I need help picking two filters

limehouse

limehouse

Well-known member
I'm getting ready to shoot a short horror/thriller/drama, and I'd like to achieve a warmer, softer look than I get with the unfiltered DVX100. I really liked the look of Sofia Coppola's The Virgin Suicides, so that may give you an idea of what I'm shooting for.

I've been looking at two filters. One is the Tiffen 4x4 1/2 Gold Diffusion (link), and the other is the Tiffen 4x4 Ultra Contrast 1 (link). I want to reduce the contrast in the hope that I can retain more detail in the shadows and highlights, but I have no idea if the ultra contrast will actually achieve that.

Here's my questions: 1) Has anyone used these filters with the DVX100, and what was your result?  2) Is there any other type of filter you would recommend for a warm, reduced-contrast look?

Thanks a ton guys! :)

edit: I've also checked out Formatts variations of the filters above, and I'm interested in anyone's opinions on those.
 
Re: I need help picking two filters

Search the site for Jarreds DVD of a bunch of filters. He compares them before and after so that you can see for your self what they look like on a DVX. BTW - I think Jarreds fav is Antique Suede. :)
 
Re: I need help picking two filters

[quote author=Bill_Bolton link=board=news;num=1094621149;start=0#1 date=09/08/04 at 20:37:16]Search the site for Jarreds DVD of a bunch of filters.  He compares them before and after so that you can see for your self what they look like on a DVX.   BTW - I think Jarreds fav is Antique Suede.  :)[/quote]
Yeah, I own that DVD. :P It's awesome. It helped me pick the last filter I bought. But it doesn't include tests with these particular ones, I guess because they are a bit off-beat.

Anyway, I just decided to go ahead and order the Gold Diffusion 1/2, and I decided against the low contrast filter after I finally found some solid info on it. It seems to be more of a special-use filter that really works best if you have a set of 3 or 4 grades, which is more than a little out of my budget right now. :)
 
Re: I need help picking two filters

Lime,
I have a filter box with 48 Panavision filters and the ones that never get used are the ones like Gold FX. The reason is they use tiny dots of stuff to diffuse the lite. Well as we all know the DXX focuses it own front element sometimes. Unless you shoot all long lens / wide open you will see the dots ( mostly in pans / SteadiCam stuff) Look for filters with an even coating and no dots & you'll be GOLDEN !

Steve
 
Re: I need help picking two filters

[quote author=Birdboy link=board=news;num=1094621149;start=0#3 date=09/14/04 at 08:05:33]Lime,
    I have a filter box with 48 Panavision filters and the ones that never get used are the ones like Gold FX. The reason is they use tiny dots of stuff to diffuse the lite.  Well as we all know the DXX focuses it own front element sometimes.  Unless you shoot all long lens / wide open you will see the dots ( mostly in pans / SteadiCam stuff)  Look for filters with an even coating and no dots & you'll be GOLDEN !

Steve [/quote]
Well, I already got the Gold FX before I read your reply, and yep, you're right. It  sometimes focuses on the squigles/dots, but only when autofocus is on. I tend to use manual focus, however, so I don't think it'll be a big problem. Otherwise, it looks really great, and I recommend it to anyone looking to warm up the DVX's look.
 
Re: I need help picking two filters

Speaking of filters, I purchased a Tiffen 72mm filter kit and it included a clear lense that you can use as a protector. I tried it and noticed that in auto-focus it seem to always be a tad bit out of focus. But just barely. Has anyone noticed this before? Am I doing wrong in using it? I thought it would be a good idea to protect the main lense.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top