eyes open or closed?

[back alley]

last night, as i was loading film onto reels in my darkroom/bathroom, i realized that even though i was IN THE DARK that i closed my eyes as i went through the process of finding my can opener, the reels, loading the film and closing the top of my tanks etc.

so, if you do your own processing, which is it?
do you keep your eyes open or closed?

[rover]

I use a changing bag and watch TV while loading reels.

[back alley]

gotta be different!
did ya vote?

joe

[rover]

My vote is in, how did I miss the poll part up top?

[back alley]

you were looking with 50mm eyes instead of 35mm eyes?

joe

[taffer]

Both eyes open if it's a 1:1 darkroom...

[Honu-Hugger]

Keeping my eyes open in a bathroom/darkroom is why I finally bought a changing bag -- it wasn't dark! I was traveling and sealed the door bottom with towels, had the room lights outside the bathroom off, and yet as my eyes adjusted I could still see in the darkened room. Maybe I eat a lot of carrots...

Even with a darkroom at home I'll almost always use the changing bag for total dark film loading -- like Rover, in front of the TV.

[Roger Hicks]

Often closed. Silly, innit? At least I know it's not just me...

Cheers,

Roger

[Wayne R. Scott]

I used to load with my eyes closed. I once loaded 8 4x5 double sided film holders with my eyes closed and when I opened them I realized that I had not turned off the safelight in the dark room. :mad: I got to load them all again.

Wayne

[TPPhotog]

I use a changing bag, but strangely have my eyes closed. I find it easier that way :bang:

[Solinar]

Eyes open. I sometimes convince myself that I can almost see something. Then it takes two or three tries to find the door handle.

[Dave H]

in the changing bag sat at the kitchen table blankly looking at the wall in a zen like trance. I've managed somehow to convince myself that if I try this anywhere else in the house I'll completly mess it up.

[Tim]

Changing Bag AND eyes closed. I find that when I'm doing things by feel it helps to not have other senses interfering. Same principle has been observed when I'm working on the MG; my better half has a photo of me leaning over the guard, arms down inside the engine bay, tounge between my teeth, and eyes closed........

[hoot]

Closed, but on purpose. Nothing like an opportunity to rest those tired eyes. :cool:

[canonetc]

ha ha, funny poll. Actually, I sometimes find myself staring into space.

chris

[FrankS]

Eyes open with a few candles lit.



Wait, what was the question again?

[BJ Bignell]

Eyes open, for sure. I find that I can concentrate better on what my hands are doing when I stare off into space, rather than when they are closed.

Plus, there's nothing light-proof about the damned closet in my apartment! I put up the sheet, block the corners, and then stand there waiting for my eyes to adjust.... A-ha, another light leak, block that, wait some more, then finally get started.

[ErnestoJL]

For a very long long time I´ve kept my eyes closed in my bathroom/darkroom. It was a real surprise when I opened my eyes one night and saw a lot of white things.... and also a lot of tiny bright stars....OOOPSSS ! Then I decided to make it really light proof....and designed and made a custom changing bag based on an old rigid briefcase. This was (and still is) absolutely light tight!
Now, working under normal room lighting, I keep my eyes closed because I want no other disturbing information from the sorroundings other than my fingers can supply.

[gns]

I realized a long time ago that I was closing my eyes and thought that was kind of funny. Then later, I realized that if I dropped something, I opened my eyes while I was feeling around for it. Like that would help!

[GermanB]

I use a changing bag but I close my eyes just to avoid any distraction :)

[hoot]

Eyes open with a few candles lit.

Wait, what was the question again?Har! Perhaps that's why some cameras have female-sounding names (Bessa, Contessa, Vitessa, Leica)... so your average male heterosexual photographer won't feel guilty fondling them by candlelight.

Cameras are a lot like women, actually. They keep nudging you to buy them expensive accessories. :D

[MrBuhl]

I realized a long time ago that I was closing my eyes and thought that was kind of funny. Then later, I realized that if I dropped something, I opened my eyes while I was feeling around for it. Like that would help!

LOL! I do exactly the same thing!! :D Like others below I also close my eyes whether in the dark or using a changing bag as well....

[BrianPhotog]

I use a changing bag and watch TV while loading reels.Yep, best way. Then change soups during commercials :)

[XAos]

I use a changing bag so I can keep my eyes open. It makes about as much sense as closing your eyes in a dark room I guess, but if I can see SOMETHING, i feel like I can tell what my hands are doing. One of these days I'm going to make me a changing box so I can use it like a bag without worrying that I'm gonna cut the folds of the bag while clipping the leader off.

[oftheherd]

Eyes open, as I am usually judging if I have indeed gotten the closet light tight. I still do it that way when I am using a changing bag. Don't know why, just didn't seem right to close my eyes when I couldn't see anyway (?).

[John Robertson]

Figure this out!! I use a changing bag to load the tank, but find that I c'ant seem to manage very well unless I have my glasses on!!! Must be an age thing. :confused:

[oneeyedcat]

And here I thought I was the only one who keeps his eyes closed while loading reels. I don't just keep them "restim my eyes" closed though I keep them clenched shut as if I'm trying to stop any light leaks there as well.

[berci]

Changing bag, and hoping that no one will ring the bell or the phone while fiddling with the reel and the celluloid snake.

[nikon_sam]

In a changing bag watching TV, eyes open. Eyes will close if I start having problems with the film. (That way I can secretly see inside the bag)

Do you realize that you're the most vulnerable while in this position...???