Machine that produces fine, even atmospheric haze to make light beams visible and add depth to the image – uses oil or water-based fluid to create a subtle, long-lasting suspension of particles that enhances lighting effects without the thick clouds of fog machines.
What is a Hazer?
A Hazer is a machine that produces fine atmospheric haze. Unlike fog machines that create dense clouds, a hazer creates a uniform, subtle suspension of particles that makes light beams visible and adds depth to the image.
Hazer vs. Fog Machine
| Aspect | Hazer | Fog Machine |
|---|---|---|
| Particles | Fine | Coarse |
| Visibility | Subtle | Visible clouds |
| Duration | Long-lasting | Quickly dissipating |
| Purpose | Make light visible | Fog effect |
Technology Types
| Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Oil-Based | Long-lasting |
| Water-Based | Quickly dissipating |
| Cracker | Mechanical |
| Ultrasonic | Microfine particles |
Oil-Based Hazer
| Property | Description |
|---|---|
| Fluid | Mineral oil-based |
| Particle Size | Very fine |
| Hangtime | Very long |
| Residue | Minimally oily |
Water-Based Hazer
| Property | Description |
|---|---|
| Fluid | Water-glycol |
| Particle Size | Fine |
| Hangtime | Shorter |
| Residue | None |
Popular Models
| Manufacturer | Model |
|---|---|
| MDG | Atmosphere, theOne |
| Unique | 2.1 Hazer |
| Look Solutions | Unique Hazer |
| Martin | JEM Glaciator |
MDG Atmosphere
| Aspect | Description |
|---|---|
| Type | CO2-based |
| Output | Very fine |
| Control | Precise |
| Status | Industry standard |
Application Areas
| Area | Effect |
|---|---|
| Light Beams | Make visible |
| Depth | Separate planes |
| Mood | Create atmosphere |
| Windows | God rays |
Making Light Beams Visible
| Situation | Description |
|---|---|
| Sunbeams | Through windows |
| Spots | Theatrical feel |
| Practicals | Lamps in frame |
| Backlight | Edge lighting |
Setup
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| Positioning | Out of frame |
| Airflow | Distribution |
| Warm-up Time | Fill the room |
| Monitoring | Check density |
Control
| Aspect | Method |
|---|---|
| Output | Unit controls |
| DMX | Remote control |
| Fan | Direct airflow |
| Timing | Before the shot |
Airflow Management
| Challenge | Solution |
|---|---|
| Air Conditioning | Turn off |
| Doors | Closed |
| Wind | Shield |
| Direction | With fans |
Continuity
| Problem | Solution |
|---|---|
| Uneven | Re-haze |
| Too much | Ventilate |
| Matching Shots | Keep consistent |
| Cut Issues | Document |
Health and Safety
| Aspect | Consideration |
|---|---|
| Ventilation | For long shoots |
| Allergies | Inform crew |
| Smoke Detectors | Disable |
| Asthma | Caution |
Fluid Consumption
| Factor | Influence |
|---|---|
| Room Size | More fluid |
| Duration | Refill |
| Density | Output level |
| Drafts | Increased consumption |
Indoor vs. Outdoor
| Environment | Challenge |
|---|---|
| Indoor | Easier |
| Outdoor | Wind problem |
| Large Rooms | More output |
| Small Rooms | Less needed |
Exterior Use
| Method | Description |
|---|---|
| Windshield | Shielding |
| Multiple Hazers | Cover area |
| Timing | Shortly before take |
| Accept | Natural variation |
Cost
| Element | Factor |
|---|---|
| Rental | €50-200/day |
| Fluid | €30-100/liter |
| Consumption | Depending on use |
| Technician | Optional |
Integration with Lighting
| Technique | Effect |
|---|---|
| Backlight | Silhouettes |
| Side Light | Texture |
| Spot | Defined beams |
| Diffused | Soft atmosphere |
Genre Application
| Genre | Typical Use |
|---|---|
| Thriller | Suspense |
| Horror | Eerie |
| Drama | Emotional depth |
| Music Video | Stylized look |
Common Mistakes
| Mistake | Avoidance |
|---|---|
| Too much | Start subtly |
| Uneven | Allow time to distribute |
| In frame | Position out of sight |
| Air conditioning on | Turn off |
Maintenance
| Task | Frequency |
|---|---|
| Cleaning | After use |
| Filters | Regularly |
| Nozzles | Check |
| Fluid Level | Before use |
Best Practices
| Practice | Reason |
|---|---|
| Start early | Time to build |
| Keep consistent | Continuity |
| Test lighting | Check effect |
| Document | For reshoots |
Today
The hazer is standard equipment for any quality-conscious production. It makes the difference between flat and cinematic lighting, between a documentary and a filmic look. Modern hazers are precisely controllable and enable subtle atmosphere that brings images to life.