Has anyone use a Contrast Viewing Glass?

[Ben Ng]

Hi all,

I was reading the book , Set Lighting Technician's Handbook by Harry C. Box.

It mentions about the Contrast Viewing Glass. It sounds like ,it is a useful tool on set for DP. (http://www.filmtools.com/conview.html)

I heard of people just use sun glasses instead of that.

Anyone use it before? is it worth to spend 40 bucks to buy one?

Is it helpful, somewhat accurate or would it slow down my pace on set?

 

between. I am a college student starting to do more shootings.

 

Thanks

[Chris Keth]

Whether or not it's useful to you is up to you. It wouldn't exist if it weren't useful to someone.

 

Sunglasses don't do the same thing. I've used them and kind of liked it for help "seeing" while I light. I may get one sometime to be able to use it more and see if I really like it.

Edited January 28, 2008 by Chris Keth

[robert duke]

Run over to your local welding supply store and pick up a replacement welding glass, they come in several different ND's values. They run about $2-10 and are 2"x4", and 4"x4". You can either drill a hold in it for a lanyard. Wrap the edges with gaffer's tape to help protect the edges from chipping.

 

Not as fancy as the $40 ones but works. you can use the $2 one til you decide it is worth the $40 for the real thing.

[Adrian Sierkowski]

I have one from filmtools and I use it on occasion. It's not something I couldn't live without; but sometimes I find it helpful to "see," the scene. That's just me, though.

[Danny Haritan]

I'm considering buying a viewing glass sometime in the next few months, but definitely for next year when I start my cinematography course.

[Nate Downes]

I'm partly color-blind, my natural vision is pretty similar to the results one would get from such a glass.

 

Needless to say, I don't use one.