Do ND gels have slight tints to them? at DVinfo.net

Glenn Chan · August 31st, 2005, 02:58 PM

1- Try this:

Take two objects that look white to you. Put them side to side. Are the two objects exactly the same color? (i.e. no color tint to either object)

From what I've read, most objects aren't truly white as they don't reflect all wavelengths 100% (or in equal proportions).

You'd probably find something similar with grey objects.

Which means ND gels probably add a slight tint to light passing through up. I'm wondering if anyone has ND gels that they can perform a test on them?

2- On a internet site somewhere, I saw a comparison between Harrison & Harrison filters (for cameras) versus other brands and there's color tints to the other brands. This probably doesn't matter for a camera filter. I can't seem to find it though.

3- I'm guessing the slight tint added by ND gels are too neglible to make a difference.

I might test this out, although I don't have a reasonably sized ND filter or real lights.

Charles Papert · August 31st, 2005, 08:36 PM

ND gels tend to have a very slight magenta tint--it's not that noticeable usually, but if you stack them up deep on a window you might find the exterior looking a tad purple.

August 31st, 2005, 02:58 PM	#1
Glenn Chan Inner Circle Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Toronto, Canada Posts: 4,750	Do ND gels have slight tints to them? 1- Try this: Take two objects that look white to you. Put them side to side. Are the two objects exactly the same color? (i.e. no color tint to either object) From what I've read, most objects aren't truly white as they don't reflect all wavelengths 100% (or in equal proportions). You'd probably find something similar with grey objects. Which means ND gels probably add a slight tint to light passing through up. I'm wondering if anyone has ND gels that they can perform a test on them? 2- On a internet site somewhere, I saw a comparison between Harrison & Harrison filters (for cameras) versus other brands and there's color tints to the other brands. This probably doesn't matter for a camera filter. I can't seem to find it though. 3- I'm guessing the slight tint added by ND gels are too neglible to make a difference. I might test this out, although I don't have a reasonably sized ND filter or real lights.

August 31st, 2005, 08:36 PM	#2
Charles Papert Wrangler Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Los Angeles, CA Posts: 6,810	ND gels tend to have a very slight magenta tint--it's not that noticeable usually, but if you stack them up deep on a window you might find the exterior looking a tad purple. __________________ Charles Papert www.charlespapert.com