Ben J. Posted May 4, 2017 Share Posted May 4, 2017 I have a sony camera which has more than enough sharpness. For 50mm for closeups, I want a softer look without lowering contrast or affecting bokeh (as most softening filters do with making the bokeh look like you have dust particles on your lens). I know this is unorthodox, but if I touched the lens with my finger and put a bunch or finger prints on the lens, wouldn't that do a better job of softening the lens without lowering the contrast that much? I'd use my hbm 1/2 softening filter, but the bokeh gets affected. I know people recommend rubbing petroleum jelly and stuff like that, but I don't like the uneven look/over the top look. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Super Members BTM_Pix Posted May 4, 2017 Super Members Share Posted May 4, 2017 Stockings? jcs 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tupp Posted May 4, 2017 Share Posted May 4, 2017 23 minutes ago, Ben J. said: I want a softer look without lowering contrast or affecting bokeh (as most softening filters do with making the bokeh look like you have dust particles on your lens). I know this is unorthodox, but if I touched the lens with my finger and put a bunch or finger prints on the lens, wouldn't that do a better job of softening the lens without lowering the contrast that much? Of course, don't put the "schmear" directly on the lens element -- use a clear UV filter or some other separate piece of clear glass in front of the lens. Finger grease is usually more subtle than petroleum jelly, but finger grease will still lower contrast a little. Most "black dot" style diffusion/softening filters will give the effect of softening while still maintaining contrast. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jcs Posted May 5, 2017 Share Posted May 5, 2017 There's a bunch of Tiffen Pro Mist videos on Vimeo, here's one example: These types of filters typically perform 3 main functions: soften image, reduce contrast / boost shadows, provide glow / halation around bright elements. One of the secrets to providing the film look. andrgl 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ben J. Posted May 5, 2017 Author Share Posted May 5, 2017 5 hours ago, BTM_Pix said: Stockings? Cool, thanks for the suggestion. I forgot about stockings. Not sure how I feel about the light loss, but oh well, can't have everything I guess Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Inazuma Posted May 5, 2017 Share Posted May 5, 2017 Ive messed with various filters before and in the end found that if all you want is a softened picture, just use a blur filter in post. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.