Old vs. New Polycontrast Filters

dantheobserver · Sep 9, 2015

Hi,

I'm new to the forum and to film shooting in general, though I've been shooting digital for 10 years. I'm taking a course in B&W film processing right now, and among other supplies, I'm required to pick up a set of polycontrast filters. I'm on a really tight budget and want to spend as little as possible without buying really junky equipment. There are vintage Kodak polycontrast filters on the bay for $8, as opposed to $30-40 for a new set. Has the technology of these filters changed in the last few decades that would mean there's a major advantage in buying a new set, or is the packaging the only real difference?

Thanks!
Dan

Hatchetman · Sep 9, 2015

I use an old Kodak set and they work perfectly as far as I can tell.....

MattKing · Sep 9, 2015

Welcome to APUG.

Variable contrast filters do fade, so I wouldn't recommend old filters when you are learning printing.

And as Kodak Polycontrast paper hasn't been manufactured for several years, I wouldn't recommend learning on Polycontrast paper.

The Kodak filters - even the newest ones - also haven't been made for several years.

The Ilford Multigrade filters are being currently manufactured, and they are perfectly matched to the Ilford paper that is also currently being manufactured.

There are other, house brand papers that are a bit cheaper than Ilford. Most likely they have been checked to confirm that they work with the Ilford filters.

The most recent Kodak filters are badged as Polymax filters. In some special circumstances, I use them with the Ilford and Oriental papers I use, but I have enough experience to be able to tell if they are working in the way I require.

laser · Sep 9, 2015

The New Polycontrast/Polymax Filters circa 1984 were designed by Kodak and made by Lee filters of England. They are speed matched so you can switch from one filter to another without having to change the exposure. The highest contrast filters required 2x exposure of lower contrast. There were 11 filters. The CAT NO stats with a 3. Later a two more filters a 0 and 5+ were added. They are a little different from the Ilford Filters that are also made by Lee Filters.

Old Polycontrast filters circa 1962 have 7 filters and are not speed matched.

Sirius Glass · Sep 9, 2015

Welcome to APUG

Rick A · Sep 10, 2015

I have an old Kodak set and a new Ilford set, I can't see any difference in contrast between them in use.

JPJackson · Sep 10, 2015

What is your printing light source?

Rick A · Sep 10, 2015

Standard Omega D-6 Pro Lab condenser head w/75 watt bulb, filters above the condensers.

JPJackson · Sep 10, 2015

Thanks Rick,
Was wondering about the op's light source? I only learned this year that my cold light source was not really designed for use with those filter sets (Kodak - Ilford) which i had been using for years.
Old dog learns new tricks!

fotch · Sep 10, 2015

Hello Dan & welcome to APUG. Color heads can also be used for changing contrast.

RobC · Sep 10, 2015

MattKing said:
Welcome to APUG.

Variable contrast filters do fade, so I wouldn't recommend old filters when you are learning printing.

And as Kodak Polycontrast paper hasn't been manufactured for several years, I wouldn't recommend learning on Polycontrast paper.

The Kodak filters - even the newest ones - also haven't been made for several years.

The Ilford Multigrade filters are being currently manufactured, and they are perfectly matched to the Ilford paper that is also currently being manufactured.

There are other, house brand papers that are a bit cheaper than Ilford. Most likely they have been checked to confirm that they work with the Ilford filters.

The most recent Kodak filters are badged as Polymax filters. In some special circumstances, I use them with the Ilford and Oriental papers I use, but I have enough experience to be able to tell if they are working in the way I require.

+1

If you are going to be using Ilford paper then it makes a lot of sense to use Ilford filters which are extremely well speed matched on highlight value which is the best place for it to be. And the grade spacing is very even on Ilford paper.

Sirius Glass · Sep 10, 2015

fotch said:
Hello Dan & welcome to APUG. Color heads can also be used for changing contrast.

Color head allow infinite control since there is a continuous range for each filter.

Gerald C Koch · Sep 10, 2015

Since filters fade with use and over time buying old filters strikes me as a false economy.

dantheobserver · Sep 10, 2015

Thanks for the replies and advice, folks! I ended up going with a set of used Ilford multigrade filters. Definitely excited about this new endeavor!
Dan

Old vs. New Polycontrast Filters

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