So, not letting this diffusion thing go, even though I am reconciled with a life without it, I made an impulse purchase at the local K-mart today.
After parting with a massive $2, I can make a few attempts at making my own black net cover (filter).
The purchase was; 1 mesh food cover, black.
A strong effect, but repeatable and easy to use. The “glass” could not be clearer, being absent, and the mesh is tight, even and clean.
Aperture choice does not seem to effect it greatly, except for slightly more specular out of focus highlights.
Below; f2 and f8 respectively.
A very 1980’s softness.
Sharpness is still good, but contrast drops dramatically.
Below; unfiltered left, then filtered right. Detail is high.
Can it be recovered f too much or not wanted later?
Mostly. The character of the image has changed, but most of the “snap” can be put back in.
Below; Filtered, de-hazed (+30) and unfiltered. Oddly, when de-hazed, saturation seems to increase, but I have been suspicious of this in the past.
How do I intend to make it (picture coming)?
I think a well sized piece of mesh, cut out and pulled over the lens front, then held in place by an elastic hair band that I already use for flash flagging. Hi tech huh.
For stronger effects, I could add more layers. If rushed, I can just hold it across the lens front.
If this works, I will also look out for the same stuff in a wider gauge for a more subtle effect.
The mesh has the benefit of being non stretch, so I can rely on its consistency. Actual fish net stockings do allow for more or less diffusion by tension, but repeatability is tougher.
Where does it fit in the world of filter diffusion?
It looks to me more like an old school, true black net filter, less “misty”, more “glowy”. The contrast is higher than say a K & F 1/8 Black Mist, so maybe a 1/16 equivalent, the more subtle look I was after. Of course it is hard to be sure without direct comparison, but trust me, I have looked at a lot of footage and dozens of stills taken with these, so I am getting an educated eye.
I particularly like the kitchen utensil shot above. The crisp glow and brilliant smoothness, but not crazily blown out highlights are right where I wanted it to be if this is the look I am after. To be honest, for something that has few measurable controls, it is as good as any other option.
There is a down side and one that popped up just once. The net can be visible in small aperture, wide angle shots. This can be avoided too some extent if the net is hard against the lens glass, but if placed over a filter, the problem appears consistently in those circumstances.
Time to cut up some mesh!