Soft FX Filter

[Chad Stockfleth]

Can you get any blooming/halation from a soft fx filter in highlight areas?

 

I like the diffusion quality but would like a little blooming from a harder edge light.

 

If not, what else might I use?

 

Thanks!

Chad

[David Mullen ASC]

Yes, it causes halation, it's just not quite as foggy as a ProMist. It's more like halfway between the look of a Black ProMist and a Classic Soft.

[Chad Stockfleth]

Thanks, David. That sounds about right where I need to be.

[Tommaso Alvisi]

Great info David!

 

So is the Soft/FX similar to the Classic Black Soft?

 

Which one do you suggest for a subtle diffused look with a slight halation of highlights?

 

Soft/FX 1/2 and 1 or Classic Black Soft 1/8 and 1/4?

(one for wides and one for mediums and cu)

 

Many thanks David.

[David Mullen ASC]

Either would work, which you use just depends on which you like more as an effect. Classic Soft Blacks will give you a slight blurred bubble, or ring, or double-edge fringe around hot edges and points of light because the dimples in the glass are larger than that in Soft-FX.

[Bill DiPietra]

Tiffen's SFX 1 gives the frame a nice amount of softness without it being too overt.

[Stuart Brereton]

Soft FX are the only Diffusion I ever use. SFX 1 is great for softening close-ups on female talent without halation or loss of contrast.