Digicon vs. Ultra Contrast Filters

[Brian Bradley]

I'm looking to add a set of contrast reduction filters to my arsenal. After doing some reach here on REDUser. I've narrowed it down to the 1/8 and 1/4 strengths of the Digicon or the Ultra Contrast Filters. From all the previous threads I've read everyone keeps saying the same thing. You'll get a smoother roll-off of shadows to highlight ratio, more filmic image, and that you can get pretty close to matching RED with Alexa or having your RED footage look like Alexa.

Does anyone have any test footage or projects that they've shot using either of these filters? I can't seem to find any example footage or projects using these filters on REDUser.

Also if I'm shooting exteriors scenes with an actor and I'm using a Polarizer and ND Filter. Would the Digicon/Ultra Contrat filter go in the first filter tray closes to the front glass element?

Thanks in advance,
Brian

 

[Nick Morrison]

I'm looking to add a set of contrast reduction filters to my arsenal. After doing some reach here on REDUser. I've narrowed it down to the 1/8 and 1/4 strengths of the Digicon or the Ultra Contrast Filters. From all the previous threads I've read everyone keeps saying the same thing. You'll get a smoother roll-off of shadows to highlight ratio, more filmic image, and that you can get pretty close to matching RED with Alexa or having your RED footage look like Alexa.

Does anyone have any test footage or projects that they've shot using either of these filters? I can't seem to find any example footage or projects using these filters on REDUser.

Also if I'm shooting exteriors scenes with an actor and I'm using a Polarizer and ND Filter. Would the Digicon/Ultra Contrat filter go in the first filter tray closes to the front glass element?

Thanks in advance,
Brian

Brian both of these filters are good. Also consider Lowcon. Its what Christopher Probst used on Mindhunter, and was also a fave of Kubric. I would say its a bit more filmic than the other two you've picked? The other two adjust contrast levels from what I remember, but Lowcon adds a bit of bloom, which is why its quite popular and "filmic".

Another one to consider is Black Pro Mist a 1/4. This is very popular for a filmic look.

Same for Hollywood Black Magic 1/8 and 1/4 - thats just Black Pro Mist 1/4 (or Black Frost 1/4, same idea) with Classic Soft thrown in.

Good luck.

 

[Brian Bradley]

My only concern with the Low Con Filter is blooming. If I'm using a Vintage Lenses like a Canon FD or a KOWO. The bloom of the vintage lens plus the Low Con's bloom is going to be double strength

 

[Brian F Kobylarz]

Brian - In the case you refer to (using vintage glass), I believe the Digicons would be a good match. I prefer those over the BPM's as the Digicons lift the blacks quite nicely without undesirable blooming.
Nick had an excellent suggestion in pointing you to the Mindhunter images captured by Chris Probst. If I am not mistaken, Chris used Leica glass for that project.
Here is an early trailer: https://vimeo.com/206524618?

As far as your stacking question, I would place the Digicon closest to the lens.
(With the caveat that I have never used all three as you have indicated). Others may have more insight on this decision.


As a side note - Interesting that you joined REDUser just a year after the person that invented the Digicon filters, Bob Zupka, passed unexpectedly.
We lost a wonderful innovator and a friend that weekend.