Tiffen ColorGrad User Manual

CHOCOLATESTRAWTANGERINE TOBACCOCRANBERRY

DENSITY 1 DENSITY 2 DENSITY 3DENSITY 1 DENSITY 2 DENSITY 3 DENSITY 4 DENSITY 5 CORAL

GRAPEPLUM TROPIC

BLUE

SUNSET COMBINATION

DENSITY 1/8 DENSITY 1/4 DENSITY 1/2 DENSITY 1 DENSITY 2 DENSITY 3 DENSITY 4 DENSITY 5 SKYFIRE TWILIGHT

RED GREEN BLUECYANMAGENTA YELLOWPINK COOL BLUE

THE EDGE

Neutral Density

Filter Samples

ND3 HARD EDGE

ND6 SOFT EDGE

ND9 ATTENUATED
(SPECIAL ORDER)

Tiffen Solid Color Filter Swatches are shown above. Other densities may be available.

Tiffen Color-Grad Filters are available in half clear and half color as per color swatches shown above.

The Sunset, Skyfire, Twilight and Combination colors are shown as Grads to better understand how the filter looks.

Note: Due to variations in printing, these color swatches may not be a true representation. They should be used as an aid in filter selection to approximate color & density.

Tiffen Color-Grad filters are one of the most widely used category of filters in the industry
today.They enable the image-maker to create an illusion or enhance reality. Some of the most
popular applications are:

• Adding color excitement to a drab sky

• Changing the specific color in a scene to create a desired special effect

• Enhancing the existing color or creating subtle color drama

• Creating more balanced exposure in uneven lighting situations

Tiffen Color-Grads are supplied in a wide range of sizes and colors and are made in either
soft, hard, or as a special order, attenuated gradients .

When it comes to rectangular-shaped filters, such as the 4x5.650 (Panavision size), the terms
vertical and horizontal are important. For the accurate way to order, see the chart below.

The

horizontal

vertical

designation
refers to the position of
the filter in relationship
to the camera when the
grad line is horizontal.

or

Hard Edge

This illustration shows
a vertical Color-Grad
with a hard edge.
Depending on the
size of the filter, the
transition area is
approximately 1/4” to
1/2” wide before
reaching full density.

Color-Grad

To order this
rectangular filter,
you would ask
for a Horizontal
Color-Grad.

Soft Edge

This illustration shows
a vertical Color-Grad
with a soft edge.
Depending on the
size of the filter, the
transition area is
between 1/2” to 2”
wide before reaching
full density.

Hard Edge - Soft Edge

In addition to subject matter and its surroundings, the type of lens
you use will help to determine whether to use a Tiffen Color-Grad with a
“hard“ edge or “soft” edge.

Telephoto lenses make use of a small portion of the filter.Therefore,
we recommend a hard edge for long lenses because a soft edge
would get lost in the image.

Wide angle lenses make objects smaller.Therefore, we recommend
a soft edge for short focal lengths because a hard edge gradient
would look like a hard straight line.Soft edges and attenuators are for
subtle blending with irregular-shaped subjects or unusual lighting.

Horizontal

Ver tical
Color-Grad

To order this
rectangular filter,
you would ask
for a Vertical
Color-Grad.

Attenuator

This illustration shows
an attenuated vertical
Color-Grad.The
transition area takes
place throughout the
whole filter, starting
clear and reaching its
maximum density at
the opposite end.

Custom Made To Suit Your Needs

Sometimes, an unusual requirement
demands a special-order Color-Grad.
We can provide custom specifications
in color, gradient and configuration.
Describe a color, or send us a sample ­we can match it. Custom densities and
gradients are routinely produced for
unique situations at an additional cost.

The Tiffen Company, LLC

90 Oser Avenue, Hauppauge, NY 11788 • [phone] • Fax: [phone] • [phone]

Tiffen Technical Center

3500 West Olive Avenue, Suite 810, Burbank, CA 91505 • [phone] • Fax: [phone] • [phone]