Re: ghost flash in darkroom

[Don Roberts <droberts@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Jaap Los wrote:
> 
> Hi all,
> For the fourth time now I noticed strange light flashes in my darkroom.
> What happened: it's about T-max 100 b/w film on 120 spool while
> preparing the film for loading into the spiral of the developing tank.
> (of course in absolute darkness!) When I tear the black covering paper
> from the actual filmroll (as you know it's fixed to the paper by a strip
> of adhesive tape) I noticed a light flash roughly coming from the spot
> where the film is fixed to the paper. It's not a very strong flash but
> it is well noticeable. It could be some sort of static electric
> discharge, that's what I think it is. The flash is always there when I
> tear the film quickly and with some force. When I do it carefully there
> is no flash. I first thought that the flash was related to a  possible
> eye problem, but I'm now convinced it is not.

Jaap, you are correct that it is static electricity.  One should always remove
the tape slowly just as a precaution.  I suppose if you are pushing TX to a
high speed you might get some static marks on the film.  I have always noticed
the "lightning" but have never actually seen any  problems from it.  Most
books however warn you about it.


=========================================================   
Don Roberts * Bittersweet Productions * Iowa City, IA
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