I have achieved a bit of competence and can get good stuff 75-90% of the time doing portraits. I have two nice lenses, a no name ? Tessar 300 4.5 maybe a copy lens and a Fuji 300mm 5.6. Both render very sharp and contrasty images. It’s fine for men and children. But women of a certain age are not flattered. I don’t want the misty soft focus that a filter would give me. Is an expensive Petzval my only choice?i shoot primarily 4x5 and 5x7.
Thanks in advance