Using Light Box as Light Source

FotoDave@aol.com
Fri, 19 Jul 1996 14:46:41 -0400

Sorry that this is a repost. I posted the original question under a different
(and wrong) subject, so I thought I should change the subject line.

Scopic's book doesn't show how to use a light box as the light source. I have
a 12x18 light box for viewing slides. It has color-corrected tubes in it
(5000 deg. K). Can I use it for the light source? What is a starting point
for exposure time?

Also, do I have to worry about the unevenness of the light? Since it has
only
a frosted acrylic over the tubes, the light is brighter near the tubes. Do I
need another piece for acrylic so that the light will be more even?

I am thinking about laying down the negative, sensitized paper, a mouse pad,
a piece of glass or plywood, and finally a book (for weight) over the light
box. Do you think this will work?

Another question is how can I walk out of the darkroom when the paper is
being exposed? Do I have completely light-proof the exposure system?

Thanks in advance for any help/suggestion.