Variable contrast filters advice?

[ChrisPlatt]

What has been your experience using Kodak filters with Ilford papers, and vice versa?

TIA,
Chris

 

[Pablito]

The Ilford filters give best results with Ilford paper. There is no more Kodak paper! (but the Ilford papers used to work ok with it) I've long since changed to an enlarger with a multigrade head. But I found the Ilford filter set much better than the old Kodak filters. They are designed to maintain constant exposure times as you change contrast - up till #4 (if I remember correctly) when you have to add a stop.

 

[Chriscrawfordphoto]

The Ilford filters give best results with Ilford paper. There is no more Kodak paper! (but the Ilford papers used to work ok with it) I've long since changed to an enlarger with a multigrade head. But I found the Ilford filter set much better than the old Kodak filters. They are designed to maintain constant exposure times as you change contrast - up till #4 (if I remember correctly) when you have to add a stop.

The Kodak ones maintain constant exposure too..On Kodak papers. I think the Ilford ones only do that on Ilford and other papers made for the Ilford filters. I remember years ago when I did a lot of darkroom work that a lot of smaller companies made their papers to work with the Ilford filters.

 

[sepiareverb]

I wouldn't worry about it Chris. I've got students using Kodak, Ilford and homemade filters from gels that are just 'close' to the right color, all getting good looking prints. Times with the homemade filters are all over the place, but within either brands filter set times are consistent- with grade 4 and higher needing 1 stop more time.