Graduated Filters and Blenders

Many of Formatt's glass filters are made in both standard filters (i.e. the whole of the filter is covered with the effect) and graduated filters (where half the filter is clear and the rest has the colour or effect.

Graduated glass filters

The principal purpose of graduated filters is to create an effect in the top part of the image while leaving the bottom undisturbed. Accordingly they are most commonly used with skylines. The effects can range from simple contrast reduction to enhancement to dramatic colour effects.

Graduated glass filter varieties

Graduated filters are available in Soft Edge or Hard Edge varieties. Soft edge grads have a smooth transition from clear to the colour/effect. Hard edge has a more defined hard lined transition and should be used for longer lenses. For extremely long focal lengths a Razor Edge grad, providing a very highly defined transition, may be ordered, although these are not standard stock items.

Interesting effects can be achieved using two different graduated filters, (one upside down) one of which affects the top half of the image with the other affecting the bottom half.

Note: when ordering graduated filters in Panavision (4x5.65") size, as these filters are not square, care should be taken to order either horizontal filters (i.e. landscape) or vertical (i.e. portrait) dependent on which way you will be using the filters in the matte box.

Blender glass filters

A blender is the same as a graduated filter, but with the transition taking place gradually over the whole length of the filter rather than in the middle. Blender filters are available in all varieties in which we supply graduated filters.