Disclosure
This product was kindly sent to me by WalkingWay in order to review and share my experience and thoughts on using it. The company does not claim to review this article prior to its release and everything that follows is a totally honest review. I have no economic benefit from WalkingWay for doing this review, other than the Affiliate links below. So let’s get into it.
Features
This Retro filter, is a product from WalkingWay in the Special Effects filters lineup. It has not yet been officially released, but this does not mean that this is a pre production piece. So what you see, is what you get. Its purpose it to produce a retro look, like the one vintage lenses used to create. It is made of high quality glass, and it softens the image, it reduces the overall contrast, it creates a halo effect around highlights and also adds some warmth to the final image.
As you can tell, WalkingWay has combined some of the unique characteristics of other filters, in order to make this one. The sizes available when released, will range from 43mm to 82mm, but the range will expand even more to match all the popular filter sizes. My guess is that it will match the 37mm-95mm diameter range of the other filters that WalkingWay offers. The price is to be announced, but according to WalkingWay, it will range between 20-30 €, depending on the size. Last but not least, I just love the slim 3,2 mm profile of WalkingWay filters, at a point that I could positively say, I have been definitely spoiled. All my previous, “full-size” filters, seem to be huge, in comparison to all WalkingWay filters.
In use
First of all, I have to point out, that all images were shot in JPEG format and are unedited straight out of camera. That way, you can tell that they have not been enhanced or altered in a ny way, so the final result is due to the filter use.
After using the Medium Soft Focus filter, I have been used to the softening effect of the filter, although sometimes it had been overly intense. With the Retro filter, I was hoping for a more subtle softening effect, which as it turned out, was exactly the case. If the effect was too strong