Kodak Veriable Contrast filters?

Charles Webb

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Here is a part of photography that I have never had anything to do with.
I have never seen or felt a need to involve myself with VC papers, I have only used graded papers and have no desire to change. But I was just asked a question that I have no answer for. "Is the same set of filters used for
Polycontrast papers the same as is used with Polymax paper." I can only assume, since I have absolutely no experience with either. Your input would be appreciated.

I just had another thought, Are kodak filters useable with any other manufacturer's paper? I anticipate that, may be my next qustion that I don't have the answere to. Thanks
 

Ornello

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Polymax filters have a harder and softer filter than the basic Polycontrast set.

They are similar to, but not identical to, Ilford and other filters. Results will be similar, but not identical.
 

panchromatic

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polycontrast and polymax papers can both use kodak polycontrast filters. I am nearly 100% sure you can use ilford or kodak filters on any MG/VC papers. and by nearly i mean 99.999%, but I will await others with more knowledge than myself on the subject.
 

L Gebhardt

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Both Kodak and Ilford filters work on all current VC papers that I have tried. I think you may get better spacing and range out of Kodak w/ Kodak paper but the Ilford will work. The Kodak filters are what Polymax was designed for, so that would be the "best" choice, though Ilford filters hould be almost as good. A dichroic head also works very well for me.
 
OP
OP

Charles Webb

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Thanks guys, I thought I knew the answer, but needed your help since I have never used them. I do have a Dicroic head on my D2 but have used it only for printing color. Again, I appreciate your help!!!

Charlie
 

Changeling1

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Don't forget the legacy classic Beseler variable contrast filters which seem to work fine with Ilford, Agfa, Kodak and Arista papers. Beseler also made a Variogram polycontrast filter which I have never used but I did find and purchase a set on eBay and will get to try when they arrive. Since these filters are gelatin and most are decades old- they usually are somewhat warped but doesn't affect the sharpness of the print.
 

Changeling1

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Don't forget the legacy classic Beseler variable contrast filters which seem to work fine with Ilford, Agfa, Kodak and Arista papers. Beseler also made a Variogram polycontrast filter which I have never used but I did find and purchase a set on eBay and will get to try when they arrive.
 
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