Do contrast filters fade?

Is it a bad idea to buy used contrast filters? Kodak says that
safelight filters change over time, so might contrast filters also fade
out over time? I think they are all gel filters, which use dye.

Bonus question: Since red is the lowest-energy visible light, is a red
safelight safe for any B&W paper? I really don't want to have a stock
of filters hanging around and be concerned with which paper I can use
with the current filter.

I wouldn't get used contrast filters. I don't think that new filters cost
enough to be worth it.


tbrown wrote:
: Is it a bad idea to buy used contrast filters? Kodak says that
: safelight filters change over time, so might contrast filters also fade
: out over time? I think they are all gel filters, which use dye.

: Bonus question: Since red is the lowest-energy visible light, is a red
: safelight safe for any B&W paper? I really don't want to have a stock
: of filters hanging around and be concerned with which paper I can use
: with the current filter.


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Keep working millions on welfare depend on you
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All filters fade over time, more so from exposure to light with use. I guess
whether I would buy them would depend on just how inexpensive they were, and
how much they had been used. Less than $5, maybe, any more and I would put
the money toward new filters.

As for using red safelights for B&W paper, you could, but why would you want
to work in darker less visible conditions than you would have with the
standard OC safelight which can be used for most B&W papers.
"tbrown" wrote in message
oups.com...
Is it a bad idea to buy used contrast filters? Kodak says that
safelight filters change over time, so might contrast filters also fade
out over time? I think they are all gel filters, which use dye.

Bonus question: Since red is the lowest-energy visible light, is a red
safelight safe for any B&W paper? I really don't want to have a stock
of filters hanging around and be concerned with which paper I can use
with the current filter.

tbrown wrote:
Is it a bad idea to buy used contrast filters? Kodak says that
safelight filters change over time, so might contrast filters also
fade
out over time? I think they are all gel filters, which use dye.

Bonus question: Since red is the lowest-energy visible light, is a
red
safelight safe for any B&W paper? I really don't want to have a stock
of filters hanging around and be concerned with which paper I can use
with the current filter.

Yes, the filters fade. Buy new ones, and replace every few years.