B&W Film on Ragefinders

[trippingthelight]

I am shooting with an M7 and a Voigtlander 21mm f/4 Color-SKopar using both Ilford and Kodak B&W film. I was advise that in order to get better contrast for landscape/outdoor shots I should use either a yellow or orange or red filter on my lens. If I cannot get one of these a 1-stop ND filter will also help with contrast. Do you think it is necessary with all the advancement in B&W film technology these days? I know that may be true 20 years ago but I think it may be a waste on money to do it today. What are your experiences? Also it is not cheap not easy to et yellow/orange/red filters these days.
Thanks

 

[jonmanjiro]

Filters are just another tool in the photography toolbox. Certainly don't need to use them. But they can make quite a difference when shooting B&W film, so IMO are still very relevant today. My limited experience is that a yellow filter doesn't do much, an orange filter makes a noticeable difference, and a red filter makes a huge difference - can make for very dramatic skies for example. More info here: http://www.ephotozine.com/article/using-coloured-filters-with-black---white-film-4828

 

[enivre]

I am shooting with an M7 and a Voigtlander 21mm f/4 Color-SKopar using both Ilford and Kodak B&W film. I was advise that in order to get better contrast for landscape/outdoor shots I should use either a yellow or orange or red filter on my lens. If I cannot get one of these a 1-stop ND filter will also help with contrast. Do you think it is necessary with all the advancement in B&W film technology these days? I know that may be true 20 years ago but I think it may be a waste on money to do it today. What are your experiences? Also it is not cheap not easy to et yellow/orange/red filters these days.
Thanks

You can't get some of the dramatic effects like a red filter does for skies any other way now or 20 years ago (when shooting with film of course).

So no it's not a waste of money, and these days cheap filters are a plenty, just get an orange/red square one for cheap. Heck use cellophane paper you can buy from popular and give it a go to see if you like the effect.

I don't see why an ND filter will help unfortunately, maybe someone else has an idea?

 

[oceanpriest]

I am shooting with an M7 and a Voigtlander 21mm f/4 Color-SKopar using both Ilford and Kodak B&W film. I was advise that in order to get better contrast for landscape/outdoor shots I should use either a yellow or orange or red filter on my lens. If I cannot get one of these a 1-stop ND filter will also help with contrast. Do you think it is necessary with all the advancement in B&W film technology these days? I know that may be true 20 years ago but I think it may be a waste on money to do it today. What are your experiences? Also it is not cheap not easy to et yellow/orange/red filters these days.
Thanks

Yes, the filter make a difference.

without filter

with red filter

It's not that difficult to get those filters. Got mine from Seng Cheong, hoya distributor.

Seng Cheong Co.,LTD
Room #04-01, ICB Interprise House
116 Middle Road,Singapore 188972

 

[nstclicks]

The most important filter to get is probably a polarizer. That will make a very visible difference for landscapes and outdoors. eBay is not too expensive. Or ask around the Peninsula/Adelphi camera shops. 2nd hand will be be just as good.