Red or Dark Red

[nc5p]

I guess this is the right forum. I asked this question on another site and got no answers, nobody there knew. I want to buy a red filter for b&w landscape shots. Currently I only use a yellow filter but want more dramatic effects. They make red #25 and dark red #29 filters. Which one should I get? I know the dark red eats up more light (3 stops) but that really isn't a big issue for my application. Will the dark red give me more dramatic results or is it a wash?

Thanks,

Doug

[vet173]

I would go with the #25. That is the one normally used as a red. The #29 is for color seperation negs.

[Les McLean]

While you are purchasing filters get an orange and a polarising filter. The orange is a good compromise between yellow and red and the polariser will further add to the drama, particularly in skies, when used in conjunction with the red filter.

[Nick Zentena]

Neither. Listen to Les and get an orange. It can range from a 16 to a 21. Depending on which yellow you have maybe even just a dark yellow like the 15.

[Dave Miller]

The 25 will work well with normal film to darken blue sky. Les' suggestion is good as a polorizer works just as well with monochrome as colour. If you want to go over the top, use both together, but be prepared for long exposures.

[avandesande]

What kind of yellow filter are you using? I get plenty of separation in NM with a Y2.

[Charles Webb]

What Les M says is correct!
I do however use the # 25 frequently for creating more contrast and as a poor mans ND filter. It does'nt offer actual ND but allows me to shoot with my "old Lenses" at a wider apperatures. ND filters are not really that expensive, but perhaps I am a cheap skate. :-)
Charlie....................

[David A. Goldfarb]

I use yellow and orange much more than red. 25 is the most commonly used red filter for B&W, but it can sometimes look overly dramatic. 29 is about as dark as you can get for use with IR film while still being able to focus through the filter.

[Donald Miller]

Tastes vary...but I have not used a 25 red in over fifteen years. Listen to Les and get an orange.

I don't like the effects of a polarizer nearly as well as colored filters because the sky is not always evenly polarized and that leads to uneven sky values.

[Donald Miller]

Tastes vary...but I have not used a 25 red in over fifteen years. I am not a fan of overly dramatic skies because the appear unrealistic. Listen to Les and get an orange.

I don't like the effects of a polarizer nearly as well as colored filters because the sky is not always evenly polarized equally and that leads to uneven sky values.