converting tint to the correct color correction filter

[scarleton]

I am starting a project that I will shoot on film, where I am going to find myself in a lot of interesting lighting situations. I figure I can use my digital camera to figure out what filters I need to correct the color, the only problem is how exactly to translate tint. The first situation I find myself in is correctly balanced when the WB is set to 3650K w/ a tint of +29. Does anyone know if there is a easy/logical way to convert the tint into something that can tell me which type of color correction filter I need?

[David A. Goldfarb]

The best way to use a digital camera as a color meter would probably be to set the white balance to match the film, and then experiment with color compensating filters on the digital camera to figure out what you need with film. Of course the translation may not be absolutely linear, so run tests before doing anything too important.

[Pinholemaster]

First - 3650K is close to 3400K of tungsten light balanced film, so use tungsten balanced film. What's 250K among friends? You may have to add a little warming filter to take way from the cool tungsten film, but not much.

A tint of +29 is close enought to +30. So the camera is adding magenta to compensate for the fluorescent lighting. Use a 30 magenta filter to clean up the green cast.

Easy.

So now you have a baseline from which to work. The film you select may need more or less correction, but starting with tungsten film with a 30 magenta filter is a start. I find Fuji film tend to need 40 magenta, but that's just me.

[scarleton]

A tint of +29 is close enought to +30. So the camera is adding magenta to compensate for the fluorescent lighting. Use a 30 magenta filter to clean up the green cast.

So what about those red and green filters to correct for fluorescent lights? Do they just deal with the red/green or do they also deal with the yellow/blue side of things?

[Pinholemaster]

What red and green filters?

30 Magenta is not red.

Fluorescent is biased to green. You take it out with Magenta.

If the Fluorescent lights are warm, 3650K, then you take out the orange with a correcting filter, or use tungsten film.

In color photography you have to think in Red, Green & Blue as well as Cyan, Magenta & Yellow. Opposites.

I recommend a trip to the library to read a intro book of your choice on color photography.

http://www.sportsshooter.com/members.html?id=432
http://www.walterpcalahan.com

[Helen B]

Sam,

What sort of film are you using, and how will it be printed (if it is going to be printed)?

Best,
Helen