Multigrade filter set for beginner enlarger/contact printer?

[jay moussy]

Beginner enlarger and/or contact printer here, so I need a multigrade filter set of some sort.

What would be my minimum setup, given that I would be using Ilford basic print material?
Size compatibilty with above-lens on Beseler 23II (trim to fit?), but also with maybe homebrew light?

I need to force myself to jump into printing, have been avoiding it for a while now, so, need to educate myself and waste some in learning...!

 

[albada]

If your homebrew light is LEDs that are individually controllable, then you will not need any filters because you can change green/blue brightnesses instead.
I love my homebrew LED lamp because it (1) doesn't get hot and warp the negative, (2) will not burn out, and (3) gives me all contrast-grades because I can set the green/blue levels.

But for a beginner, it's easiest to start with the common tungsten/condenser lamp. Then buy a set of Ilford filters and cut them down to fit in the enlarger's filter-holder. That worked fine for me. Just be careful to not get fingerprints on the filters.
Mark Overton

 

[Sirius Glass]

If I were you, I would buy a set of filters such as Ilford's. I like the yellow and magenta sets personally.

 

[Alan9940]

If I were you, I would buy a set of filters such as Ilford's. I like the yellow and magenta sets personally.

+1

I used the Ilford Multigrade gelatin filters for years before moving to a dedicated VC head.

 

[Craig75]

You can get the ilford educational multigrade set very cheap - no half grades but nice price

https://www.firstcall-photographic.co.uk/ilford-educational-filter-set-89cm/p895

 

[pbromaghin]

You can get the ilford educational multigrade set very cheap - no half grades but nice price

Wow, that is a good product and price!