8mm Forum: COLOUR BALANCE FILTER

This is topic COLOUR BALANCE FILTER in forum 8mm Forum at 8mm Forum.

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Posted by David Pannell (Member # 300) on May 08, 2008, 11:52 AM:

Just wondering if anyone has tried out Wittner's colour re-balance filter, stock item number 5002.

If it works per the photo, it could be a worthwhile investment for those pink and red films, to make them watchable again.

I have, as I'm sure others have too, tried out camera filters of various colours, but nothing works. There was a thread about this some time ago, but the Wittner product was not mentioned.

Any experiences?

Posted by Osi Osgood (Member # 424) on May 08, 2008, 07:52 PM:

I've never heard of it, David, would you happen to have a link to where you found it?

Posted by David Pannell (Member # 300) on May 09, 2008, 01:57 AM:

Hi Osi,

Here's the link. You need to scroll down the page a bit, as it's towards the bottom.

http://www.wittner-kinotechnik.de/katalog/07_vorfu/a_allgem.php

What do you think?

Posted by Kevin Faulkner (Member # 6) on May 09, 2008, 04:02 AM:

Thats horribly expensive at £113.00 GBP.
In my experience adding any filter will cut down light output and tint the highlights. Most of these filters are a combo of cyan/yellow and will make the whites/highlights go that colour which gives a dirty look to the film.
At the end of the day the cyan layer has faded and there is nothing you can really do to it. Unless this filter can apply varying amounts of cyan to the areas only where its need then I cant convince myself of the cost.
BTW its glass so dont drop your £113 GBP worth. [Eek!]

Bet those pictures have been Photoshoped!

Kev.

Posted by David Pannell (Member # 300) on May 09, 2008, 04:38 AM:

Haven't decided to get one, Kev! The price scares me off a bit too. But if it DOES work - properly, it could be the best thing since sliced bread (not that I like sliced bread, of course - I prefer freshly baked Farmhouse - but I digress).

That's why I'm asking if anyone on the Forum has tried one of these, or knows of someone who has. Or, indeed, knows anything about the technology of these special filters.

If they DO work, maybe that's the reason for their high cost.

Posted by Kevin Faulkner (Member # 6) on May 09, 2008, 08:32 AM:

Maybe they are some sort of Dichroic filter which might explain the cost.

Surely it would be in Wittners interest to get someone to try one of their filters and then review it's usefulness in say FFTC mag.

Thinking about it I nominate Mr Wilton to test it [Smile]

Kev.

Posted by Douglas Meltzer (Member # 28) on May 09, 2008, 10:11 AM:

By coincidence, a friend should receive that filter shortly and give it a test. I'll post the results.

Doug

Posted by Kevin Faulkner (Member # 6) on May 09, 2008, 10:30 AM:

Nice one Doug. Maybe a picture of it if possible.

Kev.

Posted by David Pannell (Member # 300) on May 09, 2008, 10:51 AM:

Cheers Doug. That would be really helpful.

Posted by Douglas Meltzer (Member # 28) on May 09, 2008, 10:19 PM:

One problem I see at the outset. The filter is 3X3, so some sort of mount would have to be rigged up.

Doug

Posted by David Pannell (Member # 300) on May 30, 2008, 11:27 AM:

Hi Doug,

Any further info from your friend on this colour balance filter yet?

Posted by John Whittle (Member # 22) on May 30, 2008, 06:32 PM:

A reminder, filers remove colors from the light, no add them so what this filter will do is make your print darker, it won't add back color, just subtract it.

A very slight fade print may look better with a filter, but you need a filter for each print. You can make these up yourself with Kodak CC (color correction) filters which are sold in each of the primary and secondard colors in various strengths. For example a CC20C would be a color correction filter .20 density cyan in color which would counter act red.

But at 200$ US for a filter, make sure you can return the item after you try it. I don't think you'll be very happy.

John

Posted by Kevin Faulkner (Member # 6) on May 31, 2008, 08:57 AM:

I 100% agree with what John says. I have a bunch of Kodak CC filters that I use in various colours and strengths. Much cheaper than this very expensive filter and no danger of breakage.

Has anyone yet to see one?

K.

Posted by Douglas Meltzer (Member # 28) on May 31, 2008, 12:22 PM:

The filter hasn't arrived yet.

Doug

Posted by Larry Arpin (Member # 744) on May 31, 2008, 01:03 PM:

John Whittle is right. I used CC filters in a subtractive optical printer. It would be better if you could put the filter in the light path behind the film. It would still cut light.

Posted by Osi Osgood (Member # 424) on May 31, 2008, 10:51 PM:

Ya know, I've come upon a conclusion concerning all of this colour balance filters ...

I think I'll just continue looking for a great print of things.

That's not as easy as it sounds, of course. I recently, (as many of you already know) bought and received three branf new optical features. They were unplayed, in mint condition, and yet, even with a completely unviewed, well stored print, my brand new print of "Something Short of Paradise" Has a slight fade to it. All the colours are pretty much there, but it does have a slight pinking, only really noticeable in Susan Sarradon's face, (as she is quite pale).

So, I'll have to be satified with that. maybe a slight filter on that will make it look ALMOST perfect.

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