Difference between tough spun and Lee diffusion gels (216 and 250, I think) at DVinfo.net

Josh Bass · August 7th, 2003, 01:24 PM

What is the difference? Is it just burn factor, or do they have different light scattering/diffusing characteristics?

Richard Veil · August 7th, 2003, 10:25 PM

almost all gels or diffusion have the same heat capibility. there are some gels that manufactures make for different uses.. aka, still vs Cinema and sometimes there is cross over when one gel is the same in both swatch books but listed by a different number. Most of the time diffusion is a matter of experimentation and personal preference. Once you settle of a type or brand you like you may be unlikly to change. i have seen people get very depressed when a diffusion is discontinue. I hope this helps. If I find my swatch I will tell you more. GAM and Rosco also make gels

Charles Papert · August 7th, 2003, 11:44 PM

Tough spun is very thick, not particularly efficient. Pretty much old school. Occasionally it comes up as a punchline on set.

The Lee 3 are 216, 250 and 251 which diminish in opacity as listed (and thus increase in transmission). Rosco's rough equivalent are tough frost, half frost and opal.

Doug Miller · August 11th, 2003, 07:20 AM

I agree with what has been said so far. The word "tough" usually means heat resistant and "Soft" isn't. Tough can be pinned on barn doors and put in gel frames in the light. Soft can't it needs to be in a frame away from the instrument
Spun is old school, and I guess I am too. It comes in different weights/thickness, 1/2, 1/4 and full. It was a long time ago but it was actually spun fiber glass. You could buy rolls of it and cut pieces then pull it apart and get the thickness that you wanted.
I try to keep a variety of diffusion, both spun and frost in my kit. I beleive that there is a difference in the light and I use different material with different instruments depending on what I want.

August 7th, 2003, 01:24 PM	#1
Josh Bass Slash Rules! Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: Houston, Texas Posts: 5,472	Difference between tough spun and Lee diffusion gels (216 and 250, I think) What is the difference? Is it just burn factor, or do they have different light scattering/diffusing characteristics? __________________ The Bass' camerawork The Bass on IMDB

August 7th, 2003, 10:25 PM	#2
Richard Veil Chimera Lighting Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: Santa Cruz CA Posts: 293	i will have to find my swatch book but... almost all gels or diffusion have the same heat capibility. there are some gels that manufactures make for different uses.. aka, still vs Cinema and sometimes there is cross over when one gel is the same in both swatch books but listed by a different number. Most of the time diffusion is a matter of experimentation and personal preference. Once you settle of a type or brand you like you may be unlikly to change. i have seen people get very depressed when a diffusion is discontinue. I hope this helps. If I find my swatch I will tell you more. GAM and Rosco also make gels __________________ Strength and Honor RLV

August 7th, 2003, 11:44 PM	#3
Charles Papert Wrangler Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Los Angeles, CA Posts: 6,810	Tough spun is very thick, not particularly efficient. Pretty much old school. Occasionally it comes up as a punchline on set. The Lee 3 are 216, 250 and 251 which diminish in opacity as listed (and thus increase in transmission). Rosco's rough equivalent are tough frost, half frost and opal. __________________ Charles Papert www.charlespapert.com

August 11th, 2003, 07:20 AM	#4
Doug Miller New Boot Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Chesapeake Virginia Posts: 6	I agree with what has been said so far. The word "tough" usually means heat resistant and "Soft" isn't. Tough can be pinned on barn doors and put in gel frames in the light. Soft can't it needs to be in a frame away from the instrument Spun is old school, and I guess I am too. It comes in different weights/thickness, 1/2, 1/4 and full. It was a long time ago but it was actually spun fiber glass. You could buy rolls of it and cut pieces then pull it apart and get the thickness that you wanted. I try to keep a variety of diffusion, both spun and frost in my kit. I beleive that there is a difference in the light and I use different material with different instruments depending on what I want.