Can I use a color correcting yellow .50 as a medium yellow filter?

[Jim Rice]

All of the filters mentioned here are acetate (even the stage "gels") and will degrade lens performance badly. True gelatins are suitable for use in the image path but are very delicate and these days pretty pricey.

[zsas]

Thanks folks! Steve - Rosco sounds good, just don't have any on hand, not really worth ordering as this is my mess-around "kit"

Jim - Yeah I'm not too concerned re degradation. I've a nice rig (Contax G2 w 28mm), this toy camera is for some playing around and whatnot. Thanks for the tips!

[eddie]

Andy- Toy cameras call for toy filters! The reason for using toy cameras is to loosen up. Try what you have planned, but other things, too. I once used saran wrap, colored with Hi-Liters of different colors. I rubber banded the "filter" to the Diana lens. Obviously, you're not looking for the results you get from your Contax, so experiment, and have fun with it.

[zsas]

Thanks Eddie, you're right, take the art off the grid per se ever so often....your abstracts are an inspiration!

[BMbikerider]

I regularly use correction gels on my Sigma 15/30mm zoom. There is no filter thread because the front element protrudes so far forward, but on the back of the lens is a clip that was designed to accept 25mm square gel filters. I bought a job lot from pale yellow right through to deep orange and cut the correct size for my needs. I only wish there was a red available as well.
They work exceedingly well and even if they get light scratches there is absolutely no degradation of the image.