Ilford 12 x12" Multigrade Printing Filters are used for printing the Ilford Multigrade range of papers on black-and-white enlargers.  Ilford produces complete sets of filters for all contrast grades in half grade steps.

The twelve multigrade filters are in sets and are numbered 00-5 in .5 steps. The lowest number corresponds to the softest contrast.

Multigrade filters are supplied in 3, 6 and 12" square sizes to fit most enlarger's filter drawers, or as a set of mounted hard plastic filters for below-lens use in a filter holder.

Multigrade filters do not require any recalculation of exposure times when changing between grades 0 and 3, grades 4 to 5 simply requiring twice the exposure.

Easy to Use    No Complicated Calculations Required    Compatible with All Multigrade Papers

Easy way to control print contrast using variable contrast paper

Exposure time for filters 00-3.5 is the same; that for filters 4-5 is double

Related Questions and Answers

Q: 1. What happens if you develop 2 35mm and then reuse it to develop 2 more?

A: The results could be less than ideal such as under developed and lower contrast negatives.

Q: 2. Can these be used to fix paper prints?

A: While it may be possible to use the same fixer for both film and paper, I do not recommend using the same working batch for both film and paper. If you do plan to use the same fixer for both film and paper prints, I would create one working batch to be used with your film, and a separate working batch to be used with prints.

Q: 3. Can I reuse the developer after mixing with water?

A: The Ilford Multigrade Developer has good keeping properties and so can typically be reused.

Q: 4. Can you use this for photograms?

A: Yes, you can put objects on top of the paper, exposed the paper, and then process with the B&H developer and fixer.

Q: 5. How long will the developer last once opened?

A: Full unopened bottles of Ilford MULTIGRADE developer concentrates stored in cool conditions, 5–20ºC, (41–68ºF), will keep for 2 years. Once opened, use the concentrate completely within six months and keep all bottles tightly sealed until used. Working strength MULTIGRADE developer left in an open dish should not be kept for more than one working day. If stored in a tightly capped bottle, a working strength solution may last up to 24 hours.

Q: 6. How long will the chemical last if I start using it?

A: Once mixed, the Multigrade Developer will last 6 months in a sealed container.

Q: 7. Can we reuse the fixer? For up to how many rolls?

A: A general rule-of-thumb would require you to test your fixer working solution immediately after mixing to find its clearing time, then when it takes twice as long as the original test to clear the film, you may discard it. In practice, to test your working solution, you can take an unexposed piece of film (such as the film leader) and place a drop of fixer on the emulsion side of the film. Leave it for approximately 20-30 seconds. Then place the film into the fixer, ensuring it is covered. Time how long it takes for the clear spot to disappear (when you can no longer tell the spot you placed the drop of fixer from the rest of the completely clear film). This would be the fixer's clearing time. You would double this time amount to find the amount of time it takes to fix your film (i.e., if it took 2 minutes 10 seconds for the film to become completely clear and the dot to disappear, you would fix film for 4 minutes 20 seconds). You would test your fixer every time before using the fixer. When, during your test, it takes twice as long to fix your scrap film leader to clear as it did when you first mixed the working solution, it may be discarded and you may make a new working solution. (if you wish, you may wait until it takes triple the time your original test took to clear, but this would result in extremely long fixing times).

Q: 8. Can i develop film with this?

A: I have never used this developer on film. It is designed for B&W photographic print paper. I use Rodinal to process my film.

Q: 9. is this paper currently in stock?

A: This Ilford Multigrade FB Warmtone Fiber Base Paper is not currently in stock, no. It is a special order item, which would be non-cancelable and non-refundable. After placing the order, it would take an estimated 2-4 weeks for the paper to arrive and B&H and then ship out to you.

Q: 10. Can I develop films with this?

A: Technically, yes. But for best results, you are significantly better off using actual film developer. Times and results will vary greatly because the concentration/strength/developing time and grain structure will be quite different. You will also have to experiment with dilution for best results.