Using filters in BW. HELP!

[cowanw]

Yes, as well as everything being analog, everything is also relative. Although with a blue filter or Ortho film, putting the skin on zone 6 will make a lighter image.
Regards
Bill

[C. D. Keth]

Along with or instead of filtering, you could just light your subject a little less hot than the background.

[Doremus Scudder]

I use the 80B often to achieve a quasi-ortho effect with panchromatic film. I lightens shadows lit by the blue sky gratifyingly sometimes, but does not really lighten foliage like ortho film. For the full ortho-effect you need a #44 cyan filter, which more accurately approximates the spectal response of ortho film.

As for darkening skin, the blue 80B may help a bit, as would a green filter (#11 is Kodak's recommendation). However, keep in mind that blemishes will stand out much more clearly. I'd try a bit of everything: bracket with different filters, vary lighting, and use burning in the darkroom.

Good luck,

Doremus Scudder

[CG]

I always thought that a green filter was used to darken skin, especially used with men.

That's right, you can see that in: www.plumeltd.com/artzone/filterzone/contrast.htm the light blue filter is recommended for that purpose.