Manufactured to offer the best detail while able to withstanding the rigors of the rental market, the RHOdium FSND from Schneider-Kreuznach are available now, in 6×6 and 4×5.65 sizes.
The Schneider RHOdium Full Spectrum Neutral Density (FSND) filters are a high-end ND filter line manufactured to finer flatness/parallelism specifications than ever before. These new filters help resolve even the finest detail. Schneider has engineered an extremely thin neutral density interlayer sandwiched between two sheets of crystal-clear Schott water-white glass. The thin interlayer results in excellent transmitted wavefront flatness/parallelism. Additionally the coating is kept safe from abrasions by being encapsulated between the glass, rather than on the surface, thereby withstanding the rigors of the rental market.
In the lab, RHOdiums are the first filters to undergo tristimulus scanning, a more critical color measurement than methods previously used to measure filter quality. This method verifies neutrality by utilizing a colorimetric algorithm that compares samples to perfectly neutral light. The result is unprecedented accuracy. Additionally, in real world testing on popular high-end cameras, the RHOdiums have proven to be free of infrared light leakage that has plagued many previous ND filters.
Although major advancements in 4K, 6K and 8K digital sensors have resulted in fewer issues with IR leakage compared to digital cameras of the past, modern imaging sensors can still be subject to IR leakage within the far-red component of the visible spectrum, as well as the near IR. Therefore, says Schneider-Kreuznach, “IR absorption continues to be a requirement, particularly at optical densities of 1.2 and higher. Schneider’s RHOdium FSND filters answers the cinematographer’s call for a truly neutral ND that controls the IR within the full visible spectrum and into the near infra-red.”
According to DIT Dan Zimbaldi, “The Schneider RHOdium NDs preserve that natural color while still capturing the full spectrum evenly. This is of particular importance in post-production color grading because it allows the colorist to grade all the shots the same, filtered or unfiltered.”
Schneider’s unique Edge Seal protects against delamination and edge chipping, while also reducing edge reflection and edge glare.
The new filters are available in 6×6 and 4×5.65 sizes, and come in a full range of densities: 0.3, 0.6, 0.9, 1.2, 1.5, 1.8, 2.1, 2.4, 2.7 and 3.0. Price for the 4”x5.65” size starts at $449 while 6”x6” start at $699.
