jukka1 Posted March 6, 2011 Share Posted March 6, 2011 <p>Hi!<br />I am considering softars for my 180/4 cf lens. I don't find exampe photos from the internet.<br />Which one of those would be most suitable for portraiture and does it affect if they have some scrathces?<br>Sincerely, Jukka</p> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
russ_britt3 Posted March 6, 2011 Share Posted March 6, 2011 <p>If I was to buy only one I would get the softar I.<br> That was all I had for years, latter added a II, I can stack them and then have a III.<br> Scratches would make them softer, not good if there are many.</p> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tim_ludwig2 Posted March 6, 2011 Share Posted March 6, 2011 <p>Jukka,</p> <p>I agree with Russ. I've used them for years and I seem to use the I on almost all portrait images. I would only use the II on extreme close ups where detail is quite large in the frame, otherwise, on a smaller head size, it starts to get almost too soft. A III is really extreme unless you have very, very harsh lighting on a face like using a spot for the main with a 5 to 1 contrast ratio or greater..</p> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kparratt Posted March 6, 2011 Share Posted March 6, 2011 <p>As above, Softar I. Get new if you can, and guard it with your life. Scratches will produce unpredictable flare and degrade image quality, whereas the minute 'lenses' on the surface of Softars create a measured degree of softening, as well as measured flare, when you want it, with selected back lighting. The areas between those 'lenses' needs to be crystal clear to maintain image quality.</p> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jukka1 Posted March 7, 2011 Author Share Posted March 7, 2011 <p>Thanks for your responses!<br />I ordered softar I, I will only use its with portraits so I think it is best suited for me.<br> Can I see the effect on the screen when taking a photo or just in darkroom when photo is on paper?<br> Sincerely, Jukka</p> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tim_ludwig2 Posted March 7, 2011 Share Posted March 7, 2011 <p>Jukka,</p> <p>You will definitely see the effect on the screen, especially as your eye goes from looking at the subject to looking through the camera. It will become more apparent s you enlarge the image, but it is very noticeable while you are shooting.</p> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
q.g._de_bakker Posted March 7, 2011 Share Posted March 7, 2011 I disagree, Kevin. Scratches on Softars aren't a problem, unless the thing is covered with them. The image degradation they cause is minimal, and works towards what the Softars are supposed to be doing anyway. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BrianS1664879711 Posted March 7, 2011 Share Posted March 7, 2011 <p>Examples of softar can be seen in either the B+W filter handbook and Overview:</p> <p><a href="https://www.schneideroptics.com/info/stillphotography.htm">https://www.schneideroptics.com/info/stillphotography.htm</a></p> ... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ian_gordon_bilson Posted March 7, 2011 Share Posted March 7, 2011 <p>Another vote for the Softar 1</p> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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