Gelatin Filters

[jcsorensen]

Does anyone know how heat resistent gels for lighting are? Can most gels be placed in front of a 250 or 500 watt halogen light source without melting or burning? Also, does anyone know a source for inexpesive gels in about the 8"x10" size arena?

[chtgrubbs]

You should have no problem if you leave 2-4 inches of space between the filter and the bulb. White Lightening sells packages of assorted gels on their web site.

[Shekinah]

Can anyone please help me to find a Gelatin Filter for my Canon EF 200mm 1.8L USM Lens?? I am desperately trying to buy a filter for my 48mm drop in filter holder.

[Jon]

Lighting gels are intended for use in front of hot lights, so they're good for a couple of hours or more of use. After all, theaters don't want to have to stop mid-show while the electricians go out and change the gels on all the instruments. And, no, that's not what intermissions are for.

[Belmondo]

If you can't find any in time, it's not a disaster. Unless you have a specific purpose in mind for a certain type of filter, you will be able to shoot without one.

[Shekinah]

If you can't find any in time, it's not a disaster. Unless you have a specific purpose in mind for a certain type of filter, you will be able to shoot without one.

The manual says "Even when no filter effect is desired, the gelatin filter holder must be in place because the glass filter is a part of the lens optical system".

So I thought that it was important to have a gelatin filter in place??

[Belmondo]

I've always shot with the holder in place, but often without anything in it. It didn't seem to affect the image in any discernable way, but then I wasn't using a 200 f/1.8.

Since the filter doesn't really refract, I can't imagine how seriously it would impact the image.

I suggest you try some test shots just to satisfy yourself.

[Ronald S. Jr.]

you're supposed to have the GLASS filter in place...the gelatin one is for effects, mainly. You don't need that one..the glass one will yield crystal clear pictures (depending on you, of course).

[td3ph]

the 48mm drop in gelatin filter that i'm using for my 200mm seems to give me some sort of a soft focus effect on my shots....is this the supposed effect of that gelatin filter? when i remove the gelatin filter, my lens seems to produce sharper images....any advice regarding this would be appreciated...i'm so tempted to shoot without the gelatin filter on certain situations

[Jon]

Which gelatin filter are you using? They come in a wide range of colours and effects. Also, is it in good condition? Gels are very fragile.