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Explore the world of vintage lenses through repair notes, real test shots, and detailed archive threads packed with images.

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B+W 655 Soft Image
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Posted: Tue May 07, 2024 10:19 am
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Posted: Tue May 07, 2024 10:19 am
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I have the Zeiss softar 1 on 55mm so I've decided to get one for Minolta Apo200mm but I've only found the B+W 655 soft image, so are these filters any worth it nowadays or one could get same effect through software (of course it would take some time ) - I understand B+W built this filter after buying Zeiss patent, am I right?


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Posted: Tue Jun 18, 2024 8:18 pm
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Posted: Tue Jun 18, 2024 8:18 pm
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Anybody know? Smile


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Posted: Wed Jun 19, 2024 8:44 am
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Posted: Wed Jun 19, 2024 8:44 am
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I assume you are aware of the Minolta Portrayer series P (P1,P2,P3) and S (S1,S2) filters? Available used in 55mm and 72mm filter thread.

The P series cause a green-magenta diffusion effect specifically targeted at masking skin imperfections.
The S series are not wavelength specific and more suitable for general softening.

They are also a decent alternative to the Softar. They are easily found on e.g. eBay and are usually not all that expensive for a boxed set.

https://portrayer.wordpress.com/2014/04/01/minolta-portrayer-filters/
https://www.photrio.com/forum/threads/comparison-of-portrayers-filters-soft-focus.27817/
https://www.fredmiranda.com/forum/topic/497025/


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Posted: Fri Jun 21, 2024 9:19 pm
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Posted: Fri Jun 21, 2024 9:19 pm
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thank you for that info, i had no clue about these Minolta filters, never seen them for sale neither, but you share valuable information, now i´m really curious about the results as i could not find any portraits or comparison with the filters i do have


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Posted: Sat Jun 22, 2024 7:44 am
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Posted: Sat Jun 22, 2024 7:44 am
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Most ppl use software now for such. In earlier times nylon stockings over the front lens worked as well Wink

There are special soft focus lens available too, I have several. Was never really that happy with soft filters
although I have a few older ones from ZEISS...

Look here: https://www.flickr.com/photos/kds315/albums/72157624557978060/

The KENKO SF lens: https://www.flickr.com/photos/kds315/albums/72157625383753654/


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Posted: Fri Jun 28, 2024 10:07 pm
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Posted: Fri Jun 28, 2024 10:07 pm
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kds315* wrote:
Most ppl use software now for such. In earlier times nylon stockings over the front lens worked as well Wink

There are special soft focus lens available too, I have several. Was never really that happy with soft filters
although I have a few older ones from ZEISS...

Look here: https://www.flickr.com/photos/kds315/albums/72157624557978060/

The KENKO SF lens: https://www.flickr.com/photos/kds315/albums/72157625383753654/


i really like the drawing of some of these shots, especially when multiple colors blend together (even my daughter agreed that she really liked the results, as being totally different from nowadays sharp/perfect images). I have no doubt that these results might be possible through edition, but filters and special lenses have their place for whomever is not really up to stay in front of the screen.
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