hi all. i'm building cardboard rollfilm cameras and i need a red window for the back.so far i've stolen them from other old cameras i have, but i'd really rather not do that. does anyone know of a red plastic that will block light? will any red plastic or celophane do the trick? thanks.

-- mark boucher (bouchermd@aol.com), January 18, 2000

Answers

There is a material used in graphic process work called Rubylith--it is a red tape--that might meet your need.

-- (edbuffaloe@unblinkingeye.com), January 18, 2000.

Hi Mark. Agree with Ed about Rubylith. You should be able to find some Rubylith tape at an art store or graphic supply co. You might also look in the yellow pages for some screen printers in your area. Most use the film and tape Rubyliths and probably would sell you some. If you can't find any in your area, e-mail me and I will send you a roll.

-- Don Sparks (Harleyman7@aol.com), January 19, 2000.

Ruby Lith should be available at printers, silk screeners and graphic arts suppliers. Well stocked art supply stores ought to have it too. You might consider sandwiching the red film between two layers of clear Mylar or acetate. The peel-off red film is delicate and can be scratched easily.

-- Tony Brent (ajbrent@mich.com), January 21, 2000.

The red window is really a throwback to the days of non-panchromatic film (i.e. Blue and green sensitive only). With modern films the red colour is redundant, not to say ridiculous.

A far better solution would be a dark neutral grey, dark green (for reasons too complicated to go into here), or simply a little hinged shutter to cover the hole when not winding on. A little flap of cardboard stuck down one edge with black tape should suffice.

-- Pete Andrews (p.l.andrews@bham.ac.uk), January 26, 2000.