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Roscolux

Roscolux is comprised of two types of plastic. More than 65% of the line is made from co-extruded polycarbonate plastic. The remainder of the line is deep dyed polyester.
Sheets: 50 x 61 cm Rolls: 1.2m x 7.62m

Roscolux



HOW COLOR FILTERS WORK
Filters create color by subtracting certain wavelengths of color. Thus, a red filter absorbs blue and green, allowing only the red wavelengths to pass. The process is subtractive, not additive, so the light source must emit a full spectrum.

The Rosco swatchbook provides detailed information on the spectral energy curve of each filter. The curve describes the wavelengths of color transmitted through each filter. For example, Supergel 342 transmits approximately 40% of the violet and blue energy of the spectrum and 75% of the orange and red energy. It absorbs all energy in the yellow and green range.

Durability
The life of color filters depends on many variables: the color, the instrument and lamp used, the dimmer level a filter generally runs at, and the amount of time the light is running. For these reasons it is impossible to assign a "life" for each filter. However some basics knowledge and experience can help with estimates. Dark green and dark blue filters usually burn out the fastest because they absorb the most infrared energy. Absorbing the extra infrared energy causes the plastic to reach it's melting temperature faster. When darker filters are needed try choosing filters that transmit high amounts of the 700 nm range. You can find this information by looking at the Spectral Energy Distribution (S.E.D.) curve located in the swatchbook for each Supergel color filter. Filters than transmit high levels at 700 nm may also transmit high levels in the infrared range above 700 nm.(See the Supergel swatchbook for information on how to read S.E.D. curves.)

To prolong the life of a color filter, align your ellipsoidal lamp to a flat field focus. (Get rid of the hot spot.) You can increase the distance between the lamp and the filter by using a top hat or barn door. In extreme cases, try Rosco Heat Shield or Thermashield to prolong the life of your filters.

Never use a plastic filter directly in front of an open faced lamp. This will nearly always cause premature failure because the heat is trapped and it has nowhere to go except to the plastic filter. Always allow a suitable air gap.



HOW COLOR FILTERS ARE MANUFACTURED TODAY

Body-Coloured
In a body-colored color filter, like Supergel, the colorant is integrated within the plastic substrate. The process starts with powdered resin and dye being fed into an extruder. Under intense pressure and heat approaching 600ºF, the drive screw combines the melted resin and dye into a through-colored "honey". This colored mixture is extruded through a die which forms it into the colored core of a film 61cm wide. The excellent performance on a light of this engineered filter is a function of both the higher temperature resistance of the base polymer combined with the unique technology which seals the color core between clear layers. For the color to fade by dye sublimation, the dye molecules must migrate out of the body-colored internal layer through the clear sealing layers. As a result, body-colored filters are the most durable fade-resistant. Moreover, Rosco utilizes a select form of polycarbonate that is flame retardant to meet the most stringent International standards for fire safety.

Extruder

Deep-Dyed
Deep-dyed color filters, like Roscolux, begin with a roll of clear polyester. The film is passed through a bath of heated solvent suffused with dye. The solvent causes the film to swell expanding the polymer structure and allowing the dye molecules to penetrate the surface. The film is then washed and the polymer contracts to its normal form, trapping the dye molecules below the surface. Compared to surface coating, more extreme temperatures are required to cause the dye particles to sublimate through the surface. Deep-dyed filters are, therefore, more resistant to fading than surface coated.

Surface Coated
The easiest way to produce a color filter is to simply coat the color on top of a plastic film base. Most of Rosco's E-Colour+ range and Lee Filters® are manufactured using this process. Polyester film is widely used as a base material for coloring since it will accept coatings of properly applied solvent-based coloring lacquers. Other than air drying, no heat is involved in the process, so dyes used need not be heat-resistant. Surface coated polyester filters begin as a roll of clear film which is then "painted" with a dye solution on one or both sides. Of all three methods used for manufacturing color filters surface coating is the oldest technology and the product is most susceptible to fading from heat.



