Godfrey seems to have summed up the relevant points pretty thoroughly.
In regards to filters - you would get the same results from contrast enhancing filters (red, blue, yellow, green) using a C41 B&W as you would with traditional silver B&W. I assume all these films are truly panchromatic (i.e. - respond to the full visible spectrum) and if so the filters should work with them as with any other B&W film.
I have several rolls of XP2 Super in the freezer, like it a lot, but haven't shot any for years.
With traditional B&W films, you can control contrast, grain, and the tone curve by varying the exposure and development. There are so many options regarding type of developer, exposure index, and development technique (temperature, agitation, etc) open with traditional B&W that are not available with C41. So when I pop a roll of traditional B&W into the camera, an initial creative decision is made about how to process it - do I want a high contrast, grainy, 1930's newspaper look, or a super detailed, sharp and realistic look, etc. You can simulate these effects in Photoshop, but I personally like organic feeling of doing it with film and chemistry. Of course, I also just like doing funky stuff with film just to see what will happen.
But if you don't want to mess around with developing your own film, the C41 B&W is fine. If you are going to use your own darkroom to get prints, use a neutral based film like XPII Super or the Konica B&W.
Have fun -
MCC
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Mark Cassino Photography
Kalamazoo, MI
www.markcassino.com
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----- Original Message ----- From: "Isaac" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
To: <[email protected]>
Sent: Sunday, February 27, 2005 3:42 PM
Subject: C 41 B&W film
Hello all. I'm wondering what everyone's opinion is on this. Is it worth
using? It is certainly much easier to acquire, but would I be happy with the
results? Also, are filters needed like with real b&w film?
