In article <4e1ubn$adf@defiant.america.com>, bagnoli.america.com says...
>> mpeaslee@ix.netcom.com(Mark Peaslee ) writes:
>> What filters do you recommend for daylight shots to get good
>> contract without darkening the film too much?

I would suggest using no filter. The commonly recommended medium
yellow is useless, unless the air is VERY clear. The dark yellow will cost you one stop in film speed, for very subtle effect even on a clear day. The orange will cost you 2 stops in film speed, though it will produce noticeably darker rendering of blue sky. The red soaks you
THREE stops in film speed for a dark rendering of clear blue sky.
All of these filters will most likely be inaccurately metered by your
camera's meter. If you do not over-develop the black and white film,
you will get a natural-looking grey tone in the sky without filtration,
and can use the effective speed gain to hand-hold the camera using a slower and higher quality film.
Hope This Helps