HOW TO READ AN S.E.D. CURVE
The spectral energy distribution curve of each Roscolux filter describes the wavelengths of color transmitted through the individual filters. For example, Roscolux #342 transmits approximately 40% of the violet and blue energy of the spectrum and 75% of the orange and red energy. It blocks all energy in the yellow and green range.

The "Trans." Percentage refers to overall light transmission that is allowed to pass through each individual filter.
#342 Rose Pink
Spectral Energy Distribution Curve



Click on this icon View the Spectral Energy Distribution Curve shown next to each color filter to view its SED curve.

Available in sheets of 20in. x 24in. (50cm x 61cm) or rolls of 24in. x 25ft. (61cm x 7.62m).


Color Effects Filters Sort by:   
 
View the Spectral Energy Distribution Curve Roscolux #3410: Roscosun 1/8 CTO
Converts 5500K to 4900K
 
View the Spectral Energy Distribution Curve Roscolux #3409: Roscosun 1/4 CTO
Converts 5500K to 4500K
 
View the Spectral Energy Distribution Curve Roscolux #3408: Roscosun 1/2 CTO
Converts 5500K to 3800K
 
View the Spectral Energy Distribution Curve Roscolux #3411: Roscosun 3/4 CTO
Converts 5500K to 3200K. Nice strong amber. Less pink than R04. (Transmission = 58%).
 
View the Spectral Energy Distribution Curve Roscolux #3407: Roscosun CTO
Converts 5500K to 2900K
 
View the Spectral Energy Distribution Curve Roscolux #3444: Eighth Straw 1/8 CTS
(Transmission = 92%).
 
View the Spectral Energy Distribution Curve Roscolux #3443: Quarter Straw 1/4 CTS
(Transmission = 81%).
 
View the Spectral Energy Distribution Curve Roscolux #3442: Half Straw 1/2 CTS
(Transmission = 73%).
 
View the Spectral Energy Distribution Curve Roscolux #3441: Full Straw CTS
(Transmission = 50%).
 
View the Spectral Energy Distribution Curve Roscolux #3405: Roscosun 85N.3
(Transmission = 33%).
 
View the Spectral Energy Distribution Curve Roscolux #3406: Roscosun 85N.6
(Transmission = 17%).
 
View the Spectral Energy Distribution Curve Roscolux #4515: CalColor 15 Yellow
Very pale yellow. Interior lighting to create industrial mood. (Transmission = 80%).
 
View the Spectral Energy Distribution Curve Roscolux #4530: CalColor 30 Yellow
Double 4515. Medium yellow with green tone. Bright sunlight accents. Not flattering on skin. Combine with 4430 for rich foliage washes. (Transmission = 75%).
 
View the Spectral Energy Distribution Curve Roscolux #4560: CalColor 60 Yellow
Double 4530. Strong yellow with green tone. Deep sunlight rays. (Transmission = 70%).
 
View the Spectral Energy Distribution Curve Roscolux #4590: CalColor 90 Yellow
4530 + 4560. Very strong sunlight with no red accents. (Transmission = 66%).
 
View the Spectral Energy Distribution Curve Roscolux #2002: Storaro Orange
Flattering Firelight (Transmission = 23%).
 
View the Spectral Energy Distribution Curve Roscolux #2003: Storaro Yellow
Deep yellow with amber tones. Strong, late day sunlight. Flattering on skin. (Transmission = 64%).
 
View the Spectral Energy Distribution Curve Roscolux #4615: CalColor 15 Red
Very pale red. Subtle warming on skin tones. Warmer than R05. (Transmission = 67%).
 
View the Spectral Energy Distribution Curve Roscolux #4630: CalColor 30 Red
Double 4615. Pale red with peach tones. Nice on skin when paired with a cooler cross light. (Transmission = 55%).
 
