Turning green dark in BW

[David Hall]

Hey all...

I want to photograph one of those green and white freeway signs in B&W, and I want the green to go dark so the thing really stands out from whatever's behind it. What filter makes green dark? Orange?

dgh

 

[Donald Miller]

Orange will certainly make it darker, but to get the greatest response it would take a Red number 25. Good luck.

Regards,
Donald Miller

 

[glbeas]

I'd also make a point of using an extended red sensitivity film, to get the most out of using the red filter, enhancing the response to the light that does get through the filter. Strictly speaking a magenta filter will make the green darkest, but the red will do the job as well in practical terms.

 

[David Hall]

Sorry for the ignorance...is Extended Red Sensitivity Film IR film, or are they different?

 

[Jorge]

Not necessarily David, Tech pan is an extended red sensitivity film without being IR. IMO these films are a pain in the a$$ to use. WIth a red filter and normal panchromatic film you should see the difference in contrast very well with the sign.

 

[brYan]

You might want to try Ilford's SFX film, which has extended red sensitivity. It's available in 35mm and 120 size.

 

[brYan]

Ilford claims that this film is easier to handle than true IR film.

 

[glbeas]

I added the part about the extended red sensitivity because I've run into some very nice pan films which were pretty poor in red sensitivity, panatomic-x is one that comes to mind. Compared to the response of ordinary Tri-x it's nearly ortho film, and the Tmax films even more sensitive.
I'd think the SFX would be perfect for this job.