[pure-silver] Re: pure-silver Digest V1 #23

From: "Garry Lewis" <garrylewis747@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
Subject: [pure-silver] Re: pure-silver Digest V1 #23
Date: Thu, 30 Sep 2004 18:00:35 -0500

> >It's also a good idea to ground your enlarger (with a wire to a cold 
> >water pipe or the center screw of an electric outlet) so that static 
> >electricity doesn't attract dust.
> 
> Only if your pipes/outlets "are" grounded to the ground. There was an
> article that pointed out that with the increased use of PVC and quickie
> wiring standards, that a lot of systems are not grounded. Unless you see a
> grounding straps or wires to the outside of you house into the ground,
> don't assume that your pipes or outlets are grounded- check it out for
> yourself!. Just a heads up, not a criticism.

It is irrelevant. Grounding an enlarger won't help general dust
problems between two charged objects. The same goes to grounding a
turntable or arm of the record player. What helps is to increase the
conductivity of the material which causes friction, etc. that generates
static charge. This is simply done by adjusting the humidity.

Above RH 30%, fungus growth to optics becomes more active. At
significantly below RH 30%, mechanical failure is more common.  So
camera manufacturers generally specify RH 30% as an ideal condition
for their mechanisms. I think this is a good guideline for enlarger as
well. Storage condition of the negatives and prints are also extremely
important whenever permanence is a consideration.

Many fabric softeners contain ionic surfactants that act as antistatic
agent.  They don't work well no acrylic fabric, but work ok on nylon
and cotton. It may help a bit to use such a product on a cloth to put
on the enlarger. When I had my darkroom in my residence, I used to
cover the enlarger with a huge cardboard box when not in use.

--
Ryuji Suzuki
"Keep a good head and always carry a light camera."
=============================================================================================================
To unsubscribe from this list, go to www.freelists.org and logon to your 
account (the same e-mail address and password you set-up when you subscribed,) 
and unsubscribe from there.

Other related posts: