built-in filter

[dr.sanchez]

I just got some S8 film back from the lab (PlusX and TriX) and it's all overexposed. In a fit of stupidity, I didn't set the filter knob thingy to 'outdoors' and it was set on 'indoors.' My question is, how many stops will this overexpose my film? Also, is all lost or can it be fixed in Premiere (or whatever)? I'm no longer looking for beautiful images, rather recognizable images. Ancillary question: If I realized my mistake after shooting but before processing, could I have the lab pull the processing? By how many stops?

Thanks,

[BolexPlusx]

I don't think the built in filter was the problem. It is there for color compensation, which means that it doesn't play a big role in B&W film making. The difference that it would make is there would be more light available with the filter out (indoors setting), but assuming you were operating in auto exposure mode the camera should have compensated.

If you were in auto-exposure mode I'm guessing that the system wasn't responding. Maybe the meter cell is low or dead, maybe you really were in manual exposure mode and didn't realize it. Was the internal meter responding to the ambient light while you filmed?

I think the Daylight/Tungsten Filter is good for 1 f-Stop (not sure, Anyone?..Anyone?)

I don't know of a way to correct exposure post processing (can something be done following a transfer to digital video maybe?)

[Actor]

The "filter factor" for most filters lens is one stop. That's almost an industry standard but I think there are exceptions. My guess is that the filter factor of your camera is one stop, usually not enough to ruin a film. Had you realized your mistake before processing you could have asked the lab to pull the film one stop. This would effect contrast.

If you are going to transfer to video and edit in your computer the software should allow you to fix it.

If you are going to blow it up to a larger gauge or make a super8 copy it can also be fixed.