Fred Miranda
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 p.5 #5 · Diffusion Filters! (or Effect Filters in general) | |
nehemiahphoto wrote:
Just thought I’d make a thread and centralized zone/FM resource for diffusion (or really any special effect) with some samples. The CV 75/1.5 thread has been high jacked a bit (or maybe more of plot twist if we are being optimistic!), but here are a couple links and test photos, and I’ll post more below:
https://www.fredmiranda.com/forum/topic/1608503/23
https://www.fredmiranda.com/forum/topic/1608503/26#15556673
For those that don’t know, there are several companies that make diffusion filters. I went with Tiffen which is a reputable brand. The filters seem to be geared towardscinematographers historically and even now more than still shooters. However, while I like lots of modern glass, sometimes the images are simply too clinical, contrasty or not to my liking while I the AF, small, size, weather sealing, flare resistance, ability to be serviced etc. desirable. Or I might want an affect that a filter offers for a particular shooting context or subject. These filters offer the best way I have found to get a different look, often softer or more vintage, or just tone down the IQ in a transparent not gimmicky way.
I know there are various virtual filters and post processing to manipulate images in about every way, I have not had the kind of success or ease that I have with diffusion filters so far in post. But, please do drop links, thoughts or your own tests and images to enrich the thread—it’s for all of use to learn. I know @HelenaH, @bjhurley@@ and @highdesertmesa@ and @Fred Miranda have been actively discussing and can contribute helpful info/experience.
Lastly, I have made 2 raw files available for anyone who wants to try and share virtual filters so we all have a shared reference point  Please manipulate away and tell use what you did. Also, I have 3 other types of filters coming I will use on a Tamron 70-180 and Samyang 75/1.8.
Some notes:
- The BlackPro Mist, which is common, has several side affects: lessening contrast by lifting shadows, halation of point light sources (see test photo of light pole), smoother tonal transitions in the light and highlights and a “pastel” affect on images, which I have found to be a slight but noticeable shift in the color palate that is cooler and gives a bit of a fine matt-type texture. One other nice affect I had no read or considered but have observed is axial CA is diminished as filter strength goes up--which makes sense as tonal shift are less distinct and contrast is lowered. Bokeh is also softened as contrast again is lowered and you’re affecting adding SA.
You will find, you need to change your processing when dealing with filtered files, and your files will look different. With the Black ProMist, I really like how the filter soften clouds with light and highlight tonal transitions like the high contrast b/w posted below. In my experience, the filter allows for a high contrast push of the files that does not feel crisp or uber modern in a good way (road photo). On finely detailed or textured subjects, the filter can have a very softening and flattering affects (Yuri photo) while still retaining rendering and tonal richness.
- the strength is rated as 1/8, 1/4, 1/2, 1, 2, 3 with 1/8 being the weakest and the 3 the most pronounced.
That metric system seems to be common across manufactures, though I have read the strength of a filter,
say 1/8, from each maker will vary. Longer FL’s generally need a stronger filter to get the same affect.
For instance, I have found a 35mm will take a 1/8 to equal my 75mm getting a 1/4. Roughly, the 1/2 on my
35mm’s equals the 1 on my 75mm.
- the filters range in their affect. Some reduce resolution and micro-contrasts for a more flattering look but
don’t change the feel of the image and are described as transparent. Others, like the test shots might add
any color shifts, blooming, halation, modulate contrast conspicuously, change color temp, fog, tobacco
filters, creates halos etc.
- Some filters add speckling in the bokeh due to the way the filter glass is engineered as @bjhurley@@@@ kindly
pointed out. This seems to be filter based, and only at some focusing distances with some lenses—please
feel to share more if you know more here.
Original:
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51099685809_df45c75733_k.jpg
Pentax 31 ltd crops:
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51099700377_03c53a68b1_k.jpg
Original:
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51100159048_0cf31bf385_k.jpg
CV 75/1.5 WO Crops:
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51099686004_0ec9c65e4d_k.jpg
Original:
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51099618326_8d1d7657c3_k.jpg
35i crops:
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51099606236_56acd0b90c_k.jpg
Original:
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51099698854_0791fd4171_k.jpg
CV 75/1.5 crops:
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51099713867_89f07c1538_k.jpg
Real Photo RAW Export with CV 75/1.5 @f1.5 w/BPM 1:
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51099623836_4ff2396441_k.jpg
Real Photo with CV 75/1.5 edited to taste:
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51100429390_c2e4e2b2b0_k.jpg
31 Pentax @1.8 A7c:
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51100411205_c5abd2d1b3_k.jpg
31 Pentax @1.8 A7c with BPM 1/8:
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51099685849_e311c82cb9_k.jpg
And below are more real world images using the filters:...Show more →
I'm playing the the Tiffen black Mist diffuser software and it matches the look of your images with the variety of filter strengths but can't replicate the halation on the light pole image. However they offer another called just 'mist' which does create halation. Perhaps a combination of the two will get something similar to a real filter. When I get my 1/4, I will test it out.
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