Filmlexikon.
Support
Rosco 85
Lighting · Terms

Rosco 85

Murnau AI illustration
rosco 89 rosco 80 rosco 305

Professional lighting equipment or technique used in film and television production.

Definition

Rosco 85 is an orange correction filter that converts daylight (5600K) to artificial light color temperature (3200K). The filter reduces light output by 2/3 stops.

Practical Application

The filter is used for:

  • Color Correction: Matching daylight sources to Tungsten artificial light
  • Light Control: Reducing light intensity while simultaneously converting color
  • Effect Design: Creating warm lighting moods with daylight sources
  • Efficiency Increase: Avoiding complex color corrections in post-production

Technical Details

Technical specifications:

  • Available as a roll of gel or cut sheets
  • Various densities: 85, 85B, 85C for different conversion degrees
  • Light transmission: approx. 36% (loss of 2/3 stops)
  • Mounted in front of lights, windows, or directly on the lens

Practical Tips

  • Perform exposure metering after filter attachment
  • Test combinations with ND filters for further light reduction
  • Use heat-resistant variants when heat development is a concern
  • Protect from direct sunlight and moisture

Professional Standards

Standard use in film and TV productions for:

  • Color consistency between natural and artificial light sources
  • Quick adjustments without changing fixtures
  • Cost reduction through fewer required Tungsten lights
  • Uniform color temperature in mixed lighting setups
More in the lexikon

Related terms

Report an error
From the Filmfarm ecosystem

Understand visual language, budget productions, connect crew.

The Lexikon is part of the Filmfarm ecosystem — alongside budgeting (FilmBalance), an industry magazine (FilmCircus) and crew networking (FilmCall, CrewMesh). One shared vocabulary for the whole production.

FilmFarm FilmRadarComing soonFilmPulseComing soonFilmNumbersComing soonFilmCapitalComing soonFilmLabComing soonFilmBalanceComing soonFilmCircusComing soon