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Ilford Contrast Filters
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I came across some information on the web which looks like the info that I need, quote below.
Does anyone have experience with this, and would you say it is good advice?
I’m using Ilford filters and Ilford VC paper.Quote
“if you print with contrast filters on VC papers, you should always use a filter, even if the neg is normal, or #2. With no filter, most VC papers are grade 2 without a filter, but start with a #2 filter anyhow, or you’ll be out of calibration should you decide to use a filter afterall.”Thanks,
Martin
I think they are talking about making test strips at the start and what filter you should use to work out your base exposure
As a general guide they(books) say to make your test strip at grade 2 as this will give contrast fairly close to whats in your neg. If you are going to split grade then you will need to test strip at 0 and at 5 or if multi grading then etc etc …..
as for
“most VC papers are grade 2 without a filter”
I dont think this is true, I woudl have thought you get grade 0 with no filter on VC paper as thats what my enlarger does anyhow…
Actually you know what, I dont know what hes on about…
Thanks Martin,
I think he and you are talking about the same thing. But with 2 different answers. I suspect it may be enlarger (and bulb type) dependent, as Ilford don’t seem to spell it out.What would be ideal is that I could use a filter at all times, so that changing contrast just means changing the filter (and adjusting the exposure without re-testing as per ilfords instructions, see below).
From Ilford (http://www.ilfordphoto.com/aboutus/page.asp?n=117″ onclick=”window.open(this.href);return false;
“Filters 00-3 1/2 require the same exposure; filters 4, 4½ and 5 require twice as much exposure. “So my question is, and put more clearly: is there a baseline filter corresponding to no contrast filter (for [say] Ilford paper)?
Ilford doesn’t mention a baseline on their description of the filter, as far as I can see.So my question is, and put more clearly: is there a baseline filter corresponding to no contrast filter (for [say] Ilford paper)?
Ilford doesn’t mention a baseline on their description of the filter, as far as I can see.I would think that is filter number 0
Using no filter will be near to a grade 0 but not the same as different bulb manufacturers or even different bulbs would have slightly different tone. Therefore a grade zero filter would set a base line for the colour that is placed on the paper…
Using no filter is supposed to equal using a no. 2 filter with just less exposure time required. Ilford are recommending you use the no. 2 so the exposure time won’t change if you swith to a any filter bwetween 0 to 3.5. Using a 4 or 5 will simply double your exposure time. If you start working without any filter and then decide to use one, you will have to do a new test strip as the exposure times will differ.
Peter
Thanks guys,
I will do a check anyway to make sure with my setup, but its good to have the info/experience of others.Martin
thefizz wrote:
Using no filter is supposed to equal using a no. 2 filter
I have never found that on my enlarger. I use a Multigrade head though so maybe thats why. Turning the grades off or setting the grade to 0 are 95% the same… Find it handy for split grade printing as I just leave the grade on 5 and just turn on and off the grades when doing the grade 0 and grade 5 exposures which is very quick
Might be a handheld filters thing so…
M
Yes a multi grade enlarger head may be diffferent, but I don’t really know. What Ilford are referring to is their multi contrast filter set which I presume is what MartinOC is using in his enlarger.
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