An introduction to photographic filters Photographic filters are available in a seemingly endless variety.
Some filters work both sides of the fence, and can be used with either color or black and white.
Colored filters for black and white film are of use with color film only when a major overall color cast is what you are seeking. A deep red filter, for example, will give an image on color film an overall red appearance, whereas with black and white film, its effects are usually dramatic. The normal aim of a photographer using black and white film is to accurately reproduce a colored subject in a range of grey tones. A red sweater should be reproduced in a different grey tone than a green sweater, for example. Differentiation of colors that would otherwise appear as the same tone of gray is the main purpose of colored filters with black and white film.