Uv light

Is this UV Light on P#61c normal?

Looks like normal UV light to me, maybe a bit too much visible light to see luminescence on notes nicely.

Agree, that light is not good!

Here's one of my notes that I just photographed now:

So the issue is likely that my light is too weak? It works fine for most other notes which is why I was concerned

It may be a problem with both.

I have another note from Afghanistan that has such weak UV activity that if you looked quickly you would think it had nothing. I don't mean the fibres, I mean the printed UV ink. I've seen this with other notes too. I think the ink either gets worn off or it wasn't properly applied at production.

You then have to get another note just for the proper UV appearance.

It doesn't mean your note is fake.

But your light, as Idolenz says, emits a lot of visible light. It is not a question of weakness, it is a question of how well it is filtered. That's why my images are better: my light has a filtered 365nm beam. It makes a big difference. 

The UVC light that I use is one of those germicidal bulbs and I had to buy a separate piece of filter glass to get rid of all the visible light from there. The UVA light at 365nm should be buyable as is, equipped with a good filter already.

Thank you so much for the tip! One of my favorite things to do with new notes is check the UV so I'll definitely see about getting one

The other big help is having a camera on a tripod and having the note on a matte plastic sheet, black in colour.

You then hold up the UV light with one hand, high up and try to get even light onto the note. Then with the other hand you press the button on the camera.

So, the note is photographed straight on but the UV light is oblique. It has to be angled, to avoid the camera.

It comes out so nice!

Your photos truly are impressive, thanks for the tips! I'll see about having it set up!