Multicontrast filters for 8x10 printing

[ic-racer]

Just wondered what people are using for filters if you don't have a color head? Looks like the 8x10 Ilford filters cost about $20 each from B&H. For that much money I'd rather seek out a color head.

Anyone using Roscoe filters? Looks like you can get Yellow in 15, 30, 60 and 90cc and Magenta in the same http://www.rosco.com/us/filters/calcolour.asp

B&H sells the Roscoe filters as 20x24 inches for about $6.00 each. This is enough to double the 60 and 90 to make additional 120 and 180 filters. So, it looks like for about $50 you could have a wole set from 180cc yellow to 180cc magenta.

180Y, 120Y, 90Y, 60Y, 30Y, 15Y, none, 15M, 30M, 60M, 90M, 120M, 180M

Anyone tried this?

[Dave Brown]

The cheapest solution would be a set of under the lens filters (although I doubt they would be large enough to cover the 300 mm Rodagon on my Durst). I know many people are concerned about a loss in image quality with under the lens filters, I've never seen any proof that when properly used there is a significant degradation in image quality.

Having said that, I think your idea of using Roscoe gels is an excellent one.

Good luck.

[Nick_3536]

8x10 enlarger or contacts?

Split filter with the Roscoes. You only need two of them.

[Eric Woodbury]

I use Roscoe for a little extra boost into high contrast. I have the blues. Otherwise I use the standard Ilford set under the lens cut from 6" square in 4" cardboard filter frames. These are large enough to work with a 210mm El Nikkor. There is no loss in image quality.

I'm using a V54 12x12 coldlight.

[Mark Woods]

I use the Besler 12x12 coldlight and some Besler 6x6 filters that came with the enlarger. If you can find an outlet that sells the Rosco filters, you can get a swatch book with all the filters for FREE. I have a couple of swatch books that are 4x6 and use them in front of the lens when I shoot my LF camera. They work great. I keep them in a baggie to keep them clean.

[Chuck Pere]

I use the big (12x12?) Ilford set. I mounted them on black foamcore and have a homemade filter drawer under my Aristo 1212 with V54. I do find I use a lot of double filtering to get to the contrasts between the numbered filters. Love to have that Aristo VC head for 8x10 size. But expensive.

[Mark Woods]

When I initially set up my cold head, I used a CC15 Rosco, I believe that approximately matched it to my globe 4x5 head. I did this so I could use past times for past images. As it turns out, I redo everything from scratch when I go into the vault to make prints.

[ic-racer]

I use Roscoe for a little extra boost into high contrast. I have the blues. Otherwise I use the standard Ilford set under the lens cut from 6" square in 4" cardboard filter frames. These are large enough to work with a 210mm El Nikkor. There is no loss in image quality.

I'm using a V54 12x12 coldlight.

I don't know about the "standard Ilford set." Are they glass or gelatin?

[ic-racer]

8x10 enlarger or contacts?

Split filter with the Roscoes. You only need two of them.

This would be for 8x10 enlarging.

I never saw the point of the split contrst method when you can just dial the contrast in on the color head and do one exposure. But now I see a utility in the method. I would be able to just buy the hardest and softest big Ilford filters for the filter drawer about $40 and I'd be set. Thanks, that's a good idea.

I just wonder if I won't have to make twice as many test prints? ie one for the blacks with the Magenta and one with the Yellow for the whites. Is that right?

[Nick_3536]

Usually for me I end up with less test.

One for the low contrast [or high depending on how you start]

One for the total exposure.

Thing is the two tests will get you contrast and exposure.