Matthew_Buchan
newbie
Reged: 23/01/2010
Posts: 16
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What colour filter would be best to use in overcast conditions?
Thanks
Matt
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ermintrude
Hinkypuff
Reged: 30/06/2003
Posts: 15143
Loc: London, UK
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Depends what you're wanting to do?  I would generally be avoiding filters in overcast conditions I think. What is it you're after?
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Matthew_Buchan
newbie
Reged: 23/01/2010
Posts: 16
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I am looking at taking some pictures along the river bank (Landscape) I wanted to have more contrast in the image rather than a horrible murky effect which I am sure I would get in conditions we have right now.
Matt
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ermintrude
Hinkypuff
Reged: 30/06/2003
Posts: 15143
Loc: London, UK
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Quote:
I am looking at taking some pictures along the river bank (Landscape) I wanted to have more contrast in the image rather than a horrible murky effect which I am sure I would get in conditions we have right now.
Matt
As you are talking about *coloured* filters do I take it you are shooting in B&W? Still, I wouldn't think they were a good idea in overcast conditions when it tends to be contrasty anyway, as you don't see the midtones without blowing the highlights.
Someone else who knows better than me might be along soon. 
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Matthew_Buchan
newbie
Reged: 23/01/2010
Posts: 16
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Yes I am shooting in B&W.
Thanks for your help, it would be easier if I had a DSLR I could just shoot and experiment more.
Looking at getting a Pentax K20d on Wednesday.
Matt
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BigAl999
journeyman
Reged: 29/12/2007
Posts: 73
Loc: Norfolk
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Back when I shot mostly in black and white I used to generally keep a yellow filter on the lens. I think this really helped to bring out any detail in the sky, although for a palin overcast maybe I should have tried a red filter. As I was still at school though I never got around to getting one as there were not that many times that I needed one.
Alan
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Matthew_Buchan
newbie
Reged: 23/01/2010
Posts: 16
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Thanks Big AL.
I thought maybe a red filter, as I think it may bring out the slightest detail in the overcast sky, but I am worried that I will lose the detail of the landscape.
Matt
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ermintrude
Hinkypuff
Reged: 30/06/2003
Posts: 15143
Loc: London, UK
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Mmm been having a google around and i think I am right about filters not being of great use for contrrast in overcast conditions.
here it points out that for yellow or orange filters to have any effect, there must exist some blue for them to filter so are not much use in overcat conditions.
and here I think the message by 'John De Cristofaro' explains it pretty well.
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taxor
Reged: 09/07/2004
Posts: 730
Loc: Lancaster, UK
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Quote:
What colour filter would be best to use in overcast conditions?
Are we talking film here? If so, I wouldn't use any filter for black and white on an overcast day. The answer lies in development. Underexpose the film by a stop and overdevelop by anything up to 50% (depends on film and dev combo). If you must use a filter, then a yellow or yellow-green might be your best bet. Steer well clear of red filters unless you've a nice blue sky and lots of sunshine. All it will do is darken foliage.
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