View the Spectral Energy Distribution Curve Roscolux #4660: CalColor 60 Red
Double 4630. Medium red with pale salmon accents. Romantic subtle back or side lighting. (Transmission = 39%).
 
View the Spectral Energy Distribution Curve Roscolux #4690: CalColor 90 Red
4660 + 4630. Strong salmon red. Deeper and more orange than 32. Beautiful backlight. (Transmission = 30%).
 
View the Spectral Energy Distribution Curve Roscolux #4815: CalColor 15 Pink
Between 33 and 333. Excellent on all skin tones. Not as cool as 333. (Transmission = 71%).
 
View the Spectral Energy Distribution Curve Roscolux #4830: CalColor 30 Pink
Double 4815. Pretty pink. Slightly more blue than 34. Nice for musicals and "happy" lighting. (Transmission = 61%).
 
View the Spectral Energy Distribution Curve Roscolux #4860: CalColor 60 Pink
Double 4830. Rich pink accent. Excellent in follow-spots. (Transmission = 46%).
 
View the Spectral Energy Distribution Curve Roscolux #4890: CalColor 90 Pink
4830 + 4860. Deep rich pink. Lighter than 332. Romantic backlight or accent color. (Transmission = 38%).
 
View the Spectral Energy Distribution Curve Roscolux #3318: Tough 1/8 Minusgreen
Partial green absorbing filter.
 
View the Spectral Energy Distribution Curve Roscolux #3314: Tough 1/4 Minusgreen
Partial green absorbing filter.
 
View the Spectral Energy Distribution Curve Roscolux #3313: Tough 1/2 Minusgreen
Partial green absorbing filter.
 
View the Spectral Energy Distribution Curve Roscolux #3308: Tough Minusgreen
Converts cool white fluorescents to daylight.
 
View the Spectral Energy Distribution Curve Roscolux #4715: CalColor 15 Magenta
Pale Magenta. Cooler than 3318. Useful on many skin tones. (Transmission = 65%).
 
View the Spectral Energy Distribution Curve Roscolux #4730: CalColor 30 Magenta
Double 4715. Medium cool magenta. Nice fill light without adding warmth. (Transmission = 52%).
 
View the Spectral Energy Distribution Curve Roscolux #4760: CalColor 60 Magenta
Double 4730. Strong pink/magenta. Interesting side light with slight bluish cast. (Transmission = 37%).
 
View the Spectral Energy Distribution Curve Roscolux #4790: CalColor 90 Magenta
4760 + 4730. Clean dominant magenta. Good choice for CYM color mixing. (Transmission = 28%).
 
View the Spectral Energy Distribution Curve Roscolux #4915: CalColor 15 Lavender
Pale no color lavender. Slightly cooler than 351. Tones without adding color. (Transmission = 61%).
 
View the Spectral Energy Distribution Curve Roscolux #4930: CalColor 30 Lavender
Double 4915. Excellent cool on skin tones. Nice warm tones during nighttime. (Transmission = 47%).
 
View the Spectral Energy Distribution Curve Roscolux #4960: CalColor 60 Lavender
Double 4930. Rich comfortable lavender. Compliments darker skin tones. (Transmission = 29%).
 
View the Spectral Energy Distribution Curve Roscolux #4990: CalColor 90 Lavender
4960 + 4930. Dynamic, lush backlight. More red than 357. (Transmission = 18%).
 
View the Spectral Energy Distribution Curve Roscolux #3216: Eighth Blue
Boosts 3200K to 3300K
 
View the Spectral Energy Distribution Curve Roscolux #3208: Quarter Blue
Boosts 3200K to 3500K
 
View the Spectral Energy Distribution Curve Roscolux #3206: Third Blue
Boosts 3200K to 3800K
 
View the Spectral Energy Distribution Curve Roscolux #3204: Half Blue
Boosts 3200K to 4100K
 
View the Spectral Energy Distribution Curve Roscolux #3203: Three Quarter Blue
(Transmission = 41%).
 
