Last Updated 13 minutes ago
Filmmaking Dictionary: Number 8 / 85 Colour-Conversion Filter
Definition
An 85 filter is an amber colour-conversion filter used to warm the light reaching a film or digital camera. Its nominal conversion is approximately 5500K to 3400K. It is commonly associated with using tungsten-balanced motion-picture film in daylight.
The number identifies a conversion grade, not a percentage of warmth or an exposure value. An 85 is different from an 85B, an 85C and a neutral-density filter. The full marking on the filter matters.
Follow the Film Stock’s Guidance
Nominal colour-temperature arithmetic is useful, but the film manufacturer’s recommendation is the practical starting point. For example, Kodak specifies an 85 filter for daylight colour balance with VISION3 500T. Do not substitute another grade solely because a different Kelvin number appears closer on paper.
The intended look and laboratory or scanning workflow also matter. Omitting correction deliberately is a photographic choice with consequences for the negative’s colour layers. It should be tested rather than assumed to be identical to using the recommended filter and adjusting the grade later.
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Exposure and Combined Filters
- An 85 absorbs light and requires appropriate exposure allowance.
- A typical Tiffen 85 specification calls for about 0.6 stop of compensation.
- An 85/ND combination adds neutral-density reduction as well as colour conversion.
- Check whether metering already sees the filter to avoid applying its compensation twice.
Practical Example
A crew moves a tungsten-stock production from an interior to a daylight exterior. The camera assistant confirms the specified 85 filter, checks its condition and records the filtration. The cinematographer accounts for the exposure change and any additional ND needed for the intended aperture.
When returning to tungsten lighting, leaving the filter in place would warm the image unnecessarily unless that is the chosen look. Clear camera reports and a consistent filter check help prevent a location change from creating an accidental colour mismatch.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is 85 identical to 85B?
No. The 85B provides a stronger nominal warming conversion. The correct choice depends on the film, source and desired result.
Does an 85 filter replace white balance on a digital camera?
No. It changes the light reaching the sensor. Camera white balance and colour processing still determine how that signal is rendered.
Related Terms
- 85B Colour-Conversion Filter
- 80A Colour-Conversion Filter
- ND Filter (Neutral Density Filter)
- Kelvin (K)
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