Curious: Creating my own drop in filters ... (DIY)

[PatrickWebb]

G'day guys,

I was thinking about creating my own filters for effects that I could slide into my matte box. The filter sizes would be the standard size. I would like to hear what other people have done here to create their own styles and effects, as well as some tips, if some people have already done this and know of some pitfalls, like types of glass and other silly things that could be avoided from wasting money unnecessarily.

I guess where I am digging at here is is advice and maybe some good starting points. Also, maybe some inspiration from those who've already played around with such.

I know experimentation is all apart of the journey, that will be done here too. :smiley:

Cheers!

 

[Mark A. Jaeger]

Is the effect you wish to create "new" to the video/film world. I ask because if the answer is "No" then IMO it is much, much easier to just use your credit card at a vendor that already makes what you want.

 

[PatrickWebb]

Is the effect you wish to create "new" to the video/film world. I ask because if the answer is "No" then IMO it is much, much easier to just use your credit card at a vendor that already makes what you want.

Hi Mark,

Thanks for the reply.

"New" wasn't exactly what I was going for here. Maybe more custom to me and my work and possibly with access to local means.

That being said, when you say "Vendor" what do you mean here? People who supply such filters already? Or those who create the products themselves?

I was looking to go down some form of creative path here without being so hasty to buy already made filters.

If you catch my drift?

 

[Satsuki Murashige]

Depending on what kind of effect you’re going for, I’d start by acquiring empty frames that fit your matte box, as well as clear filters that you can apply stuff to.

 

[Cameron Currier]

Depending on what kind of effect you’re going for, I’d start by acquiring empty frames that fit your matte box, as well as clear filters that you can apply stuff to.

I was going to say the same. Nisi makes clear filters super cheap. Great for smudging, scratching, coloring.... whatever you may want to try. Also just came across these recently:
https://lenzcameratools.shop/en/camerafilter/300-disposable-clear-filter-4x565-.html

I haven't purchased them yet, but definitely would like to add some of these to my kit for fun.

 

[Mark A. Jaeger]

Patrick,
I am a DIY guy. I frequently make my own gear for my pursuits. I am well prepared with lots of tooling and a nice shop facility. However, there are definitely times where, if you can simply buy "it", you should; instead of trying to make "it". We can use our talents and time for other things. On the other hand, sometimes my mission statement cannot be filled by off-the-shelf items and then I go to the shop and start creating.

There are a couple of good suggestions above regarding starting material that you can re-purpose.

Sincere "good luck" for your project. Mark

BTW: Someday I will come to Norway in search of my FarFar's city of origin. At this moment I don't know the town except that it is very far North.

 

[PatrickWebb]

Depending on what kind of effect you’re going for, I’d start by acquiring empty frames that fit your matte box, as well as clear filters that you can apply stuff to.

Good idea, Satsuki. Then really anything transparent to semi-transparent can be put in place. Cheers

I was going to say the same. Nisi makes clear filters super cheap. Great for smudging, scratching, coloring.... whatever you may want to try. Also just came across these recently:
https://lenzcameratools.shop/en/camerafilter/300-disposable-clear-filter-4x565-.html

I haven't purchased them yet, but definitely would like to add some of these to my kit for fun.

G'day Cameron,

Is there a big difference between clear filters and say good quality glass ~ if I were to go to a glassmaker and have pieces cut to size and corners rounded? I am guessing there is, as these are specially made for photography?

I will check out Nisi's glass. Thanks for the tip!

Patrick,
I am a DIY guy. I frequently make my own gear for my pursuits. I am well prepared with lots of tooling and a nice shop facility. However, there are definitely times where, if you can simply buy "it", you should; instead of trying to make "it". We can use our talents and time for other things. On the other hand, sometimes my mission statement cannot be filled by off-the-shelf items and then I go to the shop and start creating.

There are a couple of good suggestions above regarding starting material that you can re-purpose.

Sincere "good luck" for your project. Mark

BTW: Someday I will come to Norway in search of my FarFar's city of origin. At this moment I don't know the town except that it is very far North.

G'day again Mark!

I totally agree with you there. It is nice to have some time to experiment and try out new things, but there is not enough hours in the day sometimes, especially with work and a family (and in winter)! Also, I have been working on my craft, especially with lighting over the last months and I have seen the positive results. I am always pretty curious to see what I can do to improve and or be more creative with my film making and image creation! That is where the 50% of time is really invested into: my craft as a "light painter" .

I thank you for your time!

P.S.: If you do someday come, you're more than welcome to visit my city of Trondheim and have a cup of coffee along the way up north to your papaspapa's origin! Trondheim is half way north, so it would be most likely you would travel through and visit arguably Norway's most beautiful city.

Take care!

 

[Mark A. Jaeger]

Patrick, Maybe one day I can accept your offer?? Along with the desire to explore my roots I would like to visit places like Tromso and Lofoten. Norway has some amazingly photogenic places. Best regards, Mark

 

[PatrickWebb]

Patrick, Maybe one day I can accept your offer?? Along with the desire to explore my roots I would like to visit places like Tromso and Lofoten. Norway has some amazingly photogenic places. Best regards, Mark

Absolutely, Mark! More the merrier after this Virus business is over!

Lofoten is EPIC. Tromsø is also nice, but not an experience like Lofoten. You must take a camera with you when you are on that mission there. I would also suggest getting a sail boat and cruising through the Fjords that way. Much more enjoyable!

Stay in contact and take care!