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Rosco 27
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Rosco 27

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Rosco 27 ("Medium Red") – a saturated red color gel from Rosco for tinting stage and studio lighting fixtures.

Overview

Rosco 27 refers to the color filter ("gel") number 27, designated Medium Red, from the product range of the US manufacturer Rosco. The filter is stretched in front of a light fixture or inserted into the device's color frame to tint the white light with a strong, rich red hue. The number 27 is common within Rosco's product lines and appears as R27, Roscolux 27, or Supergel 27 depending on the product line.

It is therefore a correction or effect filter for lighting design, not a light source, a luminaire, or grip equipment. Rosco 27 is classified among highly saturated solid red tones and is used, among other things, as a primary red in three-color lighting systems (cyclorama, foot ramps, overhead lights).

Technical Data

The following values are derived from Rosco manufacturer specifications or technical data sheets from specialized dealers. As Rosco 27 is highly saturated, it allows only a small portion of light to pass through, significantly reducing brightness accordingly.

PropertyValue
DesignationMedium Red (No. 27 / R27)
ManufacturerRosco
TypeColor Filter / Gel (Effect/Solid Red)
Light Transmissionapprox. 4%
Light Lossapprox. 4.7 f-stops
Standard Sheet20" x 24" (approx. 50 x 61 cm)
Roll24" x 25 ft (approx. 61 cm x 7.6 m)

On-Set Usage

Due to its strong, very saturated red, Rosco 27 is primarily suitable for creative accents rather than subtle corrections. Typical applications:

  • Red lighting moods and color washes on backgrounds, walls, or cycloramas
  • Color effects in concert, stage, and event lighting
  • Motivated light sources within the frame (warning lights, neon, red light atmosphere)
  • Primary red in additive three-color lighting systems

Practical tips: The high light loss of around 4.7 f-stops must be accounted for in exposure planning – correspondingly more powerful light fixtures or shorter distances are necessary. The base material depends on the product line: Roscolux filters are made from dyed polyester or extruded polycarbonate, while the Supergel line consists of polycarbonate and is inherently flame-retardant from the manufacturer (including German B1 classification). Regardless, like all conventional gels, the filter should be mounted with sufficient distance from the lamp and good ventilation when using powerful light fixtures, as heat can age and fade the material. With modern RGB/RGBW LED fixtures, a comparable red tone can often be mixed electronically, eliminating the need for a physical filter.

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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