Originally Posted by
Doremus Scudder
... You shouldn't even need a set of multigrade filters if you have a dichroic head. Just use the filtration in the head. Ilford has a nice chart, which I think you mentioned you have. Filters are for enlargers that don't have color heads.
And, quit worrying about matching this grade to that filter to some arbitrary contrast number. Light sources vary in color temperature, filters fade, etc., et. Just start with no filtration; dial in more magenta if you need more contrast, dial in more yellow if you need less.
If you run out of contrast control on either end consistently, you need to develop your negatives more appropriately. If you're always using maximum yellow, develop your negatives less. If you're using maximum magenta a lot, develop your negatives more. Refine till most of your prints from "normal" negatives are within 20-30 units of no filtration.
Best,
Doremus
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