can I use any red lamp (25W) for safelight when developing my photos?

Question

I bought a normal red lamp that isn't specified for safelight when developing photos. The color or the tone of red can ruin the photos, or I can use any kind of red? I'm going to use Ilford photographic paper and it says "Safelight 902 (light brown)" in the box. The photographic paper can only be developed under that kind of red? Thanks!!

Answer 1

answer the question by testing it for yourself it's easy enough

take out a small piece of paper put it down where you plan to develop the photos place a quarter on the paper turn on the safe light and wait give it a couple of minutes now develop the paper if you can tell where the quarter was lying then the light is fogging your paper it is either too close or the wrong type

Answer 2

Ilford paper is sensitive to blue and green light. If your red light is really red, there should be no problems. The advantage of a light brown (amber) filter, is that you can see better under it. The 25 watt red lamp is pretty strong, make sure you keep it at least 6 feet away from the paper. And do a test like the previous person suggested.

Answer 3

back in the old days, my safelight was in a box that had a color gel filter on the glass. if your safelight aparatus does not have a filter, you might consider adding one. also being in a box, that helps control stray light.