I just finished my darkroom and am going to start making my first prints. I'm going to learn using Ilford MG IV. When I make test strips, do I use a filter or just plain light? Negative or no?
TIA
The Rat

I'd use a #2 filter. It ensures that the grades are evenly incremented and keeps your exposures consistant if you need to change grades.

I have a B&W diffusion enlarger and will be using below the lense Ilford MG's.
Thanks,
Tha Rat

I'd use a #2 filter. It ensures that the grades are evenly incremented and keeps your exposures consistant if you need to change grades.
I agree. You should also look into finding a copy of Ilford's Multigrade printing guide. I got it in a student kit with paper, two rolls of HP5+ for about $20. It will take you step by step on.

... make your test strips without a filter, which will equate to a grade 2 contrast,...

Quite a while ago, I first tried Variable Contrast paper, and was "*totally** dissatisfied with the results. That led me to investigate the character of the unfiltered light from the enlarger *without* any filtration. I reasoned that there had to be some difference - the color temperature from the "old" Omega B22, with the PH212 (?? - from memory - could be far "off") had to be something like ~ 2800 - 3000K; where the halogen in the Omega D5500 would be higher ~ 3500K, or so.

I tried the Ilford MultiGrade filters - and the results were *much* better. - a "2 1/2" filter would produce a "2 1/2" grade print.
So - to a comparison of the unfltered light and the light with filter in place...

I found the combination of dichroic color filtration that would produce light of the same color value as that using the gelatin "2 1/2 Grade" Ilford filter: Cyan= 00; Magenta=58; Yellow= 12.

I went through ALL the Ilford filters, and recorded the values for each; produced a line graph, and am now able to determine (caveat: the data depends on interpolation - ) the settings that would be theoretically correct for a "Grade 2.75" - or any "hardness" value.

Incidentally - those figures do NOT match the data given by Ilford in the Data Sheets included with the paper: Even there, they specify different settings for "single" and "multiple" dichro head settings.

So the "old" system - "Test, test, test ... and when you think you've done enough - test some more", is the way to go.