Anyone use multigrade filters for film?

[mattk]

Try to find a quick and easy way to slow down some large lenses. Any chance I could use my 6x6 multigrade filters on some HP5 and Delta 100. I know it will reduce the light getting to the film (especially if combined)--anyone have experience with this? I going to give some paper negs a whack in the full sun for now.

 

[aste]

I'm just curious what you mean by, "slow down large lenses".

 

[mattk]

I have a f/4.5 8x10 lens that has a certain glow to it wide open--it also has a packard shutter (1/15 is the fastest I can get). Thus I have been limited to using it (at least outdoors) in the evening and early morning.

 

[Ken N]

I'd recommend proper lens filters, either ND (neutral density) or color contrast filters (yellow, orange, red, green, etc) or even a polarizer.

 

[Nicholas Lindan]

Try to find a quick and easy way to slow down some large lenses. Any chance I could use my 6x6 multigrade filters

Sure, should work fine. If you combine the 5 and 00 filters you will get red.

The Ilford 6x6's have excellent optical quality. But as you are after maximizing the aberrations in a large antique lens maybe the crappier the filters the better...

 

[domaz]

Good idea. Those filters go for cheap most of the time. You will have to find ones that aren't scratches though in this case since they are in the optical path. In an enlarger they are not always in the optical path so scratches don't matter much.

 

[aste]

I see. Thanks.

 

[ic-racer]

The bigger the lens and format, the less imperfections in the filter will affect the image. Since you are shooting wide open, I suspect you don't need the sharpest image anyway. So I'd just pick up some neutral density Roscoe lighting gel and use that. I'll bet it will work perfect for your purposes.