How do you use scrims with PAR lenses?

Andre Valune · February 2, 2015

Hi guys -

Just a quick question - how do you use scrims with PAR lenses? Do you jam them in between the lens and the light, or on the outer side of the lens, or do you just have to use nets on a separate c-stand to bring down the intensity?

Thanks!

David Mullen ASC · February 2, 2015

Some ParCans have the little metal tabs at the end to hold scrims. Pars with no can often still have the holders for barn doors and should be able to take scrims. You can try nets or ND gel, just watch out for the hot spot of the beam melting them.

Andre Valune · February 2, 2015

Great - thanks David! And I'm thinking of Jokers specifically. So you'd just put the scrim in between the lens and the barn doors?

David Mullen ASC · February 3, 2015

Yes if they fit.

Taylor Roesch · February 18, 2015

Great - thanks David! And I'm thinking of Jokers specifically. So you'd just put the scrim in between the lens and the barn doors?

Andre,

This is a constant problem with Joker fixtures. With how convex the lenses are, they take up most of the room for scrims. Also, constant contact with glass at those temperature can cause them to break (we broke 3 lenses on the show I just finished). You can fit a scrim behind the lens as well if taking off light can't be done any other way. Otherwise, ask a helpful grip to fix the problem for you. :)

Paul Salmons · February 18, 2015

Be careful dropping colds scrims into hot fixtures (room temp is fine) but if your outside on a cold day and that cold scrim touches that hot lens it will instantly crack the lens.