Ortho film and continuous tone

[norm the storm]

I'm a newbe in LF. I saw that Ortho films are cheaper than panchromatic films.
Is it possible to shoot with orto films and to get similar results like a conventionnal film.

What's a good combo to start? Film and developper.

I want to use a 11 x 14 Seneca View Camera.

Thank you

[Jac@stafford.net]

No. Not really.

[Andy Eads]

Orthochromatic films are "red blind", that is they are insensitive to the visible red region of the spectrum. If you photograph a person with reddish skin blemishes or ruddy skin, the features will appear darker than they would with a panchromatic film. On the other hand, a blue sky with wispy clouds may appear featureless and too light with ortho film. Another consideration is that some ortho films are designed for high contrast results. So you need to understand the particulars about the emulsion you are considering. With all this in mind, there are many subjects that lend themselves to ortho films. Have fun!

[jcoldslabs]

Skies can blow out a bit and skin tones can darken with orthochromatic films, this is true, but depending on how you expose and process ortho films some of these effects can be mitigated. By way of example I've attached two shots below, one taken outdoors and one indoor portrait, both shot with the same blue-sensitive aerial film.


http://www.kolstad.us/ebay/ORTHO-No-1.jpg



http://www.kolstad.us/ebay/ORTHO-No-2.jpg

Jonathan

[blueribbontea]

Norm: I have had good results making continuous tone negs with ortho X-Ray film. Ortho is sensitive to both blue and green which has the added advantage of developing by inspection with a red safelight. It isn't the same as panchro for sure but it is very useable.

[norm the storm]

Thank you. It's interesting.