I need information about which Ilford filter to use in B/W printing. I use RCVC paper and am not sure which filters to use to increase or decrease contrast. There were no instructions with the filters I recently bought. I will appreciate any information you can give me about the use of Ilford filters. Thank you. Kelly Com

-- kelly combine (kelandot@aol.com), January 08, 2001

Answers

Kelly, If you got any camera store (that sells dark room accessories) you will find a multigrade filter pack (I recommend the "Ilford Multigrade filters") you will get a set of filters from 0-5, I believe that is all you need. Those filters will give you varrying contrasts so you can choose which one you want to use.

Rule of thumb(1)..... A correctly exposed frame will need a #2 filter for normal use. 2) 0 will give the lowest of contrasts. 5 will give you the sharpest of contrast. It is up to you to decide how much contrast you want.

Good Luck Nauman

-- Nauman Saghir (nsaghir@hotmail.com), January 08, 2001.

Sounds like Kelly already has the filters. Lower number, lower contrast... higher number, higher contrast. Just remember if you move to a #4 or greater from a lower number, the exposure time will double. the filter usually have a little fact sheet, maybe recheck at the back.

If you're completely new to this, I'd suggest you pick a negative and print it with each full grade filter (eg 1,2,3,4,5). Do this by printing the #3 1st and deciding on an exposure, then replicate that for the #1 & #2, then double it for the #4 & #5. This will show you the differences.

-- Nigel Smith (nlandgl@unite.com.au), January 08, 2001.