Neutral Density filter reducing light by 1 stop without color shift. Standard for subtle exposure corrections on set.
Definition
The ND.3 is a neutral density filter with an optical density of 0.3, reducing the amount of light by one stop. It transmits 50% of the incident light.
Practical Application
Areas of use for the ND.3 filter:
- Aperture Setting: Allows for a wider aperture in bright conditions for shallower depth of field
- Shutter Speed: Longer exposure times for motion blur without overexposure
- Matte Box System: Integration into 4x4" or 4x5.65" filter holders
- Lens Filter: Direct attachment to lens threads
Technical Details
Specifications of the ND.3 filter:
- Optical Density: 0.3
- Transmission: 50% (1 stop reduction)
- Neutrality: Uniform reduction across the visible spectrum
- Available Sizes: 77mm to 138mm diameter, 4x4" to 6.6x6.6" rectangular
Practical Tips
- Perform exposure metering after filter placement for accurate readings
- When mixing color temperatures, prefer neutral density filters over CC filters
- Clean only with lint-free cloths and alcohol
- Protect from scratches in padded filter pouches
Professional Standards
ND filters according to Tiffen or Schneider specifications ensure:
- Reproducible exposure values between different sets
- Compatibility with standard filter holders
- Minimal color shift for precise color correction
- Consistent optical quality across production cycles
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