!*% Gray - why so many different levels: I have a ColorChecker passport, a Lastolite, a Digital Grey Kard and a printed grey card from MAGBook. None of them are even close to each...

Jim S Loc: Barrington RI, DC now Hilton Head,

I have a ColorChecker passport, a Lastolite, a Digital Grey Kard and a printed grey card from MAGBook.

None of them are even close to each other. I was in the printing business for 37 years and an 18% should be exactly the same as long as the density is being measure on by press computers density controls. I also believe that the plastic should be controlled. As should the dye on the cloth of the Lastolite.

Which is the most accurate? Which one should be used? Or can someone recommend an accurate gray card to use to de white balance?

Thanks

MT Shooter Loc: Montana

Jim S wrote:

I have a ColorChecker passport, a Lastolite, a Dig... (show quote)

I have used the Kodak 18% Grey Card (an actual CARD) since the mid-1970's and its has always worked right. Many of the grey cards today are all over the chart for color so I never know what to trust. Much of the time I use my Tundra hard camera case in the field as I have found it to be VERY close to my Kodak card and never had a color issue when using it, the Pelican grey colored cases are just too light colored to be accurate.

Jim S Loc: Barrington RI, DC now Hilton Head,

MT Shooter wrote:

I have used the Kodak 18% Grey Card (an actual CARD) since the mid-1970's and its has always worked right. Many of the grey cards today are all over the chart for color so I never know what to trust. Much of the time I use my Tundra hard camera case in the field as I have found it to be VERY close to my Kodak card and never had a color issue when using it, the Pelican grey colored cases are just too light colored to be accurate.

Thanks MT. I was hoping you'd respond. Now to find the Kodak card.

RichardSM Loc: Back in Texas

I too use to use the Kodak 18% gray card until I found out about the WhiBal card from MichaelTapes what a superior card it is for CB in my opinion!

http://michaeltapesdesign.com/whibal.html

Jim S wrote:

I have a ColorChecker passport, a Lastolite, a Dig... (show quote)

snowbear

Keep in mind the 18% refers to light reflectance, not the value (light/dark).

Jim S Loc: Barrington RI, DC now Hilton Head,

snowbear wrote:

Keep in mind the 18% refers to light reflectance, not the value (light/dark).

Thanks - I never realized that. I always thought it was a density measurement.

JohnSwanda Loc: San Francisco

Jim S wrote:

I have a ColorChecker passport, a Lastolite, a Dig... (show quote)

I use the Lastolite for WB, but I use the white side, and my WB always seems spot on.

Rongnongno Loc: FL

Jim S wrote:

...

The best tool for color balance is the original expo disk.

You take one picture toward the light to create a custom balance and you are done.

Gray cards, when you average their colors in PP are never gray (check it out if you do not believe me).

Indi Loc: L. I., NY, Palm Beach Cty when it's cold.

Rongnongno wrote:

The best tool for color balance is the original expo disk.

You take one picture toward the light to create a custom balance and you are done.

Gray cards, when you average their colors in PP are never gray (check it out if you do not believe me).

Pardon my ignorance, but what's an "Expo Disk?"

Rongnongno Loc: FL

Indi wrote:

Pardon my ignorance, but what's an "Expo Disk?"

here. If you consider this beware of cheaper knock-offs. Each disk comes with an individual light analysis.

Jim S Loc: Barrington RI, DC now Hilton Head,

Rongnongno wrote:

The best tool for color balance is the original expo disk.

You take one picture toward the light to create a custom balance and you are done.

Gray cards, when you average their colors in PP are never gray (check it out if you do not believe me).

They are allover the place

Jim S Loc: Barrington RI, DC now Hilton Head,

JohnSwanda wrote:

I use the Lastolite for WB, but I use the white side, and my WB always seems spot on.

Sounds good - thanks

Indi Loc: L. I., NY, Palm Beach Cty when it's cold.

Rongnongno wrote:

here. If you consider this beware of cheaper knock-offs. Each disk comes with an individual light analysis.

Thanks. It certainly looks like a good investment but as I like to tweak my color balance and intensity in LR, I don't think its for me. Also, I'm not a professional. The price is OK, but I'd have to buy about 4 or more adapter rings.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

Jim S wrote:

I have a ColorChecker passport, a Lastolite, a Dig... (show quote)

Yeah, it's crazy, isn't it? I have a Whibal card, and that works fine, but I also have another that came as a set - black, white, and gray. Why?

"Will the real gray card please stand up."

Jim S Loc: Barrington RI, DC now Hilton Head,

jerryc41 wrote:

Yeah, it's crazy, isn't it? I have a Whibal card, and that works fine, but I also have another that came as a set - black, white, and gray. Why?

"Will the real gray card please stand up."

You are right - will the Real 18% grey card Please Stand Up