At NAB 2018, Schneider were showing their new True-Net Filters. In this age of high resolution shooting many cinematographers are using diffusion filters to soften up their images. There are many options available on the market, but none that are quite like the Schneider True-Net Filters.
As the name implies, the True-Net diffusion filters are Schneider’s answer to recreating the look you get from putting an old silk stocking on the back of your lens. Instead of having to grab an old stocking, you can now just put a filter in front of the lens to achieve a similar look. Schneider’s new True-Net filters come in seven different versions.
According to Schneider, after lots of research, they managed to developed a technique to sandwich hosiery made on the same knitting machines since the 1950s, between their hallmark crystal clear water-white optical glass. Like the company’s other professional cine filters, they are laminated, and protected from edge chipping with Schneider’s Edge Seal, which also reduces edge reflection and edge flare.
We tried out the True-Net filters at the show and they certainly do create a rather unique look. While I found a few of the filters to be a little too strong for my personal tastes, there are certainly some in the series that I would use. They really do help in taking away that hard, super sharp digital look that a lot of cinematographers try to avoid.
The True-Net series comes in three versions, and within those versions there are different levels of diffusion available.
TRUE-NET BLACKS
True-Net Blacks provide a lush old-Hollywood feel that can look romantic, elegant, or seductive. They come in 3 densities, from subtle to heavy,
TRUE-NET BEIGE
True-Net Beige give a warm and dreamy 1960s to ‘70s effect. They are available in 2 densities.
TRUE-NET GRAY
True-Net Gray filters portray a more muted natural feel that retains pleasing contrast. They are available in 2 densities.
It will be interesting to see just how these filters look when used on modern digital cinema cameras. Hopefully they are a good option for creating a beautiful, vintage feel that wipes out the pristine, clean, sterile look of the modern digital cameras and lenses.
The filters are available in the 4″ x 5.65″ size and cost $365 USD each. Schneider is looking into making them in other filter sizes.
