DIY Expodisc...save $100

There are several "homemade" versions of a white balance filters. Some use the lid from a Pringles potato chip can, some use coffee filters...but Tom Hicks developed what I believe to be the best DIY WB disc...the "Hickspodisc"


Materials:

Two 72mm UV-0 or Clear Protective filters*

.125mm (or thinner) Acrylic diffuser panel for fluorescent ceiling light (supposedly available at Home Depot).

3M "P-95" Respirator Filter .(available at paint stores like Sherwin Williams...sold in boxes of 10)


Tools:

Tin snips (or heavy duty scissors)
Dremel tool (or heavy grit sand paper)
Clear adhesive (thicker consistency works better)

*77mm (pictured below) is the largest recommended lens filter. The P-95 material isn't

wide enough for anything larger than 77mm without splicing extra material...although it won't effect performance if you splice it on the outer edge and AVOID GAPS THAT LET LIGHT THROUGH!!

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Since my local Home Cheapo didn't have any diffuser panels I contacted the Plaskolite company (who manufacturer the acrylic panels) and asked if I could have some samples...well, samples I got...more than I'll ever need!!

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Please note: The diffuser material is optional and does NOT effect the performance of the WB disc...I added it for cosmetic purposes only.

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In case you're wondering if its just as good as an "Expodisc"...check out the histogram results below.

Expodisc

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Hickspodisc

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Save yourself the $100 and put it towards another L series lens!!

...............

EDIT: Sorry, but I'm no longer making the hickspodisc. Nerve damage from a motorcycle crash many years ago has finally caught up with me and I'm loosing strength in my hands. Even simple tasks have become quite difficult.

great tip! will be putting this to use soon.

Will you break down the price of materials used?

Hickspodisc <

You should sell them. Let me know how much.

wonny wrote in post #4177735
You should sell them. Let me know how much.

I agree..

wonny wrote in post #4177735
You should sell them. Let me know how much.

agreed. save everyone from buying a box of 10 filters, as well as everyone contacting Plaskolite & asking for free samples.



Great work!

Umm... There's a cheaper way of doing that...

Using a piece of coarse sandpaper on a cheap Cokin Skylight filter will produce something very similar.

After seeing this post I dug out some old diffusion panels I had in the cellar that had been used in fluorescent fixtures. The diffusion material I had is opaque white so I didn't bother with respirator filter material that was used. As an experiment I first took an exposure of my readily available models with room light (AWB setting), which is from energy saving compact fluorescent bulbs. Next I simply held up a 4"x4" piece of the diffusion plastic in front of the lens, took an exposure and did a white balance. Using the new white balance setting I took another shot of the two lovely and willing models.
I've got some more experimenting to do, but what I've got so far seems encouraging. If I can prove to myself that the balance is accurate in most lighting situations, I'll probably try to build something to accomodate the largest lens I have and put a hood on it to act as a shroud over the lens while handholding it.

Thanks for the DIY inspiration

Below are the shots uncorrected and corrected.

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"Hickspodisc" Haha

Thanks for the DIY.

Yeah i see a new eBay knock off coming

I have a WB Card that is like the Expodisk, How do i set the WB? Do i need the disk at the distance of the subject or right infront of the lens??

Sorry mine is not like an Expodisc, Just had a look and its different ill start another thread.

emailed...

gnrlmike wrote in post #4176616
Will you break down the price of materials used?

This is what I paid.

6 pack 3M p95 Particulate Respirator Filter $10.67 + Tax
Bower UV-0 72mm Lens Filter (eBay) $6.95 + $3.00 S&H
Hoya Standard UV Haze Lens Filter (eBay) $3.99 +$8.00 S&H
Acrylic diffuser panels (Plaskolite) FREE
Silicone adhesive $1.89

Cheap 72mm lens filters can be found on eBay all day long for $8 to $14 including shipping. You DONT need quality glass, its only to keep the 3M filter material clean and dust-free.