B&W, C41 process, and Filters?

[photophorous]

I just got some black and white filters (red, yellow & green), and I want to test them out before I go to Zion NP. So, I bought a roll of Ilford 400 C41 process, thinking it would be convenient. I just now read the reviews of this film, and 1 or 2 people mentioned that you should not use filters with it because the color will show. Most people didn't mention filters. Can anyone confirm if filters are a bad idea with B&W C41? That's the whole reason I bought the film, so I hope not.

Thanks,
Paul

[another view]

Black and white C41 isn't true B&W film, but you can use B&W filters with it. The problem with it is that some labs have a hard time getting a good print. They run it thru as regular color process, and print in color which can give the prints a color cast (the negative base has some color to it). I used to get great results with Kodak's T400CN because the lab made optical prints on B&W paper (instead of color paper). They stopped doing it that way and Kodak discontinued this film, and I never got results that good after that time.

So basically, it's a lab problem more than anything else. Take it to a good lab and tell them your concerns with a color cast on the print. If they do the prints right, your B&W filters will do just what they're supposed to.

[Asylum Steve]

I assume you mean Ilford XP2, which btw, IS a great film.

Steve's right, in that this film is meant to be used with B&W printing materials. When used this way, your proof sheets and prints are no different than with any other B&W film.

It's only when labs use color printing materials, machine or otherwise, that you tend to get a color cast to the prints. Aside from the fact that these color casts are usually unpredictable, they're often interesting and simulate monochrome toned B&W prints.

Regardless of how your prints are made originally, the negs from this film can always be used to make true B&W prints at a later date.

The film's tonal recording properties are the same as non-C41 B&W film, so any filters you use over the camera lens will have the same effect on the final negatives as "regular" B&W film.

[photophorous]

I assume you mean Ilford XP2, which btw, IS a great film.

Steve's right, in that this film is meant to be used with B&W printing materials. When used this way, your proof sheets and prints are no different than with any other B&W film.

It's only when labs use color printing materials, machine or otherwise, that you tend to get a color cast to the prints. Aside from the fact that these color casts are usually unpredictable, they're often interesting and simulate monochrome toned B&W prints.

Regardless of how your prints are made originally, the negs from this film can always be used to make true B&W prints at a later date.

The film's tonal recording properties are the same as non-C41 B&W film, so any filters you use over the camera lens will have the same effect on the final negatives as "regular" B&W film.

Thanks to both Steves. I'll make sure to ask the lab if they use B&W paper. I took about 10 shots last night, before the sun sank too low. It's hard to get out with enough time after work, so I'll probably finish it off this weekend. I doubt I'll get anything good out of this role, due to experimentation, but hopefully I'll learn something.

Have a good Labor Day weekend!

Thanks again,
Paul