In addition to places for three or four filters in the various PANAVISION matte boxes there is also a provision on all PANAFLEX cameras to place a gelatin filter just in front of the film plane and on certain PANAFLEX zoom lenses to place a gelatin filter behind the rear optical element.
PANAFLEX cameras are supplied with a box containing 12 gelatin filter holders.
Before a shoot the Camera Assistant should very carefully mount a selection of gelatin filters into the holders as requested by the Director of Photography. PANAVISION Inc. and its distributors worldwide can supply a gelatin filter punch for cutting filters to shape. Be careful to keep dust, finger marks and other blemishes off the surface of the filters. The use of a PANAVISION filter punch makes this task easier.
The use of a gelatin filter between the lens and the film affects the lens back focal distance by about 1½ thousandths (.0015) of an inch. This is not likely to have a deleterious effect on the focus of any lens unless it has a particularly short focal length and/or wide aperture. If the Director of Photography plans on using gelatin filters he may wish to request that PANAVISION technicians alter the flange focal depth setting of the camera accordingly.
To fit the gelatin filter holder into a PANAFLEX camera, slide back the dust/light/sound proof cover below the viewfinder tube, insert the filter holder inwards and upwards, close the cover slide and remind the D.P. that a behind-the-lens filter is in place so that he can make appropriate allowances in his exposure calculations.
On the PLATINUM PANAFLEX the letters ‘FIL’ will automatically show in the bottom left hand corner of the Digital Indicator whenever a gelatin filter is in place.
Cutter punches are also available for the circular filters that can be placed behind most PANAZOOM zoom lenses.
1. Putting a ‘behind the lens’ gelatin filter into position, 2. Fitting a filter onto the rear of a zoom lens, 3. Set of gelatin filters in a box, 4. Closed gelatin filter door, 5. ‘FIL’ indicator on PLATINUM PANAFLEX display, 6. Gelatin filter cutter.