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Hampshire Frost is a lightweight diffusion filter by LEE Filters (Filter 253) that subtly softens light; available in multiple densities.
Overview
Hampshire Frost is a diffusion filter (lighting gel) from the British manufacturer LEE Filters. It creates a very subtle frost effect: the light is minimally diffused and softened, without the light source losing significant brightness or character. Hampshire Frost is therefore one of the weakest diffusion grades in the LEE range and is used when you want to slightly soften hard edges and highlights without creating a strong softening effect.
The filter is the weaker family alongside stronger LEE diffusions (e.g., White Diffusion, Opal Frost, or Grid Cloth) and is typically placed directly in front of the lamp, in the filter frame of a spotlight, or over windows.
Grades
Hampshire Frost is available as a graded series. With each grade, the diffusion effect decreases; all grades fall within the range of very slight diffusion.
| LEE Number | Designation | Effect |
|---|---|---|
| 253 | Hampshire Frost | Slight frost effect (strongest grade in the series) |
| 256 | Half Hampshire Frost | Extra slight frost effect |
| 257 | Quarter Hampshire Frost | Extra slight frost effect |
| 258 | Eighth Hampshire Frost | Extra slight frost effect |
Technical Data
The values refer to the standard grade 253 Hampshire Frost (manufacturer data LEE Filters):
- Transmission Y: over 85 %
- Light Loss: less than 1/4 stop
- Material: heat-resistant polyester
- Heat Resistance: up to approx. 180 °C (356 °F)
Available Forms (Examples):
- Half Sheet: approx. 0.53 m x 0.61 m
- Full Sheet: approx. 0.53 m x 1.22 m
- Roll: approx. 7.62 m x 1.22 m (4 ft Roll)
The weaker grades (256/257/258) are also virtually lossless and are under 1/4 stop light loss; they also consist of heat-resistant polyester (up to approx. 180 °C).
On-Set Application
Hampshire Frost is used to subtly smooth light without noticeably altering it. Typical applications:
- Slightly soften highlights and hard edges without losing light direction
- Subtly soften skin tones in portrait and beauty setups
- Product and still life shots where reflections and hard shadows are to be finely broken
- Windows and spots to create a subtle frost/diffusion effect
Due to the very low light loss (under 1/4 stop), Hampshire Frost can be used without needing to significantly readjust exposure. The graded series allows for precise control of the diffusion effect: from the barely visible Eighth (258) to the strongest, yet still subtle, 253.
From the crafts
Perspectives
Producer
Diese professionelle Lösung erhöht die Produktionseffizienz und reduziert Post-Production-Anforderungen. Sie ermöglicht flexible, schnelle Anpassungen während des Drehs.
Gaffer
Als Gaffer ist dies ein unverzichtbares Werkzeug meines täglichen Handwerkszeugs. Es ermöglicht mir professionelle Lichtkontrolle und schnelle Anpassungen auf Set, was Zeit spart und Qualität sichert.
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Quiz
1. Zu welchem Department gehört „Lee Hampshire Frost"?
2. Wie viele verschiedene Fachperspektiven bietet dieser Eintrag?