It is a widely known trick that one can make do with a cheapy(cheaper) filter coated with petroleum jelly as a diffusion filter. Not all such filters deliver the same result. But if you care about not as much being a connoisseur in the diffusion result as getting soften images or images with less harsh contrast, this is the trick for you.
All you need is a cheapy filter and a jar of Vaseline petroleum jelly available in the dispensaries and supermarkets. The amount of jelly to be applied on the filter is something you may need to try and err to get it right. In short, making it the size of two to three grains of rice will do.
A point to note in applying the jelly on the filter is that you may keep the centre area just barely or even not coated.
A diffusion filter is suitable not just for your young model. It is in fact more fitting for your subject of an older age as the soften image will blur their wrinkles. Oh, if you want to do this with an old filter which doesn't fit your new lens, be sure to get a step-up ring. If you're in Hong Kong, trip to Shenzhen and exit from Huaqianglu Metro Station. There are a number of malls selling photographic paraphernalia at low prices.
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