Lee 164

Overview

"Lee 164" refers to the color filter 164 Flame Red from the lighting filter range by LEE Filters. It is not a lighting fixture or a grip device, but a color gel that is placed in front of a light source to alter its light color. The number 164 is the fixed catalog number within the LEE color system; it is commonly used as a cross-manufacturer reference.

164 produces a strong, rich red with a slight orange tint. According to the manufacturer, the filter is primarily intended for fire and sunset effects and is often used on set for the color design of flame, fireplace, or emergency light moods, as well as for stylized accents.

Technical Data

Since red filters only allow a narrow portion of the spectrum to pass through, light loss is significant. The following transmission values are from the LEE data sheet:

Available Formats (according to LEE):

• Full Sheet: 1.22 m × 0.53 m
• Half Sheet: 0.61 m × 0.53 m
• Roll: 7.62 m × 1.22 m

On-Set Usage

164, like any LEE color gel, is mounted in front of luminaires, in barndoors, or in front of LED panels using gel clips, tape, or in a gel frame. Due to the low transmission, more power or a stronger light source should be planned for the desired intensity. As with all polyester/polycarbonate gels, maintain sufficient distance from hot tungsten sources, as the gel may otherwise fade or melt.

For modern LED lights, LEE offers the variant CL164 (Cool LED Flame Red). It is calibrated so that a high-color-temperature LED source (>6000 K) visually corresponds to the result of filter 164 on a 3200-K tungsten source – meaning it delivers the same color impression without the original gel, optimized for tungsten, appearing "wrong" on cool LED light.