Something to hold all my gel filters (12"x12") at DVinfo.net

Deke Ryland · June 25th, 2008, 09:13 AM

I've been looking for some sort of product that could easily organize and hold all my colored gel lighting filters (12" x 12"). Some sort of folder perhaps, that I can easily take out and put back in gel filters when I need to. Instead of having them always scattered all around my studio.

Does anyone know of such a product? I've been looking high and low and can't find anything. There's gotta be something like this out there. Thanks for your help.

Andrew Dean · June 25th, 2008, 10:34 AM

I had the same problem. On the suggestion of my wife I went to a "scrapbooking" store. I dont claim to understand what scrapbooking actually is, but the paper they use is the same 12x12 as sample gels and since the scrap paper costs a fortune and seemingly needs to be carried around and easily sorted, there are several products they sell for scrapbooking that work great for (12x12) gels.

The one i got has individual clear sleeves for each gel inside a 13x13 binder which zips up on the outside to keep dirt and dust out. Absolutely perfect.

If you dont think there is a "Scrapbooking" store near you, look again. I live in rural new zealand and there are actually 4 of them nearby. Its like a scary cult.

Hope that helps.
-a

Edward Phillips · June 25th, 2008, 12:24 PM

I use an artist portfolio case. It's sold in art supply stores.

Bill Davis · June 25th, 2008, 07:04 PM

I'm a fan of the "gelly roll" which is sold by a lot of video mail order houses.

It's essentially a dual-layer vinyl sleeve rolled around a PVC pipe with elastic loops to secure it.

You unroll it, stuff your gels in the pocket, then roll it up and slip the elastic bands around it to hold the roll together.

It's sized to handle full sheets, not just 12x12s - but that doesn't really matter.

It also has a PVC cap on the end of the roll that you can pull off and stuff C-47s or gel clips inside.

I like it because it fits in the lid of an Arri case really well and it's distinctive enough not mistake for someone's notebook when leaving the set.

Yeah, it's arguably overpriced at $35 - $45 bucks depending on the size - but video stuff typically is, and it does cost less then the value of the time it would take me to create something similar from scratch.

Plus, it's pretty much a "buy once and the problem's solved" thing.

YMMV.

June 25th, 2008, 09:13 AM	#1
Deke Ryland Major Player Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Washington, USA Posts: 213	Something to hold all my gel filters (12"x12") I've been looking for some sort of product that could easily organize and hold all my colored gel lighting filters (12" x 12"). Some sort of folder perhaps, that I can easily take out and put back in gel filters when I need to. Instead of having them always scattered all around my studio. Does anyone know of such a product? I've been looking high and low and can't find anything. There's gotta be something like this out there. Thanks for your help.

June 25th, 2008, 10:34 AM	#2
Andrew Dean Major Player Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Motukarara, New Zealand Posts: 475	I had the same problem. On the suggestion of my wife I went to a "scrapbooking" store. I dont claim to understand what scrapbooking actually is, but the paper they use is the same 12x12 as sample gels and since the scrap paper costs a fortune and seemingly needs to be carried around and easily sorted, there are several products they sell for scrapbooking that work great for (12x12) gels. The one i got has individual clear sleeves for each gel inside a 13x13 binder which zips up on the outside to keep dirt and dust out. Absolutely perfect. If you dont think there is a "Scrapbooking" store near you, look again. I live in rural new zealand and there are actually 4 of them nearby. Its like a scary cult. Hope that helps. -a

June 25th, 2008, 12:24 PM	#3
Edward Phillips Regular Crew Join Date: May 2008 Location: Memphis, TN Posts: 118	I use an artist portfolio case. It's sold in art supply stores.

June 25th, 2008, 07:04 PM	#4
Bill Davis Trustee Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Scottsdale, AZ 85260 Posts: 1,538	I'm a fan of the "gelly roll" which is sold by a lot of video mail order houses. It's essentially a dual-layer vinyl sleeve rolled around a PVC pipe with elastic loops to secure it. You unroll it, stuff your gels in the pocket, then roll it up and slip the elastic bands around it to hold the roll together. It's sized to handle full sheets, not just 12x12s - but that doesn't really matter. It also has a PVC cap on the end of the roll that you can pull off and stuff C-47s or gel clips inside. I like it because it fits in the lid of an Arri case really well and it's distinctive enough not mistake for someone's notebook when leaving the set. Yeah, it's arguably overpriced at $35 - $45 bucks depending on the size - but video stuff typically is, and it does cost less then the value of the time it would take me to create something similar from scratch. Plus, it's pretty much a "buy once and the problem's solved" thing. YMMV.