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Yellow filter or orange?


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Personally I prefer orange filter over yellow since it creates a bit more contrast on the images. But it is totally depend on what kind of result you want.

 

And there is a very nice article: http://www.photographymad.com/pages/view/using-coloured-filters-in-black-and-white-photography

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Personally I prefer orange filter over yellow since it creates a bit more contrast on the images. But it is totally depend on what kind of result you want.

 

And there is a very nice article: http://www.photographymad.com/pages/view/using-coloured-filters-in-black-and-white-photography

Thanks. I mainly want to improve skin tones. I really like XP2 unfiltered and want this pleasing skin tone with true black and white panchromatic films.

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I would say that a middle-yellow is the most universal choice. I prefer it on my MM1.

Filters exhibit an increasing amount of drama (dark skies, white clouds, light foliage, skin tones, etc.) in this order:

 

Light Yellow; middle Yellow; dark Yellow; Red; far Red (092) (digital/IR film only); Infrared (093)(specialist digital/IR film only)

 

The light loss increases through this range as well, from one stop to maybe eight or more for (near) IR, depending on the subject matter and spectral response of you sensor/film. Implication: quality loss through lower shutterspeed (motion blur) and/or higher ISO values/film.

 

The second factor that increases through the same range is focus shift on non-APO lenses and rangefinder focusing.

With middle-Yellow it is still limited and you would only notice close-up and wide open, with Orange it is already a factor to be  considered, with Red through Infrared focus-bracketing is needed.

 

Based on these considerations I find that middle-Yellow is the best general-purpose compromise.

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I have yellow, orange and red filters, and I almost always use the yellow filter whenever there is sunshine. Mainly to avoid burning out the skies and highlights.

Orange filters are also OK, but they can add a bit too much contrast sometimes, especially with contrasty lenses. Red filters are speciality filters that will turn blue skies into black.

Different films reacts differently to color filters as well. The MM barely reacts to color filters compared to most B&W films.

 

I would recommend a B+W yellow filter for use in sunshine and bright light: http://www.amazon.com/43mm-Multi-Coated-Glass-Filter/dp/B000GVQQGA/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1455621259&sr=8-1&keywords=b%2Bw+yellow+filter+43mm

 

Then use a regular protection/UV filter or no filter when the sun goes down.

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On a 35mm lens I use a yellow filter outside during the day. It's subtle and is pleasing to Caucasian skin (not sure about darker skin though - hopefully someone can chime in). 1 stop loss of light isn't too much either.

 

I use an orange filter on a 21, it's more dramatic with a bit more punch, but I really should get a yellow for it.

 

I use a red filter only for very specific shots when I really want to darken the sky a lot. I never use it for people. At 2-3 stops of light loss, the red filter becomes a bit too dark for everyday use as well.

 

Have fun!

Michael

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for a single filter workflow i don't think you need anything more than a medium yellow.

anything stronger will just crush shadows and torque contrast more than what you want.

 

+1, The B+W 39mm #8 Yellow (022) MRC Filter actually stays on the 35 Summicron and the B+W 46mm #8 Yellow (022) MRC Filter  on the 50 Summilux for the Monochrome or M7 with Ilford HP5.

 

I do, however carry a B+W 39mm #25 Red (090) MRC Filter for landscapes/skies, but this gets used far less.  Most of the time I just treat the mid yellow as you would a UV filter on a camera shooting color.

 

One last item - I recommend only B+W because I know they have brass rings, with the exception of very few of their filters.  I have actually had a Leica filter (aluminum ring) deform on me.  I was very lucky to get it off my lens!

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One last item - I recommend only B+W because I know they have brass rings, with the exception of very few of their filters.  I have actually had a Leica filter (aluminum ring) deform on me.  I was very lucky to get it off my lens!

 

I too have had a Leica filter deform. B+W are better and cheaper.

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I like the Yellow/Orange B+W filter (040) ...... I never find the Yellow does much, IMHO. You might also try Adox CHS II B&W film. It is orthopancromatic so reds come out darker. Interesting when you take people picture, sometimes the effect is really good. Point is that some films have different light sensitivities, so check those out before going right to a filter. Green filters can be interesting. IF you get a chance, shoot a roll or two, take some notes, and see what you like.... Have fun!

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I don't know about becoming deformed but, thinking about it, it was a Leica branded filter that was the only one I've had genuine problems removing. I agree with the wisdom of buying brass ringed filters like B+W (£42 for MRC) and Heliopan (£38 for SH-PMC) versus the £80 aluminium ringed Leica filters.

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When shooting B&W I sometimes like to use a light green filter.

Darkens sky - a little,

Lightens foliage - a touch.

A good all rounder.

 

And darkens skin tones, which in India might produce more contrast that one wants.

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I was aware of Disfarmer, but not of his photographic technique. Looking at these portraits now, it seems to me that his aim was to bring out character. A green filter is quite good in that case. 

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