softar filters

[tlitody]

Firstly, can softar filters be used on rangefinders? I'm wondering whether they alter focus so you can't get focus right with a range finder.

Secondly, is there any difference bewteen using a softar filter on camera lens as opposed to using it on an enlarger lens. i.e. is the result the same or is it different?

 

[Chriscrawfordphoto]

The result is different from camera to enlarger. On a camera a soft-focus filter affects mostly light tones, on an enlarger it affects the dark tones more (assuming you're printing negs, not slides). Softar is a Zeiss brand name of soft-focus filters, they were made for Hasselblads; I don't know if they made them in standard filter sizes for other cameras or not. Tiffen Soft Fx filters are VERY good and they're way cheaper. I do not know the answer to the question about them affecting focus on a rangefinder, never used mone on my Leica, just my SLRs

 

[ampguy]

I haven't used them

I haven't used them

Zeiss says they don't affect focus.

The gradation I, II, III is used by some to emulate the # of decades of facial detail they want removed, although Zeiss says eyelash detail is not affected.

Firstly, can softar filters be used on rangefinders? I'm wondering whether they alter focus so you can't get focus right with a range finder.

Secondly, is there any difference bewteen using a softar filter on camera lens as opposed to using it on an enlarger lens. i.e. is the result the same or is it different?

 

[tlitody]

I just checked the B+W filter catalogue I have which lists several types including the zeiss softars.
I guess I may have to try on the enlarger to find out but some defintely say for highlight effects so I think Chris is right.
I figured that if they work on an enlarger I could get small size and would only need one size. Oh well worth asking.