Red Window Repair

[Roel Scheijde]

I have a box camera (a gap), it seems to be in working order and it takes 120 film.
But the red window is realy dark, I can't see the numbers trou it, is this a common flaw of gap or can it be cleaned.

Thanks in advance.

[B&Jdude]

It is common for the red windows to darken (or change color, often to a dark orange) and make reading the film numbers unreadable. I have used the red plastic from ring binder or file folder tabs to cut out new red windows . . . it is a thick enough plastic to be sufficiently rigid and works great.

EuGene

[Bob F.]

If you are using Ilford film, this is normal: Ilford print the numbers very faintly to avoid print-through on to the emulsion. Some other manufacturers print the numbers more heavily. If you are having trouble reading Ilford's numbers but not others then I would conclude that the window is probably OK. I sometimes have to use the LED torchlight on my keyring...

Good tip from Eugene: must remember that one!

[richard littlewood]

I've got an old Ensign folder. That had a nasty red window, so I cut a piece of red lighting filter out of a Lee lighting sample swatch book and glued it on in place of the old one. Works a treat.
www.richard-littlewood.com

[glbeas]

Since we now shoot panchromatic film, whats the point in a red window? Any dark tint should do to reduce the light getting in the back.

[B&Jdude]

I guess the point is that even if any color will work for the window, most folks want to use a red window on their old cameras in the interest of originality. I have some old folders and a few Panorams that I use for picture taking, but which also I have restored, or at least fixed up nicely, and I do try to keep them as original as possible.