If I was only going to buy one or two black pro-mist-like filters. . .

[Stephen Pruitt]

. . . which one or ones would that be?

I'm interested in something that definitely shows some halation for that "vintage" feel and maybe something that just softens the image up a bit.

What would you buy?

Thanks.

Stephen

[david_winters]

I shoot 1/4 and 1/2 all the time on red and other 1080p cameras, I rarely go thicker even though I own a full set. 1/4 or 1/2 is just enough diffusion and glow that the average viewer does not notice it, until I point it out. I prefer the PM over BPM but am in the minority. Hope that is helpful.

[david_winters]

All my work is for tv and web, never the big screen.

[Jeremy Torrie]

I've used Formatt Supermist Black 1/8 and it does a very nice job (and sometimes 1/4). When in conjuction with skin tone enhancer it seems to work with 'vintage' actors.

[A. Clint Litton]

I thought the primary difference between Pro Mist and Black Pro Mist filters was halation, whereas a Pro Mist would provide varying degrees of halation near sources and highlights, and the Black Pro Mist would not (only softening up the image overall, good for taking the sharpness down a notch, like with the aforementioned "vintage" actors).

Please let me know if I'm incorrect in this distinction between the two kinds of filtration.

Best,
Clint

[David Mullen ASC]

The Black ProMist is just the regular (White) ProMist, but with black specks added to restore some of the loss of contrast that the halation causes due to the mist particles. So the effect is similar to regular ProMist but a bit more subtle, with less milkiness. I also feel that the black specs also soften hot highlights a tiny bit, not a bad thing in digital.

The downside is that if you stop down too much, the black specks start to come into focus enough to make it look like you have dust on the lens.

[Steve Das]

. . . which one or ones would that be?


If cost is an issue ? maybe none..try use of nets.

[Shawn R]

LOL, vaseline.

[Matt Gorrie]

Nose grease smeared on an optical flat in the desired area... John Seale style.

[Rob Ruffo]

Filters are part of the art of cinematography. There is no right answer here. Try renting a few and see what you like and for what. The effect of filters in many cases cannot be reproduced in post, where a white shirt will flare as much as a blown window.

[Shawn Nelson]

A great set is 1/8, 1/4 and 1/2. I currently own a 1/4 and 1 and the 1 is too much. I'm on the prowl for a 1/8 and 1/2, though the 1/4 is nice.