How Best to Get the Olive Skin Complexion On B&W Film?

[braxus]

I managed to get this effect using Efke 25 roll film on an overcast, but slightly sunny day back in 2004. It gave my lady model a darker skin tone, as if she had a dark tan. But on later attempts, I wasn't able to replicate this dark skin tone look. Some B&W pictures I see this effect at times for no reason. I love it when B&W film gives the person a kind of glow with their skin, showing many different tones on their face. Im told Im looking for the Olive complexion look.

So that said, how best do I get this effect? I was using a Pentax 6x7 with an old 1970s 105mm Takumar lens, which had older coatings on it. The sunlight was just peaking through the clouds, as it was around 10:30AM, giving a little light on the subject. But shutter speeds were indeed low (since 25ASA film), with a lower lighting situation. I used a tripod as well.

First off, do I really need to use an ortho-pan or orthochromatic film to get this look? Or will any B&W film do?

 

[koraks]

Try a green filter with fairly diffuse light on the subject.
But your models may not particularly like this, as it tends to emphasize blemishes, wrinkles etc. Not as much as a blue filter though.

 

[locutus]

Oi would suggest Ilford hp5 400 with a blue filter.

I don't know what size you print, but grain should not be intrusive on a 9.5x11 ish print.