Pancro Filters

PANCRO’s patented, high-vacuum process relates to the field of physics in the area of optics, which deals with the nature of light and image. PANCRO’s investigations into this area have resulted in a scientific process and superior ND, which have been adapted to the field of cinematography and television.

PANCRO ND

PANCRO ND is the result of a high vacuum coating of a metallic alloy thin film on one side of the glass. This is the same technology that is used to coat high end movie camera lenses with multilayer anti-reflection coatings.

PANCRO ND has certain properties that make it superior to other NDs on the market. Its thin, metallic film results in superior neutrality with a flat spectral curve ranging from 380 nm to 2000 nm.  This neutrality enables Pancro ND to filter out troublesome Infra-Red wavelengths in the 800 nm-2000 nm range that are captured on DV cameras. The result is a true neutrality.

Pancro ND will not make the IR POP like some ND filters do.

Mitchell Diffusion

The Mitchell Diffusion Filter is the result of Pancro’s patented diffusion process upon a single-piece of optical-select glass. It is available in softness variations of A, B, C, D, and E on all standard sizes including 4 X 5.650 and 6.6 X 6.6. For many years in the movie industry and continuing today, the Mitchell Diffusion Filter has been used for close-ups to flatter and soften facial imperfections. Often called the actor’s best friend, the Mitchell Diffusion Filter softens undesirable features such as freckles, blemishes, and wrinkles. It also creates a romantic ambiance by softening colors and cutting sharpness.

In operation, the Mitchell Diffusion Filter softens an image by refracting a portion of light as it passes through the filter. Whether softening facial features and colors, or cutting sharpness, the final effect on screen is always subtle and unobtrusive. Use of a filter is undetected.

ND Grad Filter

Pancro’s custom filter, the custom ND Grad graduates the filter’s edge to clear with a blend line of hard, soft,
or razor sharp. The graduation size may be varied to any specification you need. The ND Grad is used for light exposure control to tone-down scenes where there is intense brightness. The ND section is placed on top for bright skies or on bottom for glaring snow, sand, or water. The ND Grad is also used in dusk-for-night shots where a dimly-lit sky appears as night. It is often used in combination with other filters in a rotating filter holder in a matte box, where the ND Grad should always be placed in front.

Optical Flat

The Clear-Optical Flat is one-piece (not laminated) water-white glass, used to protect camera lenses and filters on location.

The Beam Splitter

The Beam Splitter is a thin piece of optical-select glass with a partially reflecting, partially transmitting film on the front surface. As seen in politcal speeches on television and in various newscasts, the Beam Splitter is used for speech prompters,( 30r/70t ratio ) studio prompters ( 30r/70t ratio) or front-projection effects ( 50/50 ratio).
Reflection/Transmission ratios available are 20/80, 30/70, 40/60, or 50/50. Available in micro-glass in .025″ to .070″ thick. Available in stock are 1/10″ and 1/8″. May cut to any size with a maximum of 22″ x 22″.

ND Center Spot Filter

The ND Center Spot is often used to focus attention on a person or scene in the center, as seen in flashback and dream sequences. Used recently on commercials. Spots can be 1/2″, 1″, 2″ and 3″. The ND Center Spot Filter consists of a clear, round or oval center, with edges that blend softly outward with a 1/4″ graduation to full ND.