MC filters brand specific?

sly · Mar 11, 2008

When I first got my 4x5 enlarger it came with Kodak polycontrast filters. I was finding I was having to use high grades to get decent prints on Ilford MC papers. This winter I invested in Ilford filters, and am printing mostly using 2 to 3 filters, even 1 1/2 once or twice. I'm also finding split grade printing is giving me better results.
Has anyone else noticed this difference? Or am I seeing what I want to see after shelling out for the filters?

Nick Zentena · Mar 11, 2008

You may be seeing new versus faded filters.

Simon R Galley · Mar 13, 2008

Dear Sly,

I think Nick is correct, all filters fade through age and exposure...we normally recommend to swap after 3 years or so.

Simon ILFORD Photo / HARMAN technology Limited

fschifano · Mar 13, 2008

Yes, filters do fade and do occasionally need replacing. That said, there are differences between the Kodak and Ilford variable grade filters. For a given filter number, each will deliver a different result.

sly · Mar 13, 2008

Ahhh ha!.... Thank you. I had no idea they faded. Chances are the Kodak ones were years, maybe even a couple of decades old.
I'm very happy with my new Ilford ones and will replace them in a timely fashion.

Simon R Galley · Mar 13, 2008

Dear Sly,

If you need a new set of filters we should still have promotional packs in the USA that had 50 sheets of Multigrade and a set of 6" x 6" filters included.

Simon ILFORD Photo / HARMAN technology Limited :

sly · Mar 13, 2008

Thanks Simon, but I just bought new Ilford filters this year. Can I take you up on the offer in 3 years? Would it apply in Canada?

Simon R Galley · Mar 13, 2008

Dear Sly,

PM me in three years and I will send you a set !

Simon ILFORD Photo / HARMAN technology Limited :

mjs · Mar 13, 2008

Simon;

It's time (past time, really,) for new filters then. This promotional pack -- would that be RC or fiber paper? (Cross fingers, hope for fiber.)

Mike

ath · Mar 13, 2008

Although I don't think I've seen aging in my filter pack yet (8 years old, stored carefully and dark) it was reason enough for me to eventually get a color enlarger with non fading dichroic filters for my VC prints.

fschifano · Mar 13, 2008

sly said:
Thanks Simon, but I just bought new Ilford filters this year. Can I take you up on the offer in 3 years? Would it apply in Canada?

Grab one of those promotionals if you find it. The filters don't fade if you don't use them. Use the paper, but stash the filters until you need 'em.

thomsonrc · Mar 18, 2008

If these filters fade, what about the filters in my multigrade enlarger heads?

Ritchie

ath · Mar 18, 2008

thomsonrc said:
If these filters fade, what about the filters in my multigrade enlarger heads?

Ritchie

They don't fade because they are of the dichroic type (like color heads).

MC filters brand specific?

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