Stacking contrast filters

480sparky · Feb 16, 2015

Just was wondering, but can the magenta filters be stacked to increase contrast even more?

snapguy · Feb 16, 2015

Do you mean magenta filters for making b&w photo prints? Ya wanna make the light more magentaer? I don't think so. They used to make single grade paper in 4, 5 and 6 which is a lot more contrastier than variable contrast paper. I don't know if they make the 6 any more.

Patrick Robert James · Feb 16, 2015

If you need more contrast than a #5 you could try a blue #49 filter. Some papers give more contrast with it. It isn't a huge difference though.

MattKing · Feb 16, 2015

The magenta filters work by filtering out the green light, leaving the slow, green sensitive emulsion in the paper almost unused, and the fast, blue sensitive emulsion doing all the work.

Once all the green has been filtered out, there is no more to work with.

Doremus Scudder · Feb 17, 2015

Patrick Robert James said:
If you need more contrast than a #5 you could try a blue #49 filter. Some papers give more contrast with it. It isn't a huge difference though.

+1

Stacking filters of the same color, but different strengths only results in the effect of the strongest filter. If you consistently end up needing so much contrast, you may want to adjust your film development accordingly

Doremus

Xmas · Feb 17, 2015

The filters can fade with use and age try stacking but if that works you need to think about new filters...

Using a different films on dull and bright days may help as well.

RalphLambrecht · Feb 17, 2015

480sparky said:
Just was wondering, but can the magenta filters be stacked to increase contrast even more?

I doubt this will work;I think all you et is a loss of light intensityI got a grade-6 equivalent out of my Durst color head by going full magenta but if you need more contrast,You'll be better off getting it through a change in film exposure and development(less exposure,longer development) or the use of a condensor head.good luck

RobC · Feb 17, 2015

MattKing said:
The magenta filters work by filtering out the green light, leaving the slow, green sensitive emulsion in the paper almost unused, and the fast, blue sensitive emulsion doing all the work.

Once all the green has been filtered out, there is no more to work with.

+1

And besides, how much contrast do you need and/or how underdeveloped are your negs?

If you are wanting pure black and white images then use ortho film with its special developer.

480sparky · Feb 17, 2015

This is simply a rhetorical question.

Stacking contrast filters

Moderator

Privacy & Transparency

Privacy & Transparency