View the Spectral Energy Distribution Curve Roscolux #3202: Full Blue
Boosts 3200K to 5500K
 
View the Spectral Energy Distribution Curve Roscolux #3220: Double Blue
Bright nighttime area light. Crisp moonlight. (Transmission = 10%).
 
View the Spectral Energy Distribution Curve Roscolux #4215: CalColor 15 Blue
Very pale blue tint with a hint of red. Nice no-color definition when crossed with 51. (Transmission = 57%).
 
View the Spectral Energy Distribution Curve Roscolux #4230: CalColor 30 Blue
Double 4215. Pale blue with reddish cast. (Transmission = 42%).
 
View the Spectral Energy Distribution Curve Roscolux #4260: CalColor 60 Blue
Double 4230. Medium blue with red tones. Nice cool crosslight on most skin tones. (Transmission = 24%).
 
View the Spectral Energy Distribution Curve Roscolux #4290: CalColor 90 Blue
4260 + 4230. Deep red blue. Enhances deep blues in costumes and scenery. Vibrant backlight. (Transmission = 15%).
 
View the Spectral Energy Distribution Curve Roscolux #2007: VS Blue
Rich deep indigo blue. Slightly more red than 81. (Transmission = 10%).
 
View the Spectral Energy Distribution Curve Roscolux #2008: Storaro Indigo
Deep icy blue with violet undertones. Moonlight illusions. (Transmission = 4%).
 
View the Spectral Energy Distribution Curve Roscolux #2009: Storaro Violet
Deep reddish purple. Nice as saturated special accent. (Transmission = 3%).
 
View the Spectral Energy Distribution Curve Roscolux #4307: 7 Cyan
Photographic lighting filter equal to CC07C. Enhances blue and green transmission by effectively reducing red exposure by 1/4 stop. Heat resistant base. Deep dyed. (Transmission = 78%).
 
View the Spectral Energy Distribution Curve Roscolux #4315: CalColor 15 Cyan
Very pale blue green. Interesting industrial daytime skies. Use with caution on skin tones. (Transmission = 72%).
 
View the Spectral Energy Distribution Curve Roscolux #4330: CalColor 30 Cyan
Double 4315. Slightly greener than "normal" daylight. Uncomfortable skylight. (Transmission = 63%).
 
View the Spectral Energy Distribution Curve Roscolux #4360: CalColor 60 Cyan
Double 4330. Strong eerie daylight. Simulates fluorescent and industrial light sources. (Transmission = 50%).
 
View the Spectral Energy Distribution Curve Roscolux #4390: CalColor 90 Cyan
4360 + 4330. Strong cyan. Fantasy water scenes. (Transmission = 39%).
 
View the Spectral Energy Distribution Curve Roscolux #2005: VS Cyan
(Transmission = 18%).
 
View the Spectral Energy Distribution Curve Roscolux #3317: Tough 1/8 Plusgreen
Adds partial green to balance with fluorescents.
 
View the Spectral Energy Distribution Curve Roscolux #3316: Tough 1/4 Plusgreen
Adds partial green to balance with fluorescents.
 
View the Spectral Energy Distribution Curve Roscolux #3315: Tough 1/2 Plusgreen
Adds partial green to balance with fluorescents.
 
View the Spectral Energy Distribution Curve Roscolux #3304: Tough Plusgreen
To balance daylight sources to cool white fluorescents.
 
View the Spectral Energy Distribution Curve Roscolux #4415: CalColor 15 Green
Pale, balanced green without yellow tones. Nice for leaf breakups and foliage washes. (Transmission = 67%).
 
View the Spectral Energy Distribution Curve Roscolux #4430: CalColor 30 Green
Double 4415. Golden green wash. Less saturated but strong, balanced green. Excellent for exterior landscaping. (Transmission = 52%).
 
