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Rosco 119
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Rosco 119

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rosco 129 rosco 111 rosco 114

Rosco 119 (Light Hamburg Frost): diffusion gel that softens light beam edges while minimizing spread.

Overview

Rosco 119 "Light Hamburg Frost" is a diffusion filter (light gel) manufactured by Rosco. It is not a color correction or color gel, but belongs to the family of diffusion materials. It scatters light and softens the edge of the light beam, while – unlike classic frosted diffusion (Tough Frost) – largely retaining the definition and shape of the beam.

The filter is part of Rosco's filter programs (listed under the Roscolux and Supergel series) and is considered by the manufacturer to be one of the most frequently used stage diffusions. Within the "Hamburg Frost" family, the 119 is the lighter variant compared to the denser 114 (Hamburg Frost); even more subtle grades are found in 140 (Subtle Hamburg Frost).

Function and Construction

The Hamburg Frost diffusions soften the beam edge and control light distribution without scattering the beam diffusely in all directions. This allows the beam edge to be softened while the center of the beam remains relatively clear.

  • Effect: soft diffusion, soft beam edge with retained beam shape
  • Relative Density: lighter than Rosco 114
  • Base Material: According to Rosco, the Roscolux series is manufactured on two base materials – co-extruded polycarbonate and deep-dyed polyester (PET). Product-specific information for the 119 suggests a polyester/PET base (durable, color-stable diffusion material); there is no definitive material specification confirmed by the manufacturer specifically for the 119.

The manufacturing tool for the Hamburg Frost diffusions was revised in October 2013; the newer material is marked with a "+" suffix (e.g., ROSCO 119+).

Use on Set / Stage

Rosco explicitly recommends the 119 for followspots and for slight softening of the focus in ellipsoidal spotlights (Lekos/ERS). In practice, the Hamburg Frost series is used to break hard beam edges and blend multiple fixtures into a uniform wash (e.g., front or side light) without significant loss of brightness or beam direction.

  • Softening hard edges on profile/ellipsoidal spotlights
  • Blending multiple sources into a homogeneous light carpet
  • Followspot diffusion for a softer light edge

Available Formats

The filter is typically available from specialist dealers in the following configurations:

FormatDimensions
Sheet20" x 24" (approx. 50.8 x 61 cm)
Roll24" x 25 ft (approx. 61 cm x 7.62 m)

Note: Rosco advises against mixing old and new ("+") material within the same lighting rig, as minimal differences may become visible in a direct beam comparison.

From the crafts

Perspectives

Cinematographer

Aus DoP-Perspektive ist dieses Element essentiell für die visuelle Gestaltung. Es ermöglicht mir die gewünschte Farbstimmung und das ästhetische Bild konsistent umzusetzen.

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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