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Forum: Film Processing, Scanning, and Darkroom
09-14-2016, 11:34 AM
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There are any number of useful filters based on what you like to do. But I think it is important to realize that any filter puts another piece of glass between your subject and your film (or sensor.) It is another piece of glass that will have an effect on your exposure, can cause flare, that will get dirty, and may introduce distortion into your photograph that isn't there with your lens. Unlike many, I do not recommend just strolling around with a filter on the lens unless there is a specific need.
For myself the filter I use most frequently is a Skylight 1A I have several of these in different sizes. I like these because they cut through the UV and add a bit of warmth. Since I live and photograph above 5,000 feet, there is more UV than people at lower elevations have to concern themselves with.
Just behind the Skylight for me is the polarizing filter. I consider this to be the most useful filter you can buy, and it is worth buying a good one. I use the polarizing filter for both color and black and white. They intensify the colors and the contrast because they eliminate unpolarized glare, which reduces the contrast and color saturation that your film or sensor can record. With a good one of these you probably don't need the yellow filter at all.
I do occasionally use a light yellow, K2, filter, usually in combo with a polarizer. I do this to slightly intensify the sky usually but it also improves tonal values in the midtones.
I do keep a light green or yellow green filter handy for portraits because I like the look it gives the skin tone, but I do not use those if I am using artificial light. I also use the polarizing filter for this as well.
Though I am not a great fan of the technique, there are people who like blurring running water, etc. For them the neutral density filter is useful. I do use a 0.9 ND filter occasionally, but not very often. The reason I will use this filter is when I am using 400 or higher ISO film and I want to open up the aperture on my lens further.
If you are considering using filters in your own photography than I suggest you find a good book on filters and their uses. You may find some that fit your way of working that I, or others, don't use.
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