I see the B+H is selling Orthochromatic film in several different formats. The film is apparently manufactured by Macrophot.

Does anyone have any experience with Ortho film? I've used some Ortho Lith film, but I'm guessing that the Macrophot is the old standard Orthochromatic.

What is the general affect of this film? I know that it is very blue sensitive, almost to the exclusion of the red end of the spectrum. I know this will lighten the sky to nearly white, and reds will appear nearly black. What is the effect of portraits with this? What about development? Is standard time in D-76 usable, or is there a special type of developer? I know that Weston would have used Pyro, or Metol.

It has always amazed me the sharpness of landscape pictures from the mid to late 1800's. I know what the lenses were like at that time (I have a few). I'm wondering if the sharpness comes from the limited light spectrum sensitivity of the film(thereby eliminating chromatic problems the older lens might have had) or is it just the tripod/contact print combination?

thanks for your time.

chuck k

-- chuck k (kleesattel@msn.com), February 26, 2001

Answers

The sharpness you admire in vintage photographs is largely due to the negative size and limited enlargement, if any (most were contact prints). Ortho film in itself will not give you a sharper print. If you like the look of ortho film, try panchromatic film with a #44 filter. An 80A or 80B color-conversion filter will also give an ortho effect. That way you have both options with one film. Regards, ;^D)

-- Doremus Scudder (ScudderLandreth@compuserve.com), February 27, 2001.

Portraits with Ortho film: red in the complexion darkens, making facial features more exaggerated, emphasized blemishes. Sometimes used for portraits of men. Tech Pan has extended red sensitivity, givng the opposite effect, reducing the effect of blemishes, sometimes so much that the skin looks pasty.

Ortho lightens foliage, closer to how the human eye sees it. While a filter with panchromatic can give similar results, it won't let you develop under a safelight, which you can do with ortho.

Also available is Ilford Ortho Plus, about speed 40 to 80 (mine tested at 50).

-- Charlie Strack (charlie_strack@sti.com), February 27, 2001.

I've found this page about the Macophot Ort 25 film. It's in german, but easy to understand. Maybe I will try a couple of rolls!

-- Patric (jenspatric@mail.bip.net), March 06, 2001.

Clicked on "submit" before I was finished...

I've found this page about the Macophot Ort 25 film. It's in german, but easy to understand. Maybe I will try a couple of rolls!

http://hamburg.germany.com/laborpartner/html/colorfoto_11.htm

-- Patric (jenspatric@mail.bip.net), March 06, 2001.