Which filter and B&W film choice

[zb3]

I just bought a Canonet which is currently being serviced with a CLA and new light seals. It has been a while since I shot film and my interest is B&W photography. I have to use a lab right now to develop and print. Which B&W film (Tri-x or ?) would you recommend and which Yellow filter; a #8 or #15 or? I am leaving on a month and a half motorcycle ride soon on back roads which will take me through most of the USA. Landscape to people will be covered from the West to the East coast and back. Thanks in advance for your response. This is my first rangefinder. Best regards, Wayne

 

[ssmc]

It's hard to go wrong with Tri-X or HP5 and a yellow or orange filter. If you have both filters you can use the yellow (e.g. Hoya K2 or B+W 022) all the time and the orange one to get the shutter speed / sperture under control in extremely bright conditions (something like a B+W 040 will cut you 2 stops). Get a clear filter for indoor shots at night (the Hoya HD clear protector filters are pricey but excellent, and really do seem to "repel" dirt). If you plan on shooting a lot of landscapes that feature yellow-orange sandstone (or deserts), think of adding an X1 green filter. It will not only add contrast to the sky but also bring out details in the rocks that tend to get a bit washed out by the other filters.

Good luck with your choices and have an awesome time on your trip! The American West has some of my all-time favourite photo locations 🙂
Scott

 

[cosmonaut]

I second the yellow filter.

 

[paulfish4570]

well, if you have to pay for processing anyway, why not bw400cn or xp2 with a yellow filter? both really fine films. BUT, if processing for tr-x or hp5 costs less than c-41 processing for 400cn and xp2, then go for one of the standards with yellow filter. personally, i'd go for a skylight for protection, and expose for highlights ...

 

[redisburning]

I recommend more than one film stock, honestly.

consider delta 100 for daytime work and tri-x/neopan for night work.

I prefer to limit my use of tri-x to MF and larger formats but I do occasionally shoot it in 35mm because you can buy rolls of it (for a hugely inflated price -_- ) at CVS, who ironically cannot process it.

 

[one90guy]

I use yellow, orange, and red. It just depends on the look Im wanting. My favorite film for C-41 is the XP2.

 

[Dana B.]

Tri-X is dope. Yellow filter, for outside, a must. SSMC said the rest. I feel b**t-naked without a filter. Forget enhancement by post-processing. That's for people who have "workflows."