soft focus lenses

[jnantz]

i often use a meniscus lens for an enlarging lens
it works well to soften sharp images

[Petzval Paul]

The Pinkham Synthetic lens was also suggested for enlarging in the smaller FL's.

[armentor1@mac.com]

thanks for all the replies, this has been a great help. I'll try a few of these things in the darkroom and will soon post images.
da-

[Adamphotoman]

I have a Pictorial Control Variable Soft Focus Lens Attachment.
I don't use it anymore. I spent 30 years in the dark er darkroom...
Any softening from a neg will make the shadows grow-won't make the highlights glow.
Still, on portraits it works well. Take a piece of plexi glass with deep cuts in it and wave it around under the enlarger. Maybe for a 10th of the exposure time. You will want to add some contrast as this procedure will also flatten the image. The pictorial device will also flatten the image. If you simply blow hot wet breath onto the lens just prior to a say 30 second exposure the vapour will dissipate and the last 1/3 exposure will imprint a sharp image over a soft one. Hard to control but doable. B&W made some soft focus filters which you could also use.
If you want the device send me a PM.