Cheap White Balance Cap.

**David** · 10-23-2007, 01:16 AM

I use two WB caps for different lenses on K10D and *istD. On the K10D I add +3 Amber to get true WB in comparison to a Digital White Card. Works well, is so easy to use and doubles as a lens cap.

Take Care

David

demoleman · 04-11-2008, 02:56 PM

I bought one too the other day from a ebay seller, in 2 sizes.
Still I cannot not work with them. Even not when I follow the instructions. The camera cannot focus (AF/M) with the cap on, on Manual WB Still I like to be able to use it.

joelw135 · 04-11-2008, 03:18 PM

Originally posted by demoleman

I bought one too the other day from a ebay seller, in 2 sizes.
Still I cannot not work with them. Even not when I follow the instructions. The camera cannot focus (AF/M) with the cap on, on Manual WB Still I like to be able to use it.

You don't have to focus. Turn the camera to manual focus with the W/B cap in place and then just use the FN menu and follow what it says. Works real well.

demoleman · 04-11-2008, 04:58 PM

Originally posted by joelw135

You don't have to focus. Turn the camera to manual focus with the W/B cap in place and then just use the FN menu and follow what it says. Works real well.

Thanks. But what to follow in the "fn"menu which only gives me the dial and options. Using the Manual WB the results are "NG"I suppose it means "Not Good"?

Ken T · 04-11-2008, 06:53 PM

I bought one of those inexpensive cap off Ebay and it works very well. Later on I tried with a piece of plastic that cut off from a milk jug and the results came out exactly as used with that cap.
To do the WBM, you set camera to MF, press Fn, go to WB, scroll down to White Balance Manual, press right on 4-way controller, hold that cap to cover all of the front lens, press shutter release button same as taking picture, click OK, OK, OK to get ready to take picture. (Remember to set camera back to AF from MF)

**Canada_Rockies** · 04-11-2008, 08:52 PM

Originally posted by Ken T

I bought one of those inexpensive cap off Ebay and it works very well. Later on I tried with a piece of plastic that cut off from a milk jug and the results came out exactly as used with that cap.
To do the WBM, you set camera to MF, press Fn, go to WB, scroll down to White Balance Manual, press right on 4-way controller, hold that cap to cover all of the front lens, press shutter release button same as taking picture, click OK, OK, OK to get ready to take picture. (Remember to set camera back to AF from MF)

Others use white coffee filters to set the white balance. I only shoot RAW so I just turn on AWB and fix it in post processing. I have sometimes used the Tungsten setting on the camera to save one step in post, but then I forget to put it back and fix a whole bunch of other shots.

proudtoshootpentax · 04-12-2008, 12:45 AM

I discovered the other day that the translucent white body cap that comes on the front of your Pentax SLR also works perfectly for this! Just hold it in front of your lens, set manual w/b, get perfect colors!

**Canada_Rockies** · 04-12-2008, 01:08 PM

Originally posted by proudtoshootpentax

I discovered the other day that the translucent white body cap that comes on the front of your Pentax SLR also works perfectly for this! Just hold it in front of your lens, set manual w/b, get perfect colors!

Now, that IS creative! Well done. And I have several of them lying around, too.

Ken T · 04-12-2008, 03:10 PM

Yes, that translucent white body cap works too. But I don't use it because I want to keep it new

, I have only one, so.

Ken T · 04-12-2008, 03:23 PM

Originally posted by Canada_Rockies

Others use white coffee filters to set the white balance. I only shoot RAW so I just turn on AWB and fix it in post processing. I have sometimes used the Tungsten setting on the camera to save one step in post, but then I forget to put it back and fix a whole bunch of other shots.

I sometimes on Friday evening, taking pictures of my kids in the house, so used MWB, and on Saturday morning I take the kids to the park and then forget to set back on AWB when taking their pics, and end up knocking my head when looking at the images on computer when get home.

demoleman · 04-13-2008, 11:06 PM

Originally posted by Ken T

I bought one of those inexpensive cap off Ebay and it works very well. Later on I tried with a piece of plastic that cut off from a milk jug and the results came out exactly as used with that cap.
To do the WBM, you set camera to MF, press Fn, go to WB, scroll down to White Balance Manual, press right on 4-way controller, hold that cap to cover all of the front lens, press shutter release button same as taking picture, click OK, OK, OK to get ready to take picture. (Remember to set camera back to AF from MF)

But the camera is displaying the results like I mentioned in my case "N G" (Not Good) Hm, now I got an "OK"

These MWB is stored when the camera is set off?

Who has an example with and without the filter, and under what conditions?

Ken T · 04-14-2008, 02:31 AM

Hi Demoleman, the MWB is stored when the camera is set off.

My house has a mix lighting with fluorescents and tungstens and those "energy saving" bulbs, there is none of the camera WB preset can give a correct white balance, especially skin tone. then I always have to use MWB when shooting indoor, even during daytime I still find using it give me pleasing color images. When taking shots out side during daytime I use AWB.

