Below the lens filters care strategies

How do you care for your below the lens filters? My sets have lasted for many years, but the no. 2 and 3 are showing their age.

I have a Kodak set and an Ilford set. After I am done enlarging for the day, I replace the filters in their respective slots in a covered box, but I notice that my most often used filters have developed splotchy little spots. Also a bit of dust.

I have washed with soap and water, successfully, I think. But some spotting is persistent. I can't advise using PEC-12 photographic emulsion cleaner, as it will made a swirl of my No. 2.

I did just purchase a new full set of Ilford filters, to be cut and replaced in the below the lens plastic filter holder. Really though, I only need to replace the No. 2 and No. 3, my most often used filters. In about thirty more years I am going to have a lot of extra no. 0, 1, 4, and 5 filters, I guess.

Care instructions for my Polymax set that I don't use anymore simply say to handle carefully and remove dust with a soft brush, they mention nothing about washing, perhaps you are causing the premature wear by washing them, IDK.

"perhaps you are causing the premature wear by washing them"

I resorted to washing after many years in an effort to get off the spots, but your caution is welcomed. For general dusting I have used the blower bulb. The filter material does seem quite delicate, and it seems that almost any effort to clean them brushing included, could cause problems over time.

Even with the spots, I can't say that I ever noticed a problem with the filters doing their job properly.

If I could just buy no. 2s and 3s I would save a bundle.

jmcd said:

If I could just buy no. 2s and 3s I would save a bundle.

Click to expand...

All you need to find is someone who likes to split contrast print, and who likes to share .

Matt

Simon Galley spoke about this on the recent Ilford tour. I have a colour head so may not have paid as much attention as I should have but I think he suggested that they had a life of something like 20 years before needing replacement.

Sounds like a pity that individual filters can't be replaced instead of having to buy a set but then again if it's 20 years between replacement then you might need to replace a max of twice after buying your first set in what would then be 60 years of printing.

On that basis Ilford might even give you the 4th set free in the same spirit that you get a telegram from the Queen when you get to be 100 years old.

pentaxuser

These filters do age, and they need to be replaced now and then, depending on use. I have an Ilford set. These are mounted in plastic holders and come in a small plastic case. A good start on care is to keep them in the case when not in use, and put the cover on the case when you are not actively using the filters (like after your enlarging session). Keep the filters dry, and be very careful not to get water drops on them. Moisture can destroy these filters. Clean with a soft brush or blow the dust off gently. You can probably use a microweave cleaning cloth for stubborn stuff, if you're gentle. Do not touch the filters with your fingers. If you have the unmounted gelatin filters, the same rules apply, but you have to be even more careful in handling them. Keep them in their paper envelopes and folders when they are not under the lens.

$49 for six inch filters divided by 30 years= $1.64 a year.
One gallon of gas locally today $1.64
Newspapers in the stand here cost $.75 x 3 days = $2.25

I wish all my worries were this cheap.

John Powers