Ilford filter help.

G

Guest

Guest
Ok just got multigrade paper and filter set. Any tip's for choosing the right filter, I have only used 2, 3 and 3 1/2 grade paper in the past, this amount seems like over kill. Is the old 3 grade paper the same number 3 filter in the pack. Using on 6x6 and 6x9 negs, previously found my 35mm stuff needed a low grade paper for some reason.
Cheers for any help given.
 
The numbers on the filters correspond to paper grade numbers. Grade 2 is the 'normal' contrast grade. If you are developing your film correctly, this is the one most will print with.

Start with the grade 2 filter for your first test print and determine your print exposure by looking at the light tones in the image.

Once you've determined the correct exposure for the white/light grays, then look at the dark tones. If they're too dark, switch to a lower numbered filter. Exposure won't change, your light tones should stay the same, the filter will affect the darks only.

If the dark tones in your test print are too light, use a higher contrast filter. The #3 and #3.5 filters are exposure matched to all the lower contrast filters, but the 4, 4.5, and 5 filters need a stop more exposure to keep the light tones where you want them.
 
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