hard panel nd filter for windows

[Bruce Watson]

I found this interesting variable ND system called RoscoVIEW for controlling light through exterior windows on a set. Sadly, too expensive for my current needs.

Anyone know of a panel (as opposed to a gel sheet) that's an ND of 0.3, 0.6, or 0.9? I'm thinking something like the OP-3 acrylic sheet used by picture framers, but neutral density instead of clear.

 

[Bruce Watson]

Oh, I'm a dufus. Of course, Rosco makes ND acrylic panels. If you just dig deep enough to find them. Sigh.

Now, two other questions. First, anyone know a distributor in USA who stocks the panels? and might actually cut one down and send me the pieces? Second, anyone know of any other panels, hopefully not as expensive?

 

[Bruce Watson]

Hmmm.... did I stump this group? Or just find the only viable option myself?

Seriously -- nothing?

 

[RyanT]

I'm sure if you call your local rental house or expendables shop and ask em to order it for you they'd do it no problem. Cutting it down and sending it to you on the other hand might be a little more tricky.

Just curious why you want panels instead of a gel. I haven't seen ND panels for sale before, but I've seen frosted glass panels and it aint cheap.

 

[Bruce Watson]

Just curious why you want panels instead of a gel.

Because I've got to setup and tear down on the same windows maybe 10-12 times over a several month period. Can't leave them gelled. So the time/material savings of using a panel is attractive.

 

[stuckfootage]

Hi,

I Googled a source for the 3762 in Missouri:
http://www.stagelightinggear.com/-Cinegel-3762-Roscolex-N3-_p_9094.html
for $7.50/sheet.

I would try to get them to ship full sheets, so you could fit them perfectly.
Get a few extra in case you ruin a couple.

If the shipping costs are crazy, you could conceivably drive from Missouri to North Carolina,
but aren't there some good grip shops in Wilmington?

Nice idea....let us know how it works.

 

[Erik Olson]

RoscoView is a 2-part, variable ND product, which places an acrylic panel into your set and a linear polarizer on each taking camera. The panels need to be cut by Rosco Canada and they'll consult with you through a dealer like Barbizon Lighting (or other Rosco dealers). Rosco's acrylic solid ND panels can be cut by the end user and will not de-laminate.

The ND stuckfootage points to is gel goods and comes from vendors like LEE, Rosco and GAM in 20 x 24" sheets or on a roll for larger work.

 

[stuckfootage]

The ND stuckfootage points to is gel goods

Really?
The Rosco site:
http://www.rosco.com/us/filters/cinegel.cfm
says that 3762 is a 4'x8'x.125" acrylic sheet, i.e. just what the OP was asking about.

 

[ggrantly]

Working acrylic can be pretty sketchy, especially drilling holes, so study up on that before hacking some cracks.

Grant