LEE Filters No. 251 "Quarter White Diffusion" – lightweight diffusion fabric on polyester base, approximately 1/3 stop light loss.
251 is the filter number for the “Quarter White Diffusion” filter by LEE Filters. It is not a light source or grip equipment, but a color-neutral diffusion material that is placed in front of a light source to make the light softer and more even. The “251” belongs to the family of White Diffusion filters and indicates a weak diffusion – the designation “Quarter” refers to a significantly lower diffusion effect compared to the full version.
The material is manufactured on a tough polyester base and is available as a sheet and as a roll in various widths. Since it is largely color-neutral, it practically does not change the color temperature of the light and serves exclusively for light shaping.
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | LEE Filters |
| Filter Number | 251 |
| Designation | Quarter White Diffusion |
| Light Transmission (Transmission Y) | approx. 80 % |
| Light Loss | approx. 1/3 stop (0.3 stop) |
| Base Material | Polyester |
| Color Effect | Color-neutral (no significant color temperature shift) |
LEE offers White Diffusion in several strengths, which differ in diffusion effect and light loss. The 251 is in the weaker range of this series:
The 251 is used when only a subtle softening of the light is desired – for example, to mitigate hard shadows and highlights without significantly reducing the brightness of the fixture. Due to the low light loss of around one-third of a stop, it is well-suited when power reserves are tight or when diffusion needs to be applied very sparingly. Typical applications include placing it in front of luminaires using clamps, frames, or barndoors, as well as its use in diffusion frames. For stronger diffusion, one would opt for 250 (Half) or 216 (Full) instead, and for an even more subtle effect, for 252 (Eighth).
As a cinematographer, I particularly appreciate the 251 Diffusion for its subtlety – it gives me control over hard shadows without "muddying" the light. For close-ups, I like to use it to flatter the actors' skin texture while still maintaining contrast and plasticity.
For me as a director, the 251 diffusion is a valuable tool to support the emotional impact of a scene. It helps create a softer, more intimate atmosphere without losing the drama of the lighting – perfect for romantic scenes or emotionally sensitive moments.
The 251 Diffusion is a cost-effective material that's versatile and saves time on set. Since it causes minimal light loss, we don't need extra power capacity, and its durability means we don't have to constantly source replacements.
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