View the Spectral Energy Distribution Curve Roscolux #4460: CalColor 60 Green
Double 4430. Rich bright green. Good transmission of color. (Transmission = 32%).
 
View the Spectral Energy Distribution Curve Roscolux #4490: CalColor 90 Green
4460 + 4430. Bright saturated clean green. (Transmission = 18%).
 
View the Spectral Energy Distribution Curve Roscolux #2004: Storaro Green
Strong dominant green. Less yellow than 90. "Christmas tree" green. (Transmission = 15%).
 
View the Spectral Energy Distribution Curve Roscolux #00: Clear
A durable, heat resistant polycarbonate film used in the preparation of color scrollers to allow the passage from a color to clear. (Transmission = 100%).
 
View the Spectral Energy Distribution Curve Roscolux #01: Light Bastard Amber
Enhances fair skin tones. Suggests strong sunlight. (Transmission = 56%).
 
View the Spectral Energy Distribution Curve Roscolux #02: Bastard Amber
Good where a tint of color is needed. Excellent for natural skin tones. (Transmission = 78%).
 
View the Spectral Energy Distribution Curve Roscolux #302: Pale Bastard Amber
Very pale warm white. Perfect for enhancing the HPL lamp in a Source Four. (Transmission = 88%).
 
View the Spectral Energy Distribution Curve Roscolux #03: Dark Bastard Amber
Most saturated Bastard Amber. (Transmission = 62%).
 
View the Spectral Energy Distribution Curve Roscolux #303: Warm Peach
Heavier Amber-pink tint. Useful to create warm sunlight. (Transmission = 55%).
 
View the Spectral Energy Distribution Curve Roscolux #04: Medium Bastard Amber
Especially useful when cross lit with a cool color. Excellent for natural sunlight. (Transmission = 66%).
 
View the Spectral Energy Distribution Curve Roscolux #304: Pale Apricot
A peach amber. More yellow than 305. (Transmission = 79%).
 
View the Spectral Energy Distribution Curve Roscolux #05: Rose Tint
A clean pale pink; useful as a blush for skin tones. (Transmission = 80%).
 
View the Spectral Energy Distribution Curve Roscolux #305: Rose Gold
A pale blush amber for skin tones and backlight. (Transmission = 75%).
 
View the Spectral Energy Distribution Curve Roscolux #06: No Color Straw
Slightly off white. Good for interiors. (Transmission = 92%).
 
View the Spectral Energy Distribution Curve Roscolux #07: Pale Yellow
Double saturation of 06. (Transmission = 96%).
 
View the Spectral Energy Distribution Curve Roscolux #08: Pale Gold
Warmer straw. Flattering to skin tones. (Transmission = 86%).
 
View the Spectral Energy Distribution Curve Roscolux #09: Pale Amber Gold
Deep straw. Good for late afternoon sunsets or firelight. (Transmission = 74%).
 
View the Spectral Energy Distribution Curve Roscolux #10: Medium Yellow
Yellow with green. Good for special effects. Unflattering in acting areas. (Transmission = 92%).
 
View the Spectral Energy Distribution Curve Roscolux #310: Daffodil
A soft medium yellow. Can be used for creating naturalistic effects such as early morning sunlight or for special effects. (Transmission = 82%).
 
View the Spectral Energy Distribution Curve Roscolux #11: Light Straw
Pale yellow with slight red content. Useful for candle effects. Can be used for area lighting. For bright day feeling. (Transmission = 82%).
 
View the Spectral Energy Distribution Curve Roscolux #12: Straw
Greener yellow than 10. Special effects and accents. Use with caution on skin tones. (Transmission = 88%).
 
View the Spectral Energy Distribution Curve Roscolux #312: Canary
Warmer than 10. A bright, vibrant yellow that evokes exotic sunlight. Use with caution on skin. (Transmission = 85%).
 
View the Spectral Energy Distribution Curve Roscolux #13: Straw Tint
Much less green than in other straws. Suggests warm sunlight glow when contrasted with ambers and blues. (Transmission = 78%).
 
View the Spectral Energy Distribution Curve Roscolux #313: Light Relief Yellow
Vibrant Yellow. More red than 312. Less green than all other yellows. (Transmission = 77%).
 
View the Spectral Energy Distribution Curve Roscolux #14: Medium Straw
Pale amber-higher red content than 12. Sunlight, accents, area lighting with caution to skin tones. (Transmission = 68%).
 
View the Spectral Energy Distribution Curve Roscolux #15: Deep Straw
Warm golden amber with some green. Useful for special effects-candlelight, firelight. (Transmission = 65%).
 
View the Spectral Energy Distribution Curve Roscolux #16: Light Amber
Excellent area light. Light pink-amber tint. Safe for most light skin tones. (Transmission = 68%).
 
View the Spectral Energy Distribution Curve Roscolux #316: Gallo Gold
A pale reddish gold, good for creating sunrise or sunset, or simulating incandescent light. A flattering naturalistic backlight color. Can be used for warm area lighting. (Transmission = 58%).
 
View the Spectral Energy Distribution Curve Roscolux #17: Light Flame
Heavier pink-amber tint. Useful for dance. Especially useful when balanced with a cool color. Good general warm tint in striplights. (Transmission = 56%).
 
View the Spectral Energy Distribution Curve Roscolux #317: Apricot
A rosy amber which produces a romantic sunset color. Useful as sidelight or backlight color. (Transmission = 51%).
 
View the Spectral Energy Distribution Curve Roscolux #18: Flame
Warm pinkish amber. Afternoon sunset. Good sidelight. (Transmission = 56%).
 
View the Spectral Energy Distribution Curve Roscolux #318: Mayan Sun
A medium salmon color which evokes feeling of a tropical island. A good sunset color. Interesting backlight and accent color. Good for warm tonal effects. (Transmission = 52%).
 
View the Spectral Energy Distribution Curve Roscolux #19: Fire
Strong red amber. Excellent for fire effects. (Transmission = 20%).
 
View the Spectral Energy Distribution Curve Roscolux #20: Medium Amber
Afternoon sunlight. Lamplight and candlelight. Tends to depress color pigment values. (Transmission = 54%).
 
View the Spectral Energy Distribution Curve Roscolux #21: Golden Amber
Useful for amber cyc light and late sunsets. (Transmission = 43%).
 
View the Spectral Energy Distribution Curve Roscolux #321: Soft Golden Amber
An amber with some green content. A good sunlight transition color that shows the progression of the sun from white or yellow to amber later in the day. (Transmission = 39%).
 
View the Spectral Energy Distribution Curve Roscolux #22: Deep Amber
Very useful as a backlight. Dramatic specials and firelight. (Transmission = 26%).
 
View the Spectral Energy Distribution Curve Roscolux #23: Orange
Provides a romantic sunlight through windows for evening effects. (Transmission = 32%).
 
View the Spectral Energy Distribution Curve Roscolux #24: Scarlet
Very deep amber. Red with a touch of blue. (Transmission = 22%).
 
View the Spectral Energy Distribution Curve Roscolux #324: Gypsy Red
Vibrant orange-red. Helps red and orange scenery pop. (Transmission = 31%).
 
View the Spectral Energy Distribution Curve Roscolux #25: Orange Red
Good for firelight or special effects. Use when red with higher yellow content is needed. (Transmission = 14%).
 
View the Spectral Energy Distribution Curve Roscolux #325: Henna Sky
Toasted red-amber color. Useful in re-creating setting sun or as a dramatic cyc. (Transmission = 18%).
 
View the Spectral Energy Distribution Curve Roscolux #26: Light Red
Vibrant red. Good alternative primary. (Transmission = 12%).
 
View the Spectral Energy Distribution Curve</