Re: VC Filters & Paper Negs

I permanently use a 0 VC filter with my camera and use variable contrast
paper. Although I have not made direct comparisons between with and without
the filter and the same subject, I have found that the images I produce with
a filter are consistently superior in contrast and tonal range that those
without. Particularly in shadow detail. If in doubt I would always suggest
using a filter when taken paper negatives.

Variable contrast paper works by being sensitive to varying wavelengths
(colour) of light. I have found that using the 0 filter also makes the
negative have similar characteristics to that of panchromatic film;
particularly in landscapes with sky. This liberates you from film and
allows you to take really large photographs for contact prints and not have
to worry about using film and enlargements. 10 x 8 is pixie (elfin) size!

I have not yet used film but am about to with the conversion of a 1930's
Agfa Preis that uses 120 film. I have also just bought a set of 5 x 4 dark
slides around which I shall build a camera. With the 120 I shall find out
whether the resolution on small film bears up to enlargement or whether
large paper negatives are still best. I can see the advantage of converted
cameras though.

By the way, I use resin coated paper, it does not seems to give descernible
problems with paper grain and resulting contact prints are always excellent,
providing the negative is good.

on 31/12/01 12:07 pm, Christian Harkness at chris.harkness@eudoramail.com
wrote:

> A while ago I placed a 0 contrast filter behind the pinhole of my 11x14
> pinhole camera, in which I use 11x14 Ilford MGIV RC paper for negative
> material.
>
> It SEEMS to me that the tonal range of the negative improved. However, I am
> not at all sure of this.
>
> I know I could run some test and find out, but was wondering if anybody had a
> definitive answer.
>
> Many thanks for your thoughts and info!
>
> chris
> ---
> http://ChristianHarkness.tripod.com
>
>
>
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Received on Mon Dec 31 12:31:39 2001