What filters do you consider essential?

[Matt W.]

Just trying to outfit a (very low end) kit. For the purposes of this kit, I am willing to shoot as slow as 200 ISO.

ND3
ND6
ND9
ND1.2
ND1.5 (?)

2 stop grad
3 stop grad

Polarizer

Diffusion (?)

85B
80A

Am I good? This is a super low end kit, so anything that won't get used on the reg will be rentals only. Thanks!

[David Mullen ASC]

You may want to make those IR/ND combos.

In terms of grads, I only carry an ND.60 soft edge grad, sometimes also an ND.60 Attenuator. The ND.30 grad is too mild to be worth the extra glass and the ND.90 is too strong most of the time.

You don't need an 85 filter for digital cameras and you probably can get away with a lighter blue than the 80A.

[Nick Morrison]

1/4 Black Promist? 1/4 Classic Soft? 1/4 Black Magic?

[Nick Morrison]

In terms of grads, I only carry an ND.60 soft edge grad, sometimes also an ND.60 Attenuator. The ND.30 grad is too mild to be worth the extra glass and the ND.90 is too strong most of the time.

Mr. Mullen...w/out sounding like an obscene kiss ass...I have to tell you how exciting it is every time you post. You are one of my favorite forum members on REDUSER, bar none.

My google docs file on "Scarlet Workflow" is literally littered with your suggestions on lighting, filters, etc. I've just clipped your note about the Black Magic filter last week...

Thanks so much for your generous contributions to this board, and just your fantastic demeanor...its a rewarding and constant reminder of how fun and collaborative film-making can be.

A big hearty thanks...

I'm also an avid reader of American Cinematographer, and your spirit of open-ness reminds me a lot of the philosophy of the magazine, and its mission to spread a true appreciation of the craft.

Thanks again for being willing to share!

[Matt W.]

Thanks! I will skip the 85B filter.

Nick, those are the three filters I was considering. Due to price...I might get 1/2 and 1/4 black promist and add them to the kit last. I'm curious what filters Robert Richardson used (I know it was some variety of promist) to get his signature look, but chances are that will be a special purpose or rental item for me.

[Mike 'Fireman' Ross]

Matt, agree with Mr. Mullen; you WILL want combos, or a separate hot mirror filter to use with the NDs. The first time you try to use significant ND without IR filtration, you'll understand why! I had to try it for myself; oh dear.

Mike

[Matt W.]

Thanks, I will keep that in mind.

But other than NDs, a grad, polarizers, and some diffusion filters...not much else is needed? Just wondering what I'll be expected to have when I show up on set.

[Robino_J]

Is it okay to stack IR nds? is it better to use 1 strong IR ND and non IR (under .9) if needed?

[Mike 'Fireman' Ross]

Is it okay to stack IR nds? is it better to use 1 strong IR ND and non IR (under .9) if needed?

You know I've never tried that. But logic says it should be fine; so long as you have at least one IR cut at some point in the stack, none of the IR will make it through to the sensor to cause a colour shift.

Mike

[Satsuki Murashige]

But other than NDs, a grad, polarizers, and some diffusion filters...not much else is needed? Just wondering what I'll be expected to have when I show up on set.

I would also recommend that you pick up an optical flat (clear filter). Use it to protect your lens when things are flying toward you, or when working around water.

That said, you shouldn't be expected to show up with any filters on set for free, either as an AC or a DP. You should be getting rental on them, don't sell yourself short!

Diffusion is a very personal thing. You should rent a few different sets for two or three projects to see what you like and don't like. For me, I'm a fan of blacks nets and soft cons, I think they are very organic looking. I like what Classic Soft family of filters do to in-focus areas but hate the bokeh. The HD family I feel is too subtle. Not a big fan of Glimmerglass, Promists, or Fog filters. Just try them out and see what you like.