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Lee Black Foil
Lighting · Terms

Lee Black Foil

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Black matte heat-resistant foil by Lee Filters used to precisely flag and shape light sources — easily moldable for controlled spill blocking.

Definition

Lee Black Foil is a black aluminum light-blocking material used for shielding and shaping light on set. The material completely blocks light and can be cut and bent into any shape.

Practical Application

Black Foil is used for the following tasks:

  • Flagging: Shielding unwanted light from lenses or image areas
  • Light Shaping: Precisely defining light areas by attaching to the barn doors of lighting fixtures
  • Snoots: Creating narrow light cones by rolling into tubes
  • Spill Control: Eliminating stray light on walls or backgrounds

Technical Details

Material properties:

  • Aluminum foil with a matte black coating
  • Standard roll widths: 61cm and 122cm
  • Complete light absorption without reflection
  • Heat resistant up to approx. 150°C

Practical Tips

  • Use Gaffer Tape to attach to stands or lighting fixtures
  • Cut into desired shapes with a utility knife or scissors
  • Use a light meter to control the light effect
  • Protect from direct contact with hot lamps

Professional Standards

Black Foil is a standard piece of equipment in every lighting department for:

  • Precise light control without additional stands
  • Quick corrections for lighting issues
  • A cost-effective alternative to rigid flags
  • Consistent lighting setups across multiple takes
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