Digital BW, The Print

For B&W conversions I always find controlling the channels (via 
channel mixer or one of the dedicated filters availble) tends to give 
some of the best results.

Something I find extremely powerful when presented with this endless 
control over pre-filtering is not having to filter the entire image 
with the same colour. I Pre-filter for specific parts then save a 
snapshot (or mark as a History state), return to the colour image and 
convert again focusing on other specific areas or the main pre-
filter. When satisfied with the set of conversions I choose the the 
most complete version then, one by one select the others as a history 
state. Then with the history brush and setting the transparency 
level, paint the coresponding areas into the main conversion.

I find this offers a lot of control of those 'difficult' parts (eg 
shadows) with the least destruction.

Just another approach...

regards
Craig / Beijing