I'm cheap

[jon.t.]

Lets face it, photography is an expensive hobby, but cutting expenses can make it a little bit cheaper. I was thinking about making my own White Balance card, similar to a whibal... Does anyone know if its possible to make one of these? I was thinking maybe I can get a paint chip or two from home depot and try this out, but I'm not sure what shade of gray would be used... Anyone try this before?

[cdifoto]

Sorry but 10 bucks for a Grey card isn't exactly a lot. Local camera shops all over the world carry them.

[jon.t.]

Sorry but 10 bucks for a Grey card isn't exactly a lot. Local camera shops all over the world carry them.
I looked in my camera shop and found nothing, and the cheapest ones online are upwards of 30 dollars, which is 30 more than i have.

[cdifoto]

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=380068283549

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=330273999454

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=150296431879

[jon.t.]

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=380068283549

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=330273999454

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=150296431879
Thanks but now it may seem like I'm just arguing, but my dad is anti-ebay, and he wouldn't give me his credit card for it. Home depot is just down the road and I figured if there was a paint chip to match it, I'd get a free one.

[cdifoto]

You can use a piece of white paper too. It may not be as clinically correct as a proper card, but neither will paint samples. I've even used my white t-shirt in a pinch.

[doctorgonzo]

I looked in my camera shop and found nothing, and the cheapest ones online are upwards of 30 dollars, which is 30 more than i have.

Stay away from the camera shops like Ritz, since they don't have this kind of stuff (for whatever reason). There must be a shop near you where the professionals go, you can find a card there.

[Tixeon]

If you use the paint chip idea, I would suggest that you not use grey. pick up a few of the white variations that range closely in tint from slightly cool to slightly warm. Do some tests with each (keeping notes of which is which) & this should help you pick one that looks right to you. Good luck.....

[scotteisenphotography]

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/101853-REG/Delta_22030_Gray_Card_8x10_1_.html

$5.50 and not from ebay.

[hawkeye60]

Google images for greycard, then print it out.

[dave kadolph]

Do you have a Lowepro bag?

The dividers in mine are an almost perfect match to 18% grey. ;)

If not a doubled up sheet of 88 or 90 brightness typing paper

Or a couple of bleached white coffee filters over the lens--lots of low or no cost options to try.

[JulieNick]

some scrap booking and craft stores sell the 18% grey cards.

[jon.t.]

Google images for greycard, then print it out.
I don't think that will work with a printer... due to the fact that it wont be printed in pure 18 percent gray, but lots of dots of different colors.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/101853-REG/Delta_22030_Gray_Card_8x10_1_.html

$5.50 and not from ebay.
thanks!
Do you have a Lowepro bag?

The dividers in mine are an almost perfect match to 18% grey. ;)

If not a doubled up sheet of 88 or 90 brightness typing paper

Or a couple of bleached white coffee filters over the lens--lots of low or no cost options to try.
I do have a lowerpro bag! But isn't it supposed to be non-reflective? my liner shines a bit....

If you use the paint chip idea, I would suggest that you not use grey. pick up a few of the white variations that range closely in tint from slightly cool to slightly warm. Do some tests with each (keeping notes of which is which) & this should help you pick one that looks right to you. Good luck.....
Yea I thik next time I pass home depot I'll just grab a handfull...
Stay away from the camera shops like Ritz, since they don't have this kind of stuff (for whatever reason). There must be a shop near you where the professionals go, you can find a card there.
I went to "le camera", it was near impossible to find anything in there, and they don't know what they have in stock either, so I'd need to look all over the store... I should be going there sunday to pick up a lens I purchased, I rummage then.

[poloman]

When you go to the camera store............ask.

[PhotosGuy]

You can use a piece of white paper too. It may not be as clinically correct as a proper card, but neither will paint samples. I've even used my white t-shirt in a pinch.
Grey Card who uses one and which one ?? (http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=511228)

[yogestee]

Ask yourself this,, "do I really need a grey card"??

[samurairx7]

just use a white paper and shoot raw and fix it later?

[PhotosGuy]

just use a white paper and shoot raw and fix it later? Didn't you look at my link?
"It takes about 30 seconds, & you really don't need to buy a gray card. If you shoot white paper ON THE METER READING, it will photograph gray, just what the cam needs for Custom WB. Use that exposure for the WB set-up."

[samurairx7]

ohhh lol