Printing Color Film using B&W processes - Darkroom Techniques Forum

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Q. Printing Color Film using B&W processes

Asked by Craig Wiernik (K=312) on 11/7/2003

Is there any other kind of filter I want to try and find if I want to print B&W prints from my color negs on B&W equip and papers? I've tried a #2 contrast, and that works ok...The #4 contrast didn't let enough light through to get a print of any kind...

Do they make any sort of special filters for this sort of purpose? Or do I just have to make sure I pick a good negative to work with?

thanks!

Peter Witkop (K=3189) - Comment Date 11/8/2003

The major issue with printing color negs on B&W paper is that B&W paper is blue/green or blue sensative if you're using variable contrast or graded papers respectivly. What happens is that reds/yellows are blue/cyan on the neg, which b&w paper is most sensative to, making them dark, so your reds get rendered as a dark gray or black with texture. This can be a cool effect, and you can get good images this way if you like it. The other option for traditional wet printing of color negs on b&w paper is to use a panchromatic (sensative to all light, not just blue/green) b&w paper. The only one I'm aware of is panaleur(sp?), which I haven't worked with myself. Since it's sensative to all wavelengths the blue density doesn't get effectivly more exposure than any other part of the neg. The downside is that since it's sensative to red/orange light too, it must be handled in total darkness, no safelight. Hope that helps

Peter

Phillip Cohen

(K=10561) - Comment Date 11/18/2003

Craig, you can try printing your color film on grade 4 black and white paper, if you use a variable contrast paper you can use a #4 filter with OK results.

I printed this image below from a color negative on variable contrast paper using a cold light head. The cold light is very high in blue output, putting the light in the grade 4 to 5 area without any filters. It seemed to be a near perfect match for the VC paper the images were printed on. Photos that looked dull and uninteresting in color really came to life in black and white. Keep trying it is worth the effort.

As stated above if you want you can use Kodak Panalure paper if they still manufacture it. It must be used in complete darkness same as color and also must be stored in the refrigerator. It is also very pricey as compared to normal paper.

Scott Miki (K=1063) - Comment Date 11/21/2003

Panalure works well. As already mentioned, you gotta keep it dark when you're using it, but it's worth it. It's still available where I live.

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