Viewing filter for assessing b/w?

[Steve Mack]

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]

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

 

[Rick A]

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]

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]

I seem to recall mine was designated wratten 89.

 

[fstop]

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

 

[Steve Mack]

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

With best regards.

Stephen

 

[MattKing]

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]

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]

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

 

[benjiboy]

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]

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]

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]

Kodak Wratten #90

 

[Smudger]

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]

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]

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?