A softening of too strong contrasts and too brutal sharpness, especially in portrait photography, can be done quickly in computer image processing. In purely analogue photography, however, this must be done during the shooting process. Special lenses such as the legendary Rodenstock Imagon or the modern DC Nikkor lenses are ideal for this.
However, there are also other options for those on a budget: Attachments for the lens that create a similar effect. The best solution is the Duto soft focus,
This creates a halo at the highlights, which can be reduced by stopping down. The mid-tones and shadows remain largely unconsidered. This effect is achieved by a ground glass disc with concentrically cut grooves. The flat areas of the lens provide the image centre, while the grooves deflect the light to create a fine shimmer, the soft focus.
The Duto soft focus filter was invented in the 1930s by the Hungarian photographer, cameraman and engineer Jenö Dulovits together with Miklos Toth.
This high-quality filter fits most ‘small’ Nikon lenses (52mm thread).
