GE /W!

This 175w High-Output White mercury vapor lamp was given to me by fellow member Icefoglights in a trade. It's not a Bonusline so I think it's a little newer, but I'm thinking late '60s or early '70s.

It does work, and is quite bright and lightly used. I certainly like its light quality much more than a /DX, not so pink.

The /W (High-Output White) was, as I understand it, an early attempt at increasing light output while diffusing the light. It did now, however, particularly improve color, hence the light quality isn't much better than that of a clear or /D (Diffused) lamp. I would describe it as rendering reds slightly better, but only slightly. It definitely has a greenish tone to it. I'd seen /W lit, but only in pictures, never in person. Definitely not pink like a /DX, and alsi it lacks that "fluorescent" effect /DX has; white paper doesn't fluoresce under the light of this lamp like happens with /DX. I personally also find the light much less harsh and jarring than that of /DX; I could happily work under /W but not /DX indoors as an only light source. Later lamps (aka /DX) improved light output in addition to CRI, but I personally prefer the light of /W over /DX hands down.