AP Plastics AP RED Darkroom Safelight

Name: AP Plastics AP RED Darkroom Safelight
Price: 79.95 USD
Availability: InStock
Rating: 3.3 (126 reviews)

Curated from 126 real Reddit conversations

Refreshed on: April 4, 2025

AP Plastics AP RED Darkroom Safelight

Brand: AP Plastics

Price: $79

Snoop Score:

3.3

Sentiment

5.2

Popularity

0.9

Technical

3.6

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Snoop's Take

The AP RED Darkroom Safelight is designed to provide a safe lighting environment for photographers working in darkrooms, ensuring that film and photographic paper are protected from exposure. This safelight features a 15-watt bulb and a red filter, allowing users to see while developing black and white prints without compromising their materials. Consumer feedback highlights the effective use of the safelight for darkroom activities, with users sharing sentiments like, "Hey guys, Lately I've been shooting on b&w 35mm and I started looking into setting up my own darkroom." However, some concerns arise regarding fogging issues, as multiple users have noted that improper use can lead to damage, with one stating, "It’s not film safe, that needs to be done in total darkness." Overall, while the product has its strengths, potential buyers should be aware of the risks associated with its use. Considering the mixed feedback, the AP RED Darkroom Safelight is recommended for dedicated darkroom users who understand the precautions necessary, but those new to film development may want to proceed with caution due to the fogging issues reported.

Not for you? Check out our other rated Safelights

it's super comfortable.
Positive Feedback

This looks like fogging from a red safelight…
Negative Feedback

3.3

AP Plastics AP RED Darkroom Safelight

Buy on Amazon for $79

Darkroom Film Development

3 / 10

Exposure Testing

3 / 10

Multigrade Paper Processing

4 / 10

On-location Darkroom Setup

4 / 10

See how this compares to all Safelights

What it does well!

Key strengths users can’t stop talking about.

Comfortable fit of the body armor

“it's super comfortable.”➕

“It's comfortable and covers me well.”➕

Good quality and worth the money

“it seems MOST people agree that they are a well made product and worth the money.”➕

“none of them come even close to the comfort level or durability of the safelife tactical vest I have.”➕

Effective in protection during use

“I've messed with it some and as far as carriers go, the quality ain't bad and it's comfortable.”➕

Sleek design of tactical carriers

“I love the safelife concealable carrier compared to every other one I've seen anywhere.”➕

Effective for darkroom use

“Hey guys, Lately I've been shooting on b&w 35mm and I started looking into setting up my own darkroom.”➕

Where it needs some work!

Areas to watch—feedback on possible improvements.

Using a safelight can lead to fogging issues.

“This looks like fogging from a red safelight…”➕

“I fear this might have damaged the film.”➕

“Red lights from phones are not safe, they act pretty much as normal light and will ruin any film or paper.”➕

“It’s not film safe, that needs to be done in total darkness.”➕

Stitching issues on outer carrier

“the only issue is with the Outer carrier some of the stitching wore off in the first month of me having it but I sent it back got a new carrier and haven’t had any issues since then.”➕

Less flexibility compared to US options

“Safelife soft armor is assembled in China, is less flexible than many US options and costs about the same.”➕

Quality concerns regarding Chinese manufacturing

“The carriers are made in China.”➕

Mediocre build quality compared to industry standards

“From every metric their stuff is mediocre at best, whether it's build quality, areal density or price.”➕

Compare On All Talked About Dimensions

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YCCLDIPL Darkroom Safelight Portable Red Lamp	$15	6.2	Details	Buy
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AP Plastics AP RED Darkroom Safelight	$79	3.3	Details	Buy
CPM Delta 1 Brightlab Junior Safelight 11W Red Bulb	$31	3.2	Details	Buy
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Technical Precision Replacement for Thomas SAFELIGHT LED	$205	2.7	Details	Buy

Core Power Plays

The specs and strengths that make it shine.

Discussion about the effectiveness of bug lights for darkroom use.

“I'm really happy with the mask. I feel like my skin is smoother, it's easier to apply make-up (!) and my skin looks overall smoother and tighter.”➕

“Have fun”➕

Discussion about the effectiveness of different armor types

“the Safelife FRAS is also a 3+ ICW plate but the design they use isn’t as flushed out and resilient.”➕

Debate on the best armor brands

“Not a single vest out of the multiple dozens I've tried were comfortable or sized right.”➕

Hidden Hero Hacks

Unexpected tricks and side‑door uses you’ll love.

Mention of using AP Blue emulsion for daylight washouts

“I have been using this dummy proof emulsion called AP Blue that's been letting me do washout in broad daylight in my backyard.”➕

Red light least disrupts circadian rhythm.

“Red light is the best because it has the shortest wave lengths and messes with circadian rhythm least.”➕

Red light provides comfort for babies at night.

“my son seems to fall back to sleep on his own better realizing where he is again.”➕

Mention of using AP Blue emulsion for daylight washouts.

“If you’re thinking about getting an LED mask, this is worth a watch!”➕

“I'm setting up a darkroom out in my shed!”➕

Buyer’s Cheat Sheet

What to check before you click ‘Add to Cart.’

Discussion about red light therapy for hair growth

“the study shows that this increased energy helps prolong the growth phase (anagen) of the hair cycle, making hair stay active and grow longer.”➕

“It's honestly something I'm probably going to look into getting since it's noon invasive.”➕

“$700 for a red light helmet is disgusting.”➕

“I bought (on prime day) a red light therapy wand for muscle aches etc and it says can be used on your head to help with hair growth.”➕

Discussion about various forms of red light therapy

“I can’t say enough good things about red light.”➕

“This post might be the push I need.”➕

“Before you buy id encourage you to learn about the difference between NIR (infrared light) vs JUST 'Red LED'.”➕

“It absolutely works.”➕

Red light helps with night vision.

“Red light is beneficial for night vision.”➕

“this is gold, thank you!! <33”➕

“Is this everything I need to start developing film?”➕

“I thought would be perfect for a space I could print B&W photos.”➕

Questioning the use of safelight in developing process.

“You didn’t try using a safelight did you?”➕

Discussion about red light therapy for hair growth.

“this link is probably the best source”➕

Discussion about various forms of red light therapy.

“Oh fab, thanks. If I get it, will try and update how it goes!”➕

“The only reels I've had lots of trouble with are the 'Knock off' Paterson reels that just 'don't work'.”➕

Discussion about practice techniques for loading film.

“Now you can use this roll to practice first in the light and then in the dark until you have it down.”➕

“Having them dry is such an important thing.”➕

“The dud roll practice is so important.”➕

“Paterson tank is good.”➕

Comments on the complexity of product options

“Good grief, I just got off the phone with Safelife and they confused the heck out of me.”➕

Cautionary Callouts

Know the pitfalls before they catch you off guard.

Discussion about the effectiveness of bug lights for darkroom use

“No issues.”➕

“Ya this is a bug light and figured it would work fine.”➕

“Honestly, depending on the emulsion you use, any regular light would be fine too.”➕

Discussion about light leaks causing developing issues.

“Looks suspiciously fogged. And the fog is cyan.”➕

“Developing looks fine but there are serious light leak problems.”➕

Discussion about the safety of red light for different film types.

“Appart from orthochromatic which can be exposed to darkroom's red safe light (actual safelight, not from a phone), no it has to be done in complet darkness.”➕

“Also, just to clarify further, Orthochromatic film is MUCH more sensitive than darkroom paper.”➕

“You cant use red lights with panchromatic film. Thats Hollywood bullshit.”➕

“Also the red light for orto film is not meant to be used when you manipulate the film but to check when you develop.”➕

Questioning the effectiveness of phone red lights as safelights.

“Reading the reviews on this reel made me feel a lot better after having so much trouble loading 120 on patterson reels.”➕

Discussion on advancements in safelight technology

“it's really REALLY nice to really be able to see in there.”➕

AP Plastics AP RED Darkroom Safelight

Curated from 126 real Reddit conversations

AP Plastics AP RED Darkroom Safelight

Snoop's Take

AP Plastics AP RED Darkroom Safelight

Darkroom Film Development

Exposure Testing

Multigrade Paper Processing

On-location Darkroom Setup

What it does well!

Where it needs some work!

Compare On All Talked About Dimensions

Core Power Plays

Hidden Hero Hacks

Buyer’s Cheat Sheet

Cautionary Callouts

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