ULTRACON vs LOWCON filters

[Nick Morrison]

Forgive me for beating a dead horse, but what's everyone using these days? Lowcon or Ultracon? I know digi con is popular too, but since I don't believe you can find it in 77mm thread, I'd like to stick to a comparison of Lowcon vs Ultracon.

The "Alexa" look is becoming so en-vogue, I'd like to be able to whip out some filters and grab this in camera...when it's called for.

I've combed Reduser up and down, and it seems that LOWCON is an older, more 70's look. But it also seems to create some of the "halation" that's become synonymous with the Alexa "look" ...so you can argue that Lowcon is becoming contemporary again.

ULTRACON seems to be more subtle, affects halation and sharpness less, and I presume just lifts the blacks correct? But this also sounds so similar to Black ProMist 1/8, I wonder if it's worth it?

I'm leaning more towards LOWCON, just because it seems more stylized...and Ultracon doesn't seem to buy me much more than BPM. But I'd love to be educated and see what you all are up to.

 

[jochem bakker]

I always take a set of ultracons with me nowadays. It just takes off the digital edge for me and I catch myself using them a lot because it is so subtle yes. Stylizing the image is different per project, so i rent accordingly, could be low cons. I use netting if the director dares to go a little over to the experimental side or I can choose for front-of-lens halation.
For this clip, I used a 1 ultra con and a 2 glimmerglass:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J24knip3tXs (hardly any grading done by the way, so pretty much straight out of the camera)

 

[Nick Morrison]

I always take a set of ultracons with me nowadays. It just takes off the digital edge for me and I catch myself using them a lot because it is so subtle yes. Stylizing the image is different per project, so i rent accordingly, could be low cons. I use netting if the director dares to go a little over to the experimental side or I can choose for front-of-lens halation.
For this clip, I used a 1 ultra con and a 2 glimmerglass:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J24knip3tXs (hardly any grading done by the way, so pretty much straight out of the camera)

Wow, you layered Ultra Con 1 AND Glimmerglass 2? I like that!

If I may, what are you using Ultracon 1...say instead of Black Promist 1/8? Is your goal to avoid "halation" when you go with Ultracon? Just curious about the reasons behind your choices.

Also what's your favorite strength of Ultracon? A 1? It seems like a 1 is pretty popular.

I'm liking Glimmerglass too. Especially Glimmerglass 1.

Im also currently loving Hollywood Blackmagic 1/2. WOW!

 

[jochem bakker]

Experimenting is always best and if budget allows it, I'd bring several sets with me. I feel setting up filtration can be a very subjective thing. In the end I just choose what feels right. I believe the promist softens the image ever so slightly and I knew I'd be shooting with an early Contax lens 28mm f2, so thought I'd be best off with ultra con. The image needed a vintage tint, but I didn't want it to overtake. Using glimmerglass was solely based on the setting of a prom-like environment with a feeling of a TV-show, so a slightly harsher and glamorous vibe, it's not something I would use for a narrative I think. I wanted to dial in just enough and not over to the flip-side of filtration. I have to admit I haven't used the hollywood blackmagic yet, but it's on my list for beauty.

 

[Jake Wilganowski]

Love me some Hollywood blackmagics too.

 

[Nick Morrison]

Yeah Black Magic is GREAT.

I've decided to explore both LOWCON and ULTRACON filters, and see what they can do. I'm oh, so very curious...