MC filters brand specific?

[sly]

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]

You may be seeing new versus faded filters.

 

[Simon R Galley]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

Dear Sly,

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

Simon ILFORD Photo / HARMAN technology Limited :

 

[mjs]

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]

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]

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]

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

Ritchie

 

[ath]

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).