| Photography Forum: Darkroom Techniques Forum: |
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Q. Using/Converting a Colour Project to Develop B&W Film?
Asked by Jodie Rodgers
(K=0) on 6/13/2002
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Hi,
I have recently set up a darkroom after picking up all the equiptment for an absolute bargain price, however I've realised that my projector is a colour one, and all my B&W photos come out looking very gray, despite using filters (these bring out a bit more contrast but not alot).
Can I fix this by just replacing the globe? Or do I need to get a special filter?
I tried getting help from my photography shop but they had little clue on what to do.
Any help/advice is appreciated!
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Derry Bryson
(K=177) - Comment Date 6/14/2002
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You should be able to print B&W negatives just fine with a color head. I use mine all the time. What type of film and what type of paper are you using?
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Jodie Rodgers
(K=0) - Comment Date 6/14/2002
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I use Ilford Resin Coated paper, and Kodak 400spd B&W film. I've heard that I should use only a red filter, but this has very little effect.
Thanks for your help!
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Derry Bryson
(K=177) - Comment Date 6/14/2002
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If that is the C41 process Kodak B&W film with an orange mask, then you might have problems getting good contrast as it's meant to be printed on color paper. Ilford XP2 and regular B&W films work better. If it's a regular B&W film, then you should be able to print it okay if the negative is good.
Use Yellow to decrease contrast and Magenta to increase contrast assuming a center point of 2. I have the following table on my enlarger for Ilford Multgrade IV (no idea where it came from, but it seems to work well):
Grade - Filter
0 - 80Y
.5 - 55Y
1 - 30Y
1.5 - 15Y
2 - none
2.5 - 25M
3 - 40M
3.5 - 65M
4 - 100M
4.5 - 150M
5 - 200M
I'm sure it won't format properly, but hopefully you can figure it out.
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