X-ray film and filters

[Ari]

Hi,
I didn't find the answer in the archives, so I'm asking now.

I have a boatload of x-ray film with which to experiment, and I'm still working out some final kinks in my shooting/processing, since both the film and format (810) are new to me.
The film is blue-sensitive, so it naturally washes out the sky to a sickly-white tone.
I shot this a few weeks ago (toning and vignetting were done in PS):



Immediately after, I did a second exposure, this time with a red filter over the lens.
To no one's surprise, the filtered shot came out blank, but I had to find out anyway.
I only have the red filter, so that's where the experiment must end, for the moment.

My question is, is there a filter that will darken the sky on blue-sensitive x-ray film?
Yellow? Green? Other?

Thanks in advance

[Robert Hughes]

You could try a linear polarized filter, or graduated neutral density filter. But you can only do so much with blue sensitive film and a blue sky. Don't fight it, work its strengths.

[Ari]

"Don't fight it, work its strengths."

Good advice, anytime.
But I want to find out just how much I can do with blue-sensitive x-ray film, what is possible, etc.
I like your graduated ND suggestion, thanks.

[Ari]

I don't know, I'm not a ZS adherent, but I'll try your suggestion.
Why do you think it'll work with x-ray film? Any past experience with it?
Thanks

[Ari]

I have been shooting x-ray film and paper negatives in my cameras. To avoid blown-out skies I always insert the yellow filter. I will post an example of what I have been able to achieve. If possible I'll try and shoot a fresh example this evening. Then I'll post the results later tonight, including all the particulars for reference. Hopefully we will still have these big white clouds.

Dann, that would be great to see.
Are you shooting blue-sensitive x-ray film as well?
I'm looking forward to seeing some photos.

[Ari]

Non-scientific? Sounds good already

[Ari]

Dann, thanks for posting this, it looks great, not to mention encouraging.
At least you're getting some kind of contrast in the sky, which I thought was nearly impossible with this film.
As to the graininess I see in the photo, is that from the Dektol, from the inherent "softness" of X-ray film, or your quick scan? Or something else?
Please post more when you have them, I'll do likewise, and I'll be getting a yellow filter subito pronto.
Thanks again!

[Ari]

No, no, it's not a horrible example, it illustrates clearly that a yellow filter will bring out sky tones that I thought were unobtainable.
I've been shooting at ISO 320 and processig in HC-110 dilution H (1:63) for 9 minutes. Then again, I'm shooting portraits, so I'm conscious of skin tones and contrast buildup as well.
When you have more, I'd love to see them, and any technical notes would be a bonus.
Thanks

[Ari]

Dann,
I just re-read your last post, and I was thinking that if you managed to get the sky to show up without the use of a yellow filter, then maybe your use of older lenses, with their gentler contrast, is the reason.
I only have modern Japanese & German glass, and maybe I'm getting too much inherent contrast from them.
I picked up a yellow filter, and I'll go shoot a couple of pics today or tomorrow.
I'm also sending you a PM regarding your bleaching, which I've never heard of.
Thanks again.

[Ari]

Hey Dann,
Not bad, not bad at all...
The information in the sky is definitely there, and I'm sure with a yellow filter and some selective burning, I can get a darker sky.
I hope to have something to show over the week-end.
Thanks a lot.