Hi Don,
That time I tried for fun put on a red filter, and shoot b/w with my FZ20, after seeing the grand master theITguy using it.. hahaha.. and from what i hear, its supposed to bring out contrast.
But shooting b/w alone w/o filters also can. refer this this site
http://www.photomigrations.com/articles/0501100.htm .
He demo how using PS, he can bring out the subject and the contrast etc.