How to increase contrast on a Kodak T400CN?

[Diablo]

This is the only film I used for B&W, as I dun have a lab.
However, pics dun turn out sharp, nor are they contrasty?

Is there any filter I can use to improve contrast?

Or do I have alternatives??

 

[moos blues]

red (25A)
yellow (dunno wad)
Orange (G)

these are often contrast enhancing filters... i like red

 

[sriram]

When you say pics, are they scans or prints or are you examining the negs with a loupe? If you're talking about prints then maybe it's your lab messing up, or maybe a focusing problem. What lens do you use?

My prints from T400CN and XP2 have given me superb sharpness. In fact, it's sharper than my regular HP5+ and other B&W films.

 

[coke21]

This is the only film I used for B&W, as I dun have a lab.
However, pics dun turn out sharp, nor are they contrasty?

Is there any filter I can use to improve contrast?

Or do I have alternatives??

Try using the red filter. It helps.

 

[tingchiyen]

Yups, use red filter, or yellow. Will give you more contrast.
Or just use TMax, or any true b&w film... why can't your lab develop b&w?

 

[Diablo]

Yups, use red filter, or yellow. Will give you more contrast.
Or just use TMax, or any true b&w film... why can't your lab develop b&w?

er...what lab can process B&W photos(non C41 process)? and at what rates?

 

[coke21]

er...what lab can process B&W photos(non C41 process)? and at what rates?

You can try Ruby ate peninsular

 

[sriram]

Using a red or orange filter on T400CN doesn't just change the contrast, but also the tonality of the captured image, which may be very different. C41 B&W films are capable of a huge contrast range, and you need control at the printing stage. Even if you use a red or orange filter, you need correct exposure and printing for T400CN.

Are you exposing correctly? Where are the prints made? Here's a tip : shoot at EI 200-250 next time. Don't bother with filters.

 

[tingchiyen]

er...what lab can process B&W photos(non C41 process)? and at what rates?

I go to Fee Fee at hong lim...

 

[bsplenden]

is shooting b/w the same as shooting with colour???

 

[justarius]

is shooting b/w the same as shooting with colour???

Its slightly different in that a picture which is stunning in colour maybe only mediocre in black and white.

You must remember that you are stripping a picture down to its bare bones shooting in black and white; you are relying on subtle differences in shades of black and white, on differences in contrast, and relying alot more on composition as being devioid of colour, your viewers now have to look more into these details to find something that grabs their attention.