Manfrotto Lastolite Ezybalance User manual

LL B5000125 / REV NOV16
manfrotto.com/lastolite
The Lastolite Ezybalance is a versatile grey card system, which has
many uses for both conventional and digital cameras.
1) ‘Point and Shoot’ Function – typically used in product
photography the point and shoot function ensures photos are
correctly exposed i.e. removes grey tones to give a bright, well
exposed shot. It will also colour correct to give more accurate
colour replication. This function can be used in two ways:
a) In fluorescent light (3500k+), HID, HDI & HMI bulbs
and daylight:
i) Simply set camera to auto.
ii) Frame shot.
iii) Place Ezybalance on object.
iv) Half depress shutter. Ensure Ezybalance
completely fills the view finder.
v) Remove Ezybalance.
vi) Shoot.
b) In tungsten light:
i) Set white balance (refer to camera manual).
ii) Follow instructions above from ii).
Using Ezybalance Sets – follow the ‘point and shoot function’
instructions as above for each of the different grey surfaces. Then
compare all three images on a screen and select the best one.
2) Colour correction (post capture). If you want to adjust
colours accurately when you are short of time while shooting :-
a) Position Ezybalance so that there is no direct light on it
ensuring it is in the same plane as the subject to
camera.
b) Take photo with grey card in shot and then repeat
without the grey card. This would need to be done with
each variation in light conditions, for example, indoors or
outdoors.
c) In photo imaging package Adobe Photoshoptm, select an
area of grey card.
d) Apply Gaussian blur in filters’ section of Adobe
Photoshoptm and deselect.
e) Pick eye dropper and set to 5 by 5 average.
Instructions
Poorly exposed photo,
taken in Tungsten light
Perfect exposure, focus and
improved colour replication
Before
After

LL B5000125 / REV NOV16
manfrotto.com/lastolite
f) Click on to image / adjust / curves
Apply the middle dropper (grey) to the treated part of
the Ezybalance and press ok.
g) In some versions of Adobetm , this action can be saved
and applied to a group of images simultaneously
allowing each setting to be adjusted via batch
processing.
3) White Balance (pre - capture).
For accurate colour rendition, first follow instruction 2a) using either
the grey or the white side of the Ezybalance.
Point the camera so that the viewfinder is filled only with the
Ezybalance. Find the white balance function on your camera. Use
the custom white balance (often shown as symbol)
and follow the camera instructions. Remember to rebalance in
each lighting circumstance.
4) Exposure Control.
Getting a scene like the once above correctly exposed can be
difficult. What do you want to take the exposure of - the sky,
the mountains, or foreground? The Ezybalance will expose the
image accurately.
a) Using the camera’s light meter
Set the aperture of the camera with the Ezybalance
sitting near the principal subject, but without direct
light shining on the card. Fill the screen with the
grey Ezybalance and take a camera reading.
Recompose and set the speed as previously
indicated. Remove the Ezybalance and shoot.
b) Use a light meter to take a reflective reading off the
Ezybalance and then set camera as indicated by the
light meter.
5) The white side can also act as a small reflector.