On Mon, 11 Nov 2002 18:45:22 GMT, "Bill Farnsworth" wrote:

>> > Hmmmmmmmmmmmmmm....................;-)
>> > Well, the concepts were kinda correct, though
>> > the explanations were a bit "wubbly" and the
>> > terms incorrect......;-)
>> >
>> > David Ruether

>Take 2:
>OK, how's about this?
>
>A neutral density filter could soften the overall picture if:
>1: It is constructed out of inferior material.
>2: It is constructed out of inferior material AND is used to force the iris
>to it's widest opening.
>3: It is used in conjunction with an inferior lens and is constructed out of
>inferior material.
>
>Neutral density filters are not designed with the intention of softening the
>overall image. They are designed to reduce the light entering the lens. A
>result of the light reduction could be a decrease in depth of field. (search
>Circle of Confusion)
>
>How's that?
>Bill F.

Soo-poib...! ;-)
My (moderate) objections were to some inaccuracies
concerning diffraction in the original answer,
though you have covered the subject, without errors
so far as I can tell, in your more succint answer,
above...;-) I might add to the list, though...:
"4: It is a fault-free filter used with an inferior
lens AND is used to force the iris to it's widest
opening."