The Tiffen 138mm Self-Rotating Hollywood Star Filter is a mounted filter that includes rear and front threads that allow filter stacking when using third-party or custom filter holders. This filter's rear threads are intended to retain a 138mm non-self-rotating mounted filter that is already placed within a compatible filter holder, providing a supplemental effect. The Tiffen 138mm Self-Rotating Hollywood Star Filter's front threads can then accommodate an additional non-self-rotating mounted filter, which can then be held in place with a 138mm retaining ring. Alternatively, another Tiffen 138mm self-rotating filter may be screwed on top of the Tiffen 138mm Self-Rotating Hollywood Star Filter.

Once installed, this filter is designed to be used perpendicular to a point light source such as the sun, a light bulb, or a candle. Within the filter's surface is a combination of fine, etched line types. Those lines help to create a starburst effect with 14 asymmetric primary diffraction spikes that extend from the light source and are arranged in a pattern which approximates a cross.

This filter is most effective for pictures where the light source used to generate the starburst effect is a highlight with a significant degree of contrast from the rest of the image. It is constructed from optical glass for clarity as well as color fidelity, and features an aluminum-alloy filter ring that can be rotated to adjust the direction of the diffraction spikes and overall orientation of the starburst effect.

Mounted Starburst Effect Filter    Allows Stacking with Filter Holders    Starburst Effect from Point Light Source    Cross-Shaped Starbursts    Asymmetric Diffraction Spike Starbursts    14 Primary Diffraction Spikes    Spikes Extend From Light Source    Optical Glass Construction    Padded Pouch

Mounted with front or rear threads that allow filter stacking when using third-party or custom filter holders for film and television cameras

Rear threads retain a 138mm non-self-rotating mounted filter that is already placed within a filter holder

Front threads can accommodate an additional non-self-rotating mounted filter which can be held in place with a 138mm retaining ring

Front threads allow stacking with another Tiffen 138mm self-rotating filter

Creates a starburst effect from point light sources within an image

Starburst effect features 14 asymmetric primary diffraction spikes which extend from the light source

Diffraction spikes are arranged in a pattern which approximates a cross

Aluminum-alloy filter ring for durability while remaining lightweight

Filter ring can be rotated for direction control of the diffraction spikes and overall orientation of the starburst effect

138mm front filter threads allow for use with other filters

Padded pouch for storage and transport

Related Questions and Answers

Q: 1. What is the form factor for this item? First two pix look like what I expect for something that fits into a 100mm filter holder. The rmaining 5 or so images look like a 52mm rear filter for a long lens. Which is it?

A: The first two images would be the correct representation of this filter.

Q: 2. It's not clear to me if this comes with two brackets so I can mount two speed lights on it or not. Can anybody help me with that?

A: It comes with 1 bracket to hold only 1 speed light and a remote. If you wish to have 2 speed lights you need to order an extra bracket. Works great with my Photoflex Lite Dome soft box.

Q: 3. Could I have a look of the other side of this filter.I wonder what is written there.

A: On the other side of the filter it says Schneider Kreuznach and the filter size.

Q: 4. How would this compare with the Tiffen Glimmerglass?

A: The Schneider 82mm Hollywood Black Magic 1/8 Filter is the same quality and will produce the same effect as the Tiffen Black Glimmerglass Diffusion Filter.

Q: 5. Anyone have issues with reflections? I just purchased and when filming light I'm getting reflections on the glass. Any tips on not getting that?

A: In my former career, I was a motion picture camera assistant. As such, part of my job before each take was to make sure there were no reflections or hot spots of light hitting the front lens element or the filters. I would use a matte box with top and side flaps to get rid of most of the problems. The rule of thumb was if I was using a longer lens, I could take care of it with the matte box and flaps. However, if using a very wide lens, a matte box and flaps are no good because if you set the flaps to get rid of the flare or hot spot, they are visible in the frame. When that happened, I would ask one of the grips to set a flag at the source of the flare, be it a movie light or the sun. If it was a moving shot, the grip would have to "fly" the flag to make sure the light did not hit the lens. Now, what can a regular guy do without a grip department? Use a sunshade or matte box or a french flag. You might be able to move the offending light or the camera enough to get rid of the flare. Just know if you cannot stop the extraneous light from hitting the front end of the lens, it will be in the image to some degree.

Q: 6. Hi there. What is the maximium diameter pipe it can accept?

A: The Matthews Hollywood Corner - Set of 4 BH #MAHWC is designed for 1" square tubing.

Q: 7. Is this rotating filter holder compatible with Chrosziel 450 R2?

A: From what I can gather this is for 138mm lens filters and the Chrosziel 450 R2 supports 114mm

Q: 8. Will this work with a Movo Photo SCG-30 Universal Aluminum DSLR Camera Cage with Top Handle, Shoe Mount and 15mm Rods?

A: The product you are asking about is not sold by B&H so we cannot speak to the efficacy of your request. In other words, we cannot know for sure that it will work. However, 15mm/cage systems are made to basic standards so with that and the fact the screws on the CAMVATE cheese handles are in adjustment slots, we feel that this handle will probably work on the cage you are asking about.

Q: 9. Is there much difference between this filter and the Tiffen Black Pro Mist filter? The Tiffen is $70 cheaper.

A: The Schneider 77mm Hollywood Black Magic filter would have much higher quality glass and construction compared to a lower cost filter. The higher quality glass is why it has a clean glow as mentioned by another user.

Q: 10. will this reduce moire in video of fabric?

A: I don't believe it will reduce it, just soften the effect.