Filter examples for B&W film?

[KD5NRH]

Looks like the Red #25 is a bit much for kids with already clear skin. I haven't been able to find any good overall reference with examples of what each filter color does for portraits, (including different skin colors) landscapes, architecture, etc. Examples of each filter with different film would be great too.

Anybody know of such a site?

[Big Dog]

Try a yellow instead for skintones.

There are whole books written on this. And almost any reference on B&W film will have at least a chapter. The old Kodak darkroom guides and field guides all had tables and examples. I would suggest starting with Google.

This is from the Kodak book: http://www.amazon.com/Using-Filters-.../dp/087985751X.

It may not translate well to a computer screen. This differences are subtle.

[venchka]

B+W Filters had a large PDF file
Online with examples. I use yellow-green and yellow-orange most often. I also add a polarizer for good cloud definition.

[KD5NRH]

Originally Posted by venchka

B+W Filters had a large PDF file

I'm guessing that would be this one: https://www.schneideroptics.com/info/handbook/

[/quote]Online with examples. I use yellow-green and yellow-orange most often. I also add a polarizer for good cloud definition.[/QUOTE]

I like the effect of the yellow #8 in BigDog's post. Unfortunately, that model appears to have had much better than average skin to start with, so there's not a really good representation of concealing or emphasizing flaws.

Of course, the books generally aren't available at the corner bookstore anymore, and buying them online sight-unseen can be a roll of the dice in many cases.

I guess the best way is going to be to pick up some more filters, find a few people with different skin types, and burn a couple rolls to see what gives the best results.

The nice thing about landscapes and architecture is that they don't tend to move, change poses subtly, or get bored and run away while you're fiddling around changing filters. Models aren't always so cooperative.

[venchka]

Start with yellow-green for people and foliage. Kodak BW400CN unfiltered is awesome for people. Efke films have a strong blue bias meaning that reds record darker than normal panchromatic films. You may be able to use that to your advantage.
Good luck.