Ilford MC Filters........

[Charles Webb]

It looks like I am going to have to invest in a set of multicontrast filters. I am guessing since I most likely will be using Ilford papers I should look for Ilford filters. I have been avoiding makeing this purchase since Dupont brought out Varigam papers. I have never liked the look of prints made on multicontrast papers, but I guess now is the time for me to bite the bullet since what I like is but a fuzzy memory. I mean no offense to anyone using or liking multicontrast paper, it simply is a personal thing with me to use and like graded paper. I just was given 500 sheets of Ilford MC paper and want to try to use it. Seems it's just a another one of those things in photography pushing me in a direction I really don't want to go. but any way, is the Ilford
set of twelve what I need? I will be making a few contact prints and of course some enlargements. About how much cash am I going to have to part with to start using my freebie paper. I have no clue what Multicontrast filters are selling for. I haven't checked ebay since I am not sure I want to buy some one else's scratches and finger prints. Will most likey do so here very shortly, but I thought I would ask here first.

Thank you for any thoughts!

Charlie................................

 

[ann]

Charlie,

Like yourself, i would and do use graded papers; however for my classes we do use MC papers along with the filters and they are Ilford.

Be prepared for sticker shock when buying retail as a set is going to be costly. If you could find a good conditioned used set it might be a better use since you are only going to be using these until the "free paper" is gone.

just my .02 worth.

 

[df cardwell]

Hey Charlie

The MGIV is pretty good, nothing at all like the old variable grade rubbish

( it also is absolutely NOT ELite ! )

But Ansco 120 works very well, as does 2 bath.

And you can get a longer toe than anybody ever talks about, and nice blacks. A very useful paper, with some charm.

If you're used to using graded papers, you can always cheat and use the stuff unfiltered. A nice rich yellow and magenta filter can carry the load instead of breaking down for the whole kit.

d

 

[rbarker]

The full Ilford 6"x6" (above neg) set is about $50, new at B&H. The smaller ones with the below-lens holder is about $75.

FWIW, I also use Ilford MGIV, and its not bad at all.

 

[jvarsoke]

Hmm, I got my box of 6x6in for $25 a few years ago at Hunt's in MA.

BTW: I hear Cachet is Varigam, and that Freestyle had some in stock last Fall.

-j

 

[Donald Miller]

If you have a blue and green filter or yellow and magenta you could get by with split filter printing to see if you like the results before investing any money.

JandC has a wonderful graded paper in their Nuance. I am moving at least part way back to graded for myself.

 

[Thomassauerwein]

My Ilford set of filters is very old, I do clean them but they have a few scratches and smudges. Never a problem as they are behind the neg. Charlie, the Ilford MG FB WT is a really good paper. Specially with negs a little long in the toe. My favorite filter is the 2 1/2 processed at 2 1/2 min. (funny how that works out) Anyway they usually start to come up about 45 seconds. I do pre- soak and squegee to swell the paper. I find that negs a bit under (1/3) over processed (14 min) agitation: 3 @ 30 sec then 8 @ 2min 3@ 30 2 @1min seeems to work great for this paper. Good luck with it!!

 

[Charles Webb]

Wow, Thanks a bunch! I really appreciate all the help! Something I have been putting of for a lot of years, is about to happen. Thomas, you said something I haden't given much thought to, that is placement of the filter.
I would much rather have the filter behind or above the neg than below the lens. I bet that means I need the 6x6 size rather than the 3 1/2X 3 1/2 size.

Oh, Oh just had another thought. Thomas your same comment woke me up! Reminded me that perhaps I don't need the filters after all, I have my D 5 Chromega in storage. The color head should handle my filter necessities. I have only used it for printing color negatives, but I am quite sure it will also handle the multigrade paper. Sheesh what a dummy! Well back to the drawing board!

Thank again everyone!
Charlie...................................

 

[RJS]

I too used to use Varigam. It wasn't very good, at best. However, in my opinion, the current Ilford MG IV fiber base paper is superior to any paper I have used - including most of the graded papers that have disappeared. If you learn just a bit about working with it you can do more than was ever possible on graded papers. The tonality is superior, the contrast range possible is greater - all in all it is just a great improvement. And filters under the lens do not have a detectable effect on image quality - both in my opinion and, if you don't trust me, have a look at Ctein's book "Post exposure".

 

[Charles Webb]

RJS,
In my own case, old ideas that I have seen proven many times die very hard with me. Perhaps I am totally wrong in what I believe, but I know it is possible to modify the quality of the light being projected (Penumbra) through an enlarging lens. I am not saying you and Ctein are wrong, but simply I disagree with the theory that another element introduced in the Penumbra has little or no effect on the final image. I admit I have never read Ctein's book, and most likely won't so I will take my silly notions with me to my grave.
Thank you for giving me something else to consider and I assure you I will consider your information. Right now I am trying to recover from my dumb mistake of believing I needed MC filters when I already own a late model color head enlarger.

Again I thank everyone for their interest and sharing their information with me!
Charlie............................