B+W 39mm Yellow 022M Black & White Filter - Better Gray Tone Control

In this review the B+W 39mm BASIC Yellow 022M Black & White filter is evaluated as a compact, straightforward tool for photographers looking to shape grayscale tonal relationships. The bottom line: this small screw-in yellow contrast filter is best for landscape and foliage work where subtle separation between greens and midtones matters, and its knurled black mount with MRC coating makes it easy to use in the field while resisting flare. It is a practical, low-friction choice for film shooters and digital users who want more expressive gray tones without heavy color mixing.

Key Features

• Black knurled mount: Provides a better grip when screwing the filter on or off a lens, useful in cold or wet conditions where dexterity is reduced.
• MRC coating: Helps control flare and ghosting so contrast and shadow detail remain clean even when shooting toward bright skies.
• Yellow 022M filter effect: Optimizes gray tones to bring out midtone separation and add punch to landscapes and foliage in black and white photography.
• 24mm full-frame coverage: Suitable for lenses down to 24mm full-frame format, making it compatible with many wide-angle setups.
• ECO-friendly packaging: Ships in reduced-waste packaging for photographers who prefer lower environmental impact in accessories.
• QR code authenticity: Includes a new QR code to verify authenticity and avoid counterfeit filters.

Who It's For

The filter suits photographers who shoot black and white landscapes, documentary work, or film and want simple, repeatable control over how greens and skies translate into gray tones. It is particularly good for those who prefer to shape contrast optically rather than relying solely on postprocessing.

It is less appropriate for shooters who need variable or heavy color filtration effects, complex multi-filter setups, or filters for ultra-wide lenses below 24mm full-frame. Studio photographers who always work with controlled lighting may find digital adjustments more flexible than a permanent color cast in-camera.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Small, lightweight and easy to carry, making it convenient for field use.
• Knurled black mount improves handling and reduces the chance of dropping the filter during changes.
• MRC coating reduces flare and ghosting for cleaner contrast in backlit scenes.
• QR code adds confidence by allowing quick authenticity checks.

Cons

• Only covers down to 24mm full-frame, so very wide-angle shooters may need larger options.
• Effect is subtle by design, so users expecting dramatic color-to-gray conversions may need stronger filtration or digital processing.

Specifications

Brand	B+W
Filter Size	39mm
Filter Type	Yellow 022M black & white contrast filter
Mount	Black knurled filter mount for better grip
Coating	MRC coating to control flare and ghosting
Coverage	Good for lenses down to 24mm full-frame format
Packaging	ECO-friendly packaging; includes QR code for authenticity

Our Verdict

The B+W 39mm Yellow 022M is a compact, well-built choice for photographers who want to refine gray tones in black and white landscapes and foliage work. Its knurled mount and MRC coating add practical handling and optical benefits, and the QR code and eco packaging are useful touches. It represents good value for anyone needing subtle, reliable contrast control without complex gear.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will this filter cause color casts on digital images?
Yes, the yellow filtration intentionally alters captured color before conversion to black and white to change gray tone relationships; digital users can still compensate if desired.

Can I use this on wide-angle lenses?
It is suitable for lenses down to 24mm full-frame; for wider coverage you should choose a larger diameter filter sized for your lens.

Does the MRC coating make a noticeable difference?
The MRC coating helps reduce flare and ghosting in strong light, improving contrast and keeping highlights cleaner compared with uncoated glass.