Jump to content

Zeiss Softar I


chrisb

Recommended Posts

I just purchased a new Softar I, and excitedly used it with my 50mm

CF lens,

but to my surprise I had a very pronounced glob like effect from the

filter,

not an overall softening I was expecting. Any comments on this

effect, or

have I purchased an expensive mistake.

 

 

Christopher C. Bullinger

 

A man hears what he wants to hear

and disregards the rest.

 

B. Dylan

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I HAVE A SET OF THESE AND THEY HAVE PROVEN EXCELLENT. TRY USING DIFFERENT APERTURES - THIS HAS A SIGNIFICANT EFFECT ON THE EFFECT IF YOU FOLLOW. DO THIS ANYWAY TO GET USED TO THE FILTER. IF YOU HAVE A GOOD SCREEN YOU MIGHT SEE THE DIFFERENCE AS YOU CHANGE F NOS. IF THIS DOES NOT SHED ANY LIGHT SORRY. DEREK
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Hi Chris, you need to use the more open apertures for a softening effect, otherwise the depth of field of the smaller apertures will actually start to bring the circles into focus. These filters really work best, I find, on the 80 and above lenses but are certainly useable on the 50 with proper technique.
Link to comment
Share on other sites

I agree, you need to play around with f-stops. There seemed to be two types, chrome and black,(in bay 50) I think. Hard to find them(bay 50) mint. I have the chrome set and they are really well build(better than newer types), but should optically be the same. Flare might be a problem since it appears to be uncoated(all glass filters coated) but that would probably be uniform as to only soften the image a bit more.

 

The softars are about as good as they come. Works great on my 150mm C.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I've had the same problem and as the others have said, this is an open aperture filter. It works great with telephoto. Wide angle may soften up wide open, but it is inconvenient at best to have a limited aperture. I solved the problem by using the filter under my enlarger lens while printing. That way I don't ruin negatives that may be better without softening.
Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 6 months later...

Is the softar "look" sort of a halo effect, ie edge softening? can someone desc the look in detail.

Does it soften areas in general other than edges? Is the #2 generally too much softening.

Do softars work with really dark complexions? My lindahl softrings #1 does not at all. Anyone

have something to say about softrings by lindahl?? mine seem to be pretty good with light complexions

but foggy as hell with darker skin types. thanks in advance, John

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now
×
×
  • Create New...