Here I include 3 images that were taken moment ago. The first one (yellowish/brownish) with AWB, the second one is MWB with the plastic piece from the milk jug, and the third is MWB with the cap bought from Ebay. I don't have coffee filter though. All three are JPEG straight out from camera, imported to LR, resized to upload, not any other adjustment.

demoleman · 04-14-2008, 06:21 AM

Originally posted by Ken T

Hi Demoleman, the MWB is stored when the camera is set off.

My house has a mix lighting with fluorescents and tungstens and those "energy saving" bulbs, there is none of the camera WB preset can give a correct white balance, especially skin tone. then I always have to use MWB when shooting indoor, even during daytime I still find using it give me pleasing color images. When taking shots out side during daytime I use AWB.

Here I include 3 images that were taken moment ago. The first one (yellowish/brownish) with AWB, the second one is MWB with the plastic piece from the milk jug, and the third is MWB with the cap bought from Ebay. I don't have coffee filter though. All three are JPEG straight out from camera, imported to LR, resized to upload, not any other adjustment.

Great. But with what light do I take a photo on MWB I mean focussing aimed to oudoor isn't the problem. But can I use those setrting indoor too. Because I cannot make a photo when having low light and the cap on.

alohadave · 04-14-2008, 11:37 AM

Originally posted by demoleman

Great. But with what light do I take a photo on MWB I mean focussing aimed to oudoor isn't the problem. But can I use those setrting indoor too. Because I cannot make a photo when having low light and the cap on.

One quick shortcut for MWB is to place your palm in the light that you want to balance for and take the reading off your palm. It should be about 15% gray and will be reasonably close if you are in a tight spot.

I also take MWB off the center rather than the whole frame.

dave sz · 04-14-2008, 12:03 PM

Originally posted by proudtoshootpentax

I discovered the other day that the translucent white body cap that comes on the front of your Pentax SLR also works perfectly for this! Just hold it in front of your lens, set manual w/b, get perfect colors!

i thought everyone did this. I've been using this method since day one of owning my k100. That or going to home depot and taking gray sample cards from their paint section...

04-13-2008, 11:06 PM	#26
demoleman Junior Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: the Netherlands Posts: 38	Originally posted by Ken T I bought one of those inexpensive cap off Ebay and it works very well. Later on I tried with a piece of plastic that cut off from a milk jug and the results came out exactly as used with that cap. To do the WBM, you set camera to MF, press Fn, go to WB, scroll down to White Balance Manual, press right on 4-way controller, hold that cap to cover all of the front lens, press shutter release button same as taking picture, click OK, OK, OK to get ready to take picture. (Remember to set camera back to AF from MF) But the camera is displaying the results like I mentioned in my case "N G" (Not Good) Hm, now I got an "OK" These MWB is stored when the camera is set off? Who has an example with and without the filter, and under what conditions? Last edited by demoleman; 04-13-2008 at 11:15 PM.

04-14-2008, 02:31 AM	#27
Ken T Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: California, USA Posts: 536	Hi Demoleman, the MWB is stored when the camera is set off. My house has a mix lighting with fluorescents and tungstens and those "energy saving" bulbs, there is none of the camera WB preset can give a correct white balance, especially skin tone. then I always have to use MWB when shooting indoor, even during daytime I still find using it give me pleasing color images. When taking shots out side during daytime I use AWB. Here I include 3 images that were taken moment ago. The first one (yellowish/brownish) with AWB, the second one is MWB with the plastic piece from the milk jug, and the third is MWB with the cap bought from Ebay. I don't have coffee filter though. All three are JPEG straight out from camera, imported to LR, resized to upload, not any other adjustment. Last edited by Ken T; 04-28-2008 at 12:23 AM.

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10-23-2007, 01:16 AM	#16
David Site Supporter Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Sandy Bay, Tasmania, Australia Photos: Albums Posts: 347	I use two WB caps for different lenses on K10D and *istD. On the K10D I add +3 Amber to get true WB in comparison to a Digital White Card. Works well, is so easy to use and doubles as a lens cap. Take Care David

04-11-2008, 02:56 PM	#17
demoleman Junior Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: the Netherlands Posts: 38	I bought one too the other day from a ebay seller, in 2 sizes. Still I cannot not work with them. Even not when I follow the instructions. The camera cannot focus (AF/M) with the cap on, on Manual WB Still I like to be able to use it.

04-11-2008, 03:18 PM	#18
joelw135 Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Kendall Park, NJ Photos: Gallery Posts: 143 Original Poster	Originally posted by demoleman I bought one too the other day from a ebay seller, in 2 sizes. Still I cannot not work with them. Even not when I follow the instructions. The camera cannot focus (AF/M) with the cap on, on Manual WB Still I like to be able to use it. You don't have to focus. Turn the camera to manual focus with the W/B cap in place and then just use the FN menu and follow what it says. Works real well.

04-11-2008, 04:58 PM	#19
demoleman Junior Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: the Netherlands Posts: 38	Originally posted by joelw135 You don't have to focus. Turn the camera to manual focus with the W/B cap in place and then just use the FN menu and follow what it says. Works real well. Thanks. But what to follow in the "fn"menu which only gives me the dial and options. Using the Manual WB the results are "NG"I suppose it means "Not Good"?

04-11-2008, 06:53 PM	#20
Ken T Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: California, USA Posts: 536	I bought one of those inexpensive cap off Ebay and it works very well. Later on I tried with a piece of plastic that cut off from a milk jug and the results came out exactly as used with that cap. To do the WBM, you set camera to MF, press Fn, go to WB, scroll down to White Balance Manual, press right on 4-way controller, hold that cap to cover all of the front lens, press shutter release button same as taking picture, click OK, OK, OK to get ready to take picture. (Remember to set camera back to AF from MF)

04-11-2008, 08:52 PM	#21
Canada_Rockies Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Sparwood, BC, Canada Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 12,385	Originally posted by Ken T I bought one of those inexpensive cap off Ebay and it works very well. Later on I tried with a piece of plastic that cut off from a milk jug and the results came out exactly as used with that cap. To do the WBM, you set camera to MF, press Fn, go to WB, scroll down to White Balance Manual, press right on 4-way controller, hold that cap to cover all of the front lens, press shutter release button same as taking picture, click OK, OK, OK to get ready to take picture. (Remember to set camera back to AF from MF) Others use white coffee filters to set the white balance. I only shoot RAW so I just turn on AWB and fix it in post processing. I have sometimes used the Tungsten setting on the camera to save one step in post, but then I forget to put it back and fix a whole bunch of other shots.

04-12-2008, 12:45 AM	#22
proudtoshootpentax Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Idaho Falls Posts: 110	I discovered the other day that the translucent white body cap that comes on the front of your Pentax SLR also works perfectly for this! Just hold it in front of your lens, set manual w/b, get perfect colors!

04-12-2008, 01:08 PM	#23
Canada_Rockies Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Sparwood, BC, Canada Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 12,385	Originally posted by proudtoshootpentax I discovered the other day that the translucent white body cap that comes on the front of your Pentax SLR also works perfectly for this! Just hold it in front of your lens, set manual w/b, get perfect colors! Now, that IS creative! Well done. And I have several of them lying around, too.

04-12-2008, 03:10 PM	#24
Ken T Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: California, USA Posts: 536	Yes, that translucent white body cap works too. But I don't use it because I want to keep it new , I have only one, so.

04-12-2008, 03:23 PM	#25
Ken T Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: California, USA Posts: 536	Originally posted by Canada_Rockies Others use white coffee filters to set the white balance. I only shoot RAW so I just turn on AWB and fix it in post processing. I have sometimes used the Tungsten setting on the camera to save one step in post, but then I forget to put it back and fix a whole bunch of other shots. I sometimes on Friday evening, taking pictures of my kids in the house, so used MWB, and on Saturday morning I take the kids to the park and then forget to set back on AWB when taking their pics, and end up knocking my head when looking at the images on computer when get home.

04-14-2008, 06:21 AM	#28
demoleman Junior Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: the Netherlands Posts: 38	Originally posted by Ken T Hi Demoleman, the MWB is stored when the camera is set off. My house has a mix lighting with fluorescents and tungstens and those "energy saving" bulbs, there is none of the camera WB preset can give a correct white balance, especially skin tone. then I always have to use MWB when shooting indoor, even during daytime I still find using it give me pleasing color images. When taking shots out side during daytime I use AWB. Here I include 3 images that were taken moment ago. The first one (yellowish/brownish) with AWB, the second one is MWB with the plastic piece from the milk jug, and the third is MWB with the cap bought from Ebay. I don't have coffee filter though. All three are JPEG straight out from camera, imported to LR, resized to upload, not any other adjustment. Great. But with what light do I take a photo on MWB I mean focussing aimed to oudoor isn't the problem. But can I use those setrting indoor too. Because I cannot make a photo when having low light and the cap on.

04-14-2008, 11:37 AM	#29
alohadave Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Quincy, MA Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 2,024	Originally posted by demoleman Great. But with what light do I take a photo on MWB I mean focussing aimed to oudoor isn't the problem. But can I use those setrting indoor too. Because I cannot make a photo when having low light and the cap on. One quick shortcut for MWB is to place your palm in the light that you want to balance for and take the reading off your palm. It should be about 15% gray and will be reasonably close if you are in a tight spot. I also take MWB off the center rather than the whole frame.

04-14-2008, 12:03 PM	#30
dave sz Veteran Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: carpentersville, IL Posts: 693	Originally posted by proudtoshootpentax I discovered the other day that the translucent white body cap that comes on the front of your Pentax SLR also works perfectly for this! Just hold it in front of your lens, set manual w/b, get perfect colors! i thought everyone did this. I've been using this method since day one of owning my k100. That or going to home depot and taking gray sample cards from their paint section...