Rollei Ortho 25 - filters?

[Roseha]

I have just bought 4 rolls of Rollei Ortho 25 in 35mm after reading about it in a book. I was intruiged at the way it portrays tonality. I am using an OM-1 with the OM 21 f3.5 and have taken about 15 photos, but I am wondering, for the first roll, is it a good idea to try filters? I have read that people sometimes use blue or green, which I don't have but could buy if it seems useful. Thoughts?

 

[Gerald C Koch]

Is there some particular reason you wish to use filters? With an orthochromatic film your choice is quite limited. Look at the spectral response curve for the film. You may be able to use a yellow filter or even an orange one. It is my experience that ortho films have good tonality. This is entirely different from spectral response.

 

[LarsAC]

Isnt the whole film working like a blue filter already?

Lars

 

[Sirius Glass]

Rollei Ortho 25 is only sensitive to blue and green, so adding blue or green filters would cut out the other light bands. One might as well just shoot with the lens cap on and save the effort to set the shutter speed and aperture.

 

[Gerald C Koch]

The specifications for this film say that it is sensitive out to 610 nm which puts it in the orange region of the spectrum. Unfortunately I could not find a curve since response is probably reduced for this region. However a yellow filter could be used and maybe even an orange one should on care to experiment. Typically ortho films are used for male portraiture and outdoors with foliage to open shadows.

 

[Jerevan]

There is an example in one of the Ansel Adams books (The Print, perhaps) of a woman standing under or nearby some trees that is supposedly taken on Ortho film and the impression of light is absolutely wonderful. Can't remember on top of my head what the title of the photograph is, though.

 

[Gerald C Koch]

There is an example in one of the Ansel Adams books (The Print, perhaps) of a woman standing under or nearby some trees that is supposedly taken on Ortho film and the impression of light is absolutely wonderful. Can't remember on top of my head what the title of the photograph is, though.

Exactly the example I thought of. She is standing under a willow tree.

 

[Roseha]

Okay thanks for the info. I have used it a few times and really like the effect (without any filters).