Need information about grayscale lens filters

[Punchy71]

I am wanting to know if there is such a thing as a "grayscale lens filter" for either vintage or new camera lenses so when you look through them everything is in gradations of grey and not color? If so, please elaborate on what the proper name is for them and what they are used for, how they are used, who makes or made them, what kind of glass they are made out of and any other information or details about them would be appreciated.

Thank you

 

[Sw1tchFX]

Just use vintage cameras with expired flim.

 

[Buckster]

There's no filter I've ever heard of that can do that.

On modern digital cameras however, you can set the Picture Style to Monochrome (black and white), then view on the Camera's LCD in Live View, and see it in grayscale as you compose, which might help you get where you want to go.

 

[480sparky43 42]

Sounds like you're wanting "Black & White", "Greyscale", or "Desutarated", something that can either be done in-camera (not recommended) or in post (highly recommended).

 

[Light Guru]

There is such a filter but its not exactly what you think.

A B&W viewing filter does not attach to the camera its more like a monocle that you hold up to your eye that helps you judge the contrast in what you are looking at. Its not truly B&W ether the image actually has a kinda sepia tone look to it.

They are used for judging the relationships between your shadows and highlights, and help in the placement of them when using the Zone System.

This is the one that I have and use when shooting B&W on my large format 4x5 camera.
Tiffen #1 Black and White Viewing Filter BWVF B&H Photo Video

 

[AaronLLockhart]

I think this user may be getting a misconception of the word filter from these new trend apps on cell phones like Instagram that offer "filters" to change the effects of your image.

 

[Light Guru]

I think this user may be getting a misconception of the word filter from these new trend apps on cell phones like Instagram that offer "filters" to change the effects of your image.

Doubt it in this case he specifically says

when you look through them everything is in gradations of grey and not color?

You cannot physically look through a filter in a camera app on a phone.