Yellow or orange filter for 72XL

[hyperfocal]

Hopefully this question hasn�t been covered elsewhere � so here goes: I have a 72XL and need to get a filter (105 mm filter size 95-105 step-up ring would be best, IMHO) to bring down the clear blue sky densities on B&Ws. I don�t want the black skies of a red 25, but not the washed out look of no filter. The question is which filter to get. Will a dark yellow, #15, be adequate considering the fall off occuring with a front rise (which is what I do in almost all cases)? I actually would like a 041 orange (the B&W number), but fear this would lead to overly dark skies with the fall off. I figure with the fall off, the top of the sky would be as dark or darker than with a red 25. By the way, I wouldn�t use the center filter for the B&W. Any ideas?

 

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THX

 

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Hyperfocal

[wm._mitchell]

John,

Is the #15 B+W's 023 dark yellow? Frankly, I'd consider 040 [yellow-

orange]. It will be darker, but not as dark as the red. In any case,

which ever filter you decide on, order the slim version to reduce the

fall off.

BILL

[bill_smithe2]

John,

 

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One of the most common mistakes when using contrast filters is "over

filtering." This results in a print appearing harsh and artificial.

It's better to use minimal or no filtration than to use it

excessively. If an orange filter is used it will dramatically darken

the blue sky and give the needed contrast between it and the cloud

values. And mostimportantly and often forgotten, it will also darken

green foliage and landscape shadows that are illuminated by blue sky

light.

 

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The Yellow #12, sometimes referred to as a -Blue filters provides the

most accurate tonal correction of any other filter. It corrects

panchromatic film closer to what the human eye sees than other

filters.

 

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One option to using a deep red or orange filter is to use the yellow

#12 and place shadow areas that you would normally place on Zone III

on Zone IV and give the film a N-1 development.

 

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Just some thoughts.

 

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Bill

[dan_smith]

I don't think there is one exact & easy answer. Some of the filters

effectiveness depends on what film you are using. Newer 'enhanced red

sensitivity' films will come out a bit different than TriX or

whatever.

If possible, go to a good store like Calumet that is well stocked &

take your camera, some holders and set up for a shot in the parking

lot & try a few different filters & see just which gives you what you

need. Saves a lot of time & effort.

[robert_a._zeichner1]

I use a Wratten G (#15) frequently for darkening skies and have never

been disappointed with foliage getting too dark or with loss of shadow

detail. In cases where I want to darken a sky more than achievable

with a a yellow or dark yellow filter, I combine with a polarizer.

[jack_nadelle]

You should have both including the red.. Filters effectiveness depends

on saturation of sky which depends on moisture and relation to sun

etc.. a filter will render differently each time you use it. Bracket if

you are not sure. While no one really likes to talk about bracketing

you are better off giving yourself more options when you get back to

the darkroom. You should get a center filter to correct the natural

fall off of the wide angle lens, they are expensive-but what are going

to do? There are going to be some situations where the correct choice

for filtering just is not obvious. Some filtering whether it is a

light yellow to a deep red or green or blue helps almost every

situation. There is almost no question about it.