Has anyone used a white balance filter?

[ClickClick]

Like this one :

http://www.ritzcamera.com/product/242041853.htm

Are they worth it? Can someone tell me exactly how they were incorporated into their shots and the difference they made?

[Curtis N]

A thread title search for "expodisc" will yield quite a few threads on the subject, including this one.

The concept seems valid, but they cost a lot of money for what they are.

Some people use a translucent white plastic can lid for the same purpose.

[ClickClick]

Originally Posted by Curtis N

A thread title search for "expodisc" will yield quite a few threads on the subject, including this one.

The concept seems valid, but they cost a lot of money for what they are.

Some people use a translucent white plastic can lid for the same purpose.

(is there anything you don't know?)

[Jon]

Why people persist in going to Bestpricecameras.com to buy gear.
:{)#

[ClickClick]

To make a confession, I really have no idea what the thing is for or how to even use it. I got a Pro D CP filter for Xmas and already have a Hoya and don't have the receipt. So I need to exchange it for something along the lines of the same cost.

I didn't really see anything I needed and this looked like a neat little accessory to incorporate.

[Jon]

All you do with it is put it over your lens, point the camera at the light and take a picture. You then use that picture to set a custom white balance. There are lots of cheaper ways of setting a custom WB, among them a white coffee filter.

Maybe a gadget bag?

[ClickClick]

Ok, let me see if I have the steps for doing the coffee filter thing down pat.

1 - Focus on subject area
2 - Put coffee filter over lens
3 - Take picture
4 - Go to Custom White Balance Function of camera
5 - Choose picture you just took
6 - Camera sets setting based on that.

naturally, I am assuming this can only be used in the custom settings of the camera and not the basic (landscape, macros, auto, etc..) settings.

Yes, I am new to this and learning more everyday. On the forums, I have learned how to quickly part with my $$$ for better gadgets. LOL!!

[Curtis N]

It would probably be better to aim at the light source with the coffee filter.
Use Av or Tv mode and let the camera expose it to medium grey.

And you're correct that the custom white balance is only an option in the creative modes.

[ClickClick]

So if I am doing table top photography (just using this for example) I would aim the coffee filter covered lens at the lamps I am using for my lighting needs as opposed to aiming at the product I am actually photographing?

[Curtis N]

I would aim at one of the lights. You want to measure the color temperature of the light. If you aim at your subject, you will get the colored light that the subject reflects, and this isn't useful data for setting a custom white balance.

[ClickClick]

Curtis,

You are just awesome. Thanks a ton for helping me out here. I will play with this on the upcoming weekend (rain forecast) and post some pics of my results.

[Curtis N]

Just make sure you use a new coffee filter made from bleached (white) paper. Used coffee filters won't work well for this purpose, nor will the supposedly environmentally friendlier brown ones.

Keep in mind there are many procedures/targets/products that can be used to set a your white balance, depending if you want it dead-on accurate or just want to get in the ballpark. A forum search for "custom white balance" should yield plenty of reading material.

Have fun!