Lee 229

Overview

Lee 229 is a diffusion filter (diffusion gel) from the British manufacturer LEE Filters, designated "Quarter Tough Spun" (1/4 Tough Spun). It belongs to the "Tough Spun" series and is the weakest, meaning least diffusing, grade in this family. Unlike classic diffusion filters made from a polyester base film, the Tough Spun series is made from a non-woven polyester fleece (spun fleece). This construction diffuses light across the entire surface, softens hard shadows, and largely preserves the basic direction of the light beam – meaning the light becomes softer without becoming overly blurred.

Technical Data

The values are taken from the LEE Filters technical data sheet. The filter is nearly color-neutral and is used exclusively for diffusion, not color correction.

Available Forms

• Roll: 7.62 m × 1.22 m (25' × 48"), on 1" core
• Sheet: commonly as a half sheet approx. 53 × 61 cm (21" × 24")
• Quick Roll: custom widths between 2.5 cm (1") and 1.17 m (46")

Use on Set

Lee 229 is stretched in front of a light fixture, softbox, or frame to smooth hard light and render skin tones more flattering. Due to its low diffusion strength and moderate light loss of around three-quarters of a stop, it is suitable when the light only needs to be slightly softened without losing its character and direction. For stronger diffusion, one would choose denser grades within the same material family, the strongest version of which is "Full Tough Spun" (Lee 214). Like all diffusion filters, Lee 229 is mounted at a distance and not directly onto hot light sources to prevent heat damage.