Filter

SJ_Lee

Active member
Appeding to my post about UV protective lens, I'd like to ask about Filter systems.

Anyone have a link or webpages that wade through all the different brands? It seems to me that, every uncle, Tom and Joe makes filter systems. Just slab a glass plate and paint it blue, or yellow... ummm, hopefully it's not like that.

What know about gelatin cutaway filters? I think Kodak and Lee makes them. I remember reading on Billup's new book about using Gelatin solutions for mini DV shoots.

I would love to try out all the different brands and filter types, but some of those filters are $200 a pop. I also remember reading something about getting free sample gelatin filters somewhere? Is this even possible?
 
Re: Filter

Free samples are likely to be a swatch book from Lee or Rosco, and designed for use in front of lights, not in front of lenses. Won't be "optical grade."

The best filter manufacturers are Schneider, Heliopan, and B+W. And yes, they're expensive. Unfortunately for us, those two things go together, especially in optics.

I haven't used Lee gelatin filters, but I've heard decent reports about them. They may be a cost-effective alternative. However, someone (I think it was Ken Freed) once said "Never save money on anything that goes in front of your lens." Seems like good advice.

As far as a link, I once found a comparison study that put a bunch of filter manufacturers through their paces, and the reviewer basically came away saying that the top brands are all within spittin' distance of each other, and the only noticeably "bad" filter system they tested were the Cokin resin filters. Don't have a link to it, but you might be able to find it on a google search.
 
Re: Filter


Do you know how to get one of those sample books? Who do I have to beg? As for their quality, I really don't care about the sample book's quality. I'd only use it to find out which filtering work best, then buy the real ones.

Searching in google for filters generally end up in some sale page with a million popups. I guess I need to do some more researching.
 
Re: Filter

If you're near any decent-sized grip & lighting house, and they carry Lee gels, that g&l house should be able to give you a sample book for free.

If you don't want to beg ;) you can probably order one from them direct at www.leefiltersusa.com
 
Re: Filter

[quote author=SJ_Lee link=board=Links;num=1075499594;start=0#2 date=01/30/04 at 15:58:13]
Do you know how to get one of those sample books?[/quote]

Go over to William F. White's. They give them out for free.
 
Re: Filter

leos on granville has the sample books.. they gave me one a few months ago.
 
Re: Filter

I'm not sure who you guys are refering to.

I need to visit a place in Toronto. You guys seem to be located in B.C.

Anyone know the address to Lee filters Toronto?
 
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