing
There is also a version for colour printing with yellow LEDs available.
Verdict & Availability
The Safelight Torch is a very handy tool for around 50 USD.
Solid build quality guarantees that it is going to be a one-time investment.
The following dealers sell these devices brand new, provide excellent service and ship worldwide:
