Blue (B+W 081) filters for b/w

Dante_Stella

Dante_Stella

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Ok, so B&H thought they were sending me an 061 (dark green) and instead sent me a 081, which is a 2x cyan filter. I have some of these filters in sets from the 1950s for other cameras. I understand that these are supposed to "increase aerial effects," "accentuate haze and mist," and generally cut down contrast.

Has anyone actually used these? Any shots you can show?

Because this is a somewhat unusual item in modern filters, I was weighing whether to return it or keep it and look for another 061 green. It only cost $14, so given the cost of postage and the fact that the B+W plastic case alone is worth some money (I actually need a few more…), it may not be worth sending back if it has any real-world functionality. I've never really used anything before to decrease contrast or accentuate blues.

Thanks,
Dante
 
In my opinion, I'd keep it. It was not expensive and you never know when you might want to experiment with it.

I'd personally load up a roll of film, head out on a nice sunny day with a blue sky with some white clouds and shoot. Try to shoot each shot w and w/o the filter, looking for common scenes you'd snap as well as focusing on areas with blue in them etc.

Then develop and see what you got. I've used a Tiffen red 25 and blue 47 a few times but I don't have any specific shots on hand that I could share.

I'd be interested in seeing your results though, if you decide to give it a whirl.
 
It'll blow skies and open up shadows on clear day (as shadows get lighted by the blue sky). Will lower the EV of your tungsten slightly.

It'll also give laser eyes to the aryans (cyborg-nazi):

547129_10151253844806551_283997755_n.jpg


The wall in the background is red, and as expected: it darkens.
 
Dear Dante,

Tried 'em, yes.

Have any pics I'm willing to admit to? No.

Even so, I'd keep it, given the marginal cost. You might one day think of a use for it.

Cheers,

R.
 
It tends to produce a look similar to using orthographic commercial film (as in the early era of photography), Tri-X Ortho or Ilford Commercial film. So it emphasizes male facial skin tones. And everything mentioned previously.

I just bought an 55mm 80B Minolta filter from KEH (dark blue, also). Cost me 89 cents. :D
 
Dante, they sent me the wrong filter once. I called them to get the return procedure, and they said keep it and we will send you another.
 
charjohncarter said:
Dante, they sent me the wrong filter once. I called them to get the return procedure, and they said keep it and we will send you another.
Click to expand...

Win! Win! Worth a shot.
On the subject of experimentation...
Like Efke films, and ortho films, reduced red sensitivity can work. Anything in the red-yellow side of the color wheel will darken. Blue shadows will open up.
Working from memory...always a gamble.
I think I read in Ansel Adam's "The Making of 40 Photographs" about his photo of White House Ruins: Ansel said (paraphrasing) that he always admired Timothy O'Sullivan's photo of White House Ruins for the quality of the open shadows in the alcove behind the ruins and the striking contrast of the red sandstone above. Both of these he attributed to antique ortho emulsions. Albumen in O'Sullivan's case. Mr. Adams therefore used either a blue or green filter for his photo to attempt the same result.
Something to think about.

Wayne
 
Useful for experimenting when you want to make it look as though the photo was taken 100 years ago.
Personally on the rare occasions I shoot film these days I use a yellowy green Vivitar filter not too dissimilar to the "free" green filters you got with FSU stuff.
Very easy to learn about the effect of colour filters on B&W in software now :)
 
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