Calumet Newsletter And That WB Thingy [Archive]

View Full Version : Calumet Newsletter And That WB Thingy

68lbs

06-10-2009, 20:36

maarten.dhaese

06-10-2009, 22:15

I've used the ExpoDisc which is a similar product and it works great. I tend to only use it indoors in mixed lighting though.

The CBL product looks very similar and it's cheaper too. Haven't personally used it though.

I've read some comments in the past that the translucent cap from a box of Pringles is also supposed to work quite well for setting the white balance - no kidding. In fact I should give that a try but I'm on a diet :)

HoppyUK

07-10-2009, 01:31

Anyone get the Calumet email newsletter? And spotted that white balance lens thingy?

http://www.calumetphoto.co.uk/item/999-488V/?t=CM02&a=CM02

Is it any good?

I just got back from my portrait class where I've had some awful WB issues. I normally leave it on auto with very few issues, but would like to get it right first time without the need to fart about afterwards.

Expensive way to get custom white balance. Just shoot a piece of white paper, as described in your instruction manual. Same difference. Or shoot Raw and correct the white balance in post processing.

I've used the ExpoDisc which is a similar product and it works great. I tend to only use it indoors in mixed lighting though.

The CBL product looks very similar and it's cheaper too. Haven't personally used it though.

I've read some comments in the past that the translucent cap from a box of Pringles is also supposed to work quite well for setting the white balance - no kidding. In fact I should give that a try but I'm on a diet :)

Pringles have thoughtlessly changed their lids to clear plastic now, but if you line it with a sheet of white paper to diffuse the light it works just fine. Same with tops from yogurt pots, or cream ;) I found that with three sheets of Tescos Value printing paper the light is reduced to 18% grey so you can also use it for incident light readings.

I still think shooting a piece of white paper is easier though.

subseasniper

07-10-2009, 06:56

The expodisc may work well but it is ridiculously overpriced for what it is. Homemade is the way to go or shoot RAW and correct later on. If in doubt when shooting portraits, set the WB to cloudy to warm the skintones up and tweak it in post.

Flash In The Pan

07-10-2009, 07:04

Expensive way to get custom white balance. Just shoot a piece of white paper, as described in your instruction manual. Same difference. Or shoot Raw and correct the white balance in post processing.

:cough: 18% grey :naughty:

Bruce120

07-10-2009, 07:14

Here is the difference setting a custom WB can make. Poor presentation I know!

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v502/Bruce120/WB.jpg

The caps were bought from here

http://stores.shop.ebay.co.uk/LinkDelight-Photography-Shop_Lens-Caps_W0QQ_fsubZ7196818QQ_sidZ235489574QQ_trksidZp4 634Q2ec0Q2em322

HoppyUK

07-10-2009, 09:45

:cough: 18% grey :naughty:

18% grey what?

White is theoretically better than grey for setting custom white balance.

18% grey for exposure metering.

Hairyduck

07-10-2009, 09:47

Raw all the way I say!

onform

07-10-2009, 16:31

If you have RAW use it and set the WB to your taste later on.

whiteflyer

07-10-2009, 18:10

http://stores.shop.ebay.co.uk/LinkDelight-Photography-Shop_Lens-Caps_W0QQ_fsubZ7196818QQ_sidZ235489574QQ_trksidZp4 634Q2ec0Q2em322

I have one of those too and they work quite well.

maarten.dhaese

07-10-2009, 19:28

I use RAW as well but I've found that in certain indoor lighting conditions (mainly caused by fluorescent lighting), fixing the white balance after the fact can be mighty tricky.

So in those situations getting a Custom WB upfront makes a lot of sense.

whiteflyer

08-10-2009, 19:36

Just been pointed to a new site and I saw these, which look to be a brilliant idea

White Balance Lens Cap (http://photojojo.com/store/awesomeness/white-balance-lens-cap)

http://photojojo.com/store/awesomeness/productImages/4950559.jpg