Tiffen Warm Diffusion Filters 2022

The Tiffen Company manufactures filters that filmmakers trust from discerning amateurs to Hollywood cinematographers. Over the years, Filmmakers Academy’s cinematography mentor, Shane Hurlbut, ASC, reviewed the quality and value of Tiffen Filters. He even worked alongside the Tiffen Company to create filters for a feature film designed to meet precise specifications. Shane’s filter reviews are ideal for intrepid cinematographers.

Most notably, Shane revealed:

More recently, however, Tiffen launched its latest series of Warm Diffusion Filters at a significant time. The Warm Diffusion Filters contain three new cinematic filters designed for a diverse array of skin complexions, keeping deep colors and shadow details present in your images.

“Tiffen is giving us three new types of Warm Diffusion at just the right time when we are lensing the widest range of skin tones ever on screen,” says Steven Poster, ASC. “ Each of the new filters has its own purpose and its own effect. Each tells a story in a different way.”

WARM DIFFUSION FILTERS

Warm diffusion filters are ideal for enriching a variety of skin tones to ensure vibrance while preserving shadows and details. They do so by creating a soft, warm glow while smoothing out details and maintaining definition across skin complexions. The feel of its diffusion is natural with warm overtones. This reinforces the “Antique” name of the filter as the natural warmth makes it a solid choice for period pieces.

On top of that, warm diffusion filters help convey a time long gone. The cinematic look of the past is desirable to filmmakers who wish to recreate yesteryear. This reinforces the “Antique” name of the filter. The natural warmth makes it a solid choice for period pieces. And these filters serve as windows into the past. Just be sure that this is your preferred look because there’s no going back with optical filters.

When discussing the filters, Director of Photography Steven Fracol highlighted how they acted as he hoped “without bringing up the blacks very much and not catching too much light.”

Tiffen’s Warm Diffusions are manufactured with Water White glass and the exclusive Colorcore® Process that laminates the filter substrate between two pieces of optical glass. They avert highlights from blowing out and shadows from losing those crucial details in the image.

What are Warm Diffusion Filter Types?

There are three specific warm diffusion filter types that maintain deep colors and preserve shadows, atmospheric glow, and mild desaturation.

Tiffen Antique Satin Filter
Tiffen Antique Pearlescent Filter
Tiffen Antique Black Pearlescent Filter

The filters are each crafted in standard sizes (4×4, 6×6, 4×5.65, 138mm) with a choice of 1/8, 1/4, 1/2, 1, 2 densities. If you need a special size and strength such as a 3 or 4, they are available by request.

TIFFEN ANTIQUE SATIN FILTER

The Antique Satin is a filter that smooths fine details and enables overall sharpness without diminishing contrast.

Antique Satin Filter Features

Smooths fine details like pores
Upholds overall sharpness without diminishing contrast
Ideal for dark complexions

The Antique Satin filter allows for a complete range of tones and a full dynamic range. It also helps keep highlights from blowing out the shadows so you don’t lose details or have an overly cool or muddy appearance.

TIFFEN ANTIQUE PEARLESCENT FILTER

Antique Pearlescent is a filter that creates a soft, lovely atmospheric glow, gentle desaturation of colors, and soft creamy halation.

Antique Pearlescent Filter Features

Smooths out subtle details in the skin while preserving definition
Produces soft atmospheric glow
Mild desaturation of colors with soft and creamy halation

The Antique Pearlescent filter works exceptionally well for period pieces as it provides the nostalgic look and feel of a summer afternoon. However, just as it conveys nostalgia, the Antique Pearlescent has a range of grades that reaches Monet-like levels of impressionism.

TIFFEN ANTIQUE BLACK PEARLESCENT FILTER

You might be curious about what sets the Antique Black Pearlescent apart from the Antique Pearlescent. Antique Black Pearlescent is a filter that holds deep blacks while upholding shadow details without too much halation or loss of contrast.

Antique Black Pearlescent Filter Features

Smooths out subtle details in the skin while preserving definition
Produces a soft warm glow
Results in gorgeous, romantic softness without unnecessary halation or loss of contrast

Also, the Antique Black Pearlescent filter uses a black pearlescent element that sustains deep blacks while preserving details in the shadows. This is especially the case in your subjects’ faces.

LEARN MORE ABOUT NEUTRAL DENSITY FILTERS

ND Filters make the difference between an average and cinematic image. For a cinematographer’s level of understanding, Filmmakers Academy provides in-depth analysis in the form of filtration tests by an ASC cinematographer.