Viewing filter for assessing b/w?

Steve Mack · Aug 16, 2011

I read somewhere (Ansel Adams' books, maybe), that one can take a filter, dark green(?), and get an idea of what a scene will look like in black and white, before they take the shot. Does such a thing exist, and what is the designation of the filter if it does exist?

Thanks to all who reply.

With best regards,

Stephen

Ian C · Aug 16, 2011

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/330726-REG/Tiffen_BWVF_1_Black_and_White.html

Rick A · Aug 16, 2011

I use a color filter to view a scene. I go through different colors and a polarizer to see which will give the best contrast range for that particular instance. If you don't spend alot of time looking through them you will get a good idea of what to expect.

jeffreyg · Aug 16, 2011

I have a monochrome viewer. The filter is brown an swivels in a self contained metal case. It measures approx. 2in x 1 1/2in x 1/2in. I don't recall where I got it but it is different from the one in the B&H link.

http://www.jeffreyglasser.com/

Mike Wilde · Aug 16, 2011

I seem to recall mine was designated wratten 89.

fstop · Aug 16, 2011

get a digital that shoots in b&w and test filters

Steve Mack · Aug 16, 2011

fstop: Is there a dedicated b/w digital camera?

With best regards.

Stephen

MattKing · Aug 16, 2011

Steve Mack said:
fstop: Is there a dedicated b/w digital camera?

With best regards.

Stephen

There was the Kodak DCS 760M. Built on to a Nikon F5 platform. Reportedly there were only 80 manufactured.

Here are the specifications: http://www.kodak.com/global/en/professional/products/cameras/dcs760M/specs.jhtml

Bill Burk · Aug 16, 2011

I've got a Logitech Fotoman FM-1 which, while it functions, has more flare than it used to have. I assume there was some outgassing which has obscured the sensor somewhat.

My roommate in college had a Wratten #90 that we used to carry, in its original package and when we wanted to view a scene we'd unwrap the foil and hold in the air. In that style, I finally got my own a few years back and I do the same thing, just unwrap to look and gingerly replace it in the foil.

There was a recent discussion that generally concluded these filters are not useful, but when I looked in my backyard, the jasmine bush literally popped out at me while in full color vision mode I barely noticed it from the background.

Brett_Jurgens · Aug 17, 2011

Zone VI made viewing filters for black and white. They had different ones with different ratio sizes to help you compose as well.

benjiboy · Aug 17, 2011

Ilford used to make a "Pan Viewing Filter" , http://photographyattic.com/product-51, I have one somewhere that I bought about fifty years ago that I'd almost forgotten about

georg16nik · Aug 17, 2011

You can test how the filters will affect the image by placing them in front of Your cell phone camera - switch it to B&W mode from the menu and try Your filters.

Roger Cole · Aug 17, 2011

Steve Mack said:
fstop: Is there a dedicated b/w digital camera?

With best regards.

Stephen

You don't need a "dedicated" one, just one that has a black and white mode and a preview. Most of them do.

Russ - SVP · Aug 18, 2011

Kodak Wratten #90

Smudger · Aug 19, 2011

If I may quote St Ansel (paraphrased ) " Use the viewing filter by lifting it to the eye and alternate the filtered,and unfiltered view without keeping the filter in place for any length of time. The eye will accommodate the filters effect and the preview effect will be lost ".

2F/2F · Aug 19, 2011

Wratten #90, I think.

I don't think of it as very useful, myself. But maybe worth a shot if you can get one for cheap.

Russ - SVP · Aug 20, 2011

I found them to be somewhat useless. In short order, you'll know which filter you need, before you enven look through the viewfinder. It only takes a bit of experience to "see" and pre-visualize the negative and print. if in doubt, slap a deep yellow #15 on your lens and blast away. Are you a scenic or street shooter?

Viewing filter for assessing b/w?

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