Lee 299

Overview

The LEE 299 (full designation LEE 299 1.2ND) is a lighting filter sheet from the British manufacturer Lee Filters, part of their range of neutral density (ND) filters. It is stretched across light sources, in window frames, or in front of daylight sources to reduce the amount of light without affecting its color. In the LEE numbering system, 299 represents the strongest level of common ND filters (along with the weaker 209, 210, and 211).

Function

A neutral density filter absorbs light evenly across the visible spectrum. The 299 has a density of 1.2 and therefore reduces light by four stops. As the filter works neutrally, the color temperature of the source is maintained, and no additional color cast is produced. Typical uses:

• Window ND: To darken bright window areas during interior shots so that exterior and interior brightness levels match.
• Exposure Control: To attenuate a light source without dimming it (avoids the color temperature shift that occurs when dimming incandescent lights).
• Combination: Often combined with conversion filters (e.g., CTB), for example, as a combined ND/conversion filter for windows.

Technical Data

Available Formats (Selection):

• Half sheet: 0.61 m × 0.53 m
• Full sheet: 1.22 m × 0.53 m
• Rolls, including 7.62 m × 1.22 m and a wide roll 6.1 m × 1.52 m

Set Application

The 299 is part of the standard inventory for gaffers and lighting technicians and, like all LEE filters, is cut from sheets or rolls. It is used across frames, in window openings, or directly in the filter holder of a light fixture. As the filter is placed close to hot light sources, sufficient distance from the lamp and ventilation must be ensured to prevent the filter from deforming; for very high-powered lights, glass NDs or less dense filters are often used in combination instead.