Quality of Diffusion at DVinfo.net
DV Info Net

Go Back   DV Info Net > The Tools of DV and HD Production > Photon Management

Photon Management
Shine an ever-loving light on you.

Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread
Old May 16th, 2005, 05:56 AM   #1
Major Player
 
Join Date: Apr 2004
Location: Cereal City USA
Posts: 286
Quality of Diffusion

Diffusion...many types, many materials.

Something I've always wanted to see is a side by side comparison of the differnt types of diffusion material.
All the same size and distance from the subject.

I would like to see the difference between 1/4 grid, tough spun, hamburg frost, etc.

Anyone aware of such a comparison?
Patrick Gault is offline   Reply With Quote
Old May 17th, 2005, 02:36 PM   #2
Major Player
 
Join Date: Apr 2004
Location: Ann Arbor, MI
Posts: 342
I asked the same sort of question around the boards a year or so ago. "How soft is soft?", I think was my question. I was even criticized for asking it. I guess it's difficult to quantify since you would have to measure very small samples of reflected light (off the subject) to answer and we don't have the means to do that - it would take some sophisticated lab equipment to do it and then be able to afix some meaningful tag (say, "#3 Diffusion") to each type of material. The closest that exists already is diffusion gels, which can tell you how many stops you lose and presumably the manufacturers also have data on color temp, which will change, no matter which gel you use.

All I "know" is that multiple diffusion = better diffusion. If you are going to put a softbox on your fixture, or a frame of Tough-Lux in front of it, put an Opal gel in front of the lamp first. I've even used an Opal diffusion gel on the fixture, a 12" x 12" frame of Grid Cloth in front of that and a 20" x 24" frame of Tough Spun in front of that. Magic!
Jack Barker is offline   Reply With Quote
Old May 18th, 2005, 08:22 AM   #3
Major Player
 
Join Date: Apr 2004
Location: Cereal City USA
Posts: 286
Quote:
Originally Posted by Jack Barker
All I "know" is that multiple diffusion = better diffusion. If you are going to put a softbox on your fixture, or a frame of Tough-Lux in front of it, put an Opal gel in front of the lamp first. I've even used an Opal diffusion gel on the fixture, a 12" x 12" frame of Grid Cloth in front of that and a 20" x 24" frame of Tough Spun in front of that.
Spread is what its all about. The more layers of diffusion, the wider your light is spread which provides softer light. Size of the diffusion and distance to subject also play a big role. I've never seen a side by side comparison of how much spread you get from a specific type of diffusion. Barbizon.com has a reference chart for certain types of diffusion, how much light transmission is lost and how wide the light will spread. No actual photos though.

I use a photoflex medium nxt (double diffused) then place a wescott 39" x 39" translucent about 18" in front of the box. Very soft light.
Patrick Gault is offline   Reply With Quote
Old May 18th, 2005, 10:05 AM   #4
Major Player
 
Join Date: Apr 2004
Location: Ann Arbor, MI
Posts: 342
Quote:
Originally Posted by Patrick Gault
I use a photoflex medium nxt (double diffused) then place a wescott 39" x 39" translucent about 18" in front of the box. Very soft light.
Oooo... Nice!
Jack Barker is offline   Reply
Reply

DV Info Net refers all where-to-buy and where-to-rent questions exclusively to these trusted full line dealers and rental houses...

B&H Photo Video
(866) 521-7381
New York, NY USA

Scan Computers Int. Ltd.
+44 0871-472-4747
Bolton, Lancashire UK


DV Info Net also encourages you to support local businesses and buy from an authorized dealer in your neighborhood.
  You are here: DV Info Net > The Tools of DV and HD Production > Photon Management

Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search

 



All times are GMT -6. The time now is 05:38 AM.


DV Info Net -- Real Names, Real People, Real Info!
1998-2024 The Digital Video Information Network