Tiffen 6.6x6.6" Softnet White 1 Filter

Under the umbrella of professional photography equipment, the 6.6 x 6.6 Softnet White 1 Filter stands out as an essential tool for portrait photographers. Drawing from the time-honored technique of using "nets" for diffusion, this modernized filter offers a unique blend of image softening and detail preservation.

The Softnet White 1 Filter, part of the esteemed Tiffen Softnet series, is expertly crafted with a fine net laminated between two layers of clear optical glass. This innovative design allows for a nuanced effect on minute details, such as wrinkles and skin blemishes, subtly softening them while maintaining the overall sharpness of the image.

The filter's mesh design plays a crucial role in its function. The clear spaces within the mesh allow light to pass through unchanged, preserving the overall sharpness of the image. Meanwhile, light that strikes the flat surface of the net lines is either reflected or absorbed. This interaction with light creates a diffusion effect, bending the light at different angles and subtly shifting its distance to the film plane. This process results in a softening effect that is more pronounced on finer details, reducing the visibility of wrinkles and blemishes while maintaining the overall sharpness of the image.

The Softnet White 1 Filter also offers the added advantage of softening contrast. The light-colored mesh reflects enough light to subtly tint shadows, either lightening them to lower contrast or adding a hint of color, while leaving highlight areas untouched.

Available in several densities, the higher the density number, the stronger the effect. The 6.6 x 6.6 Softnet White 1 Filter is a versatile tool, offering photographers the ability to control the level of diffusion and contrast in their images. This filter is a testament to Tiffen's commitment to providing photographers with innovative, high-quality tools that enhance their ability to capture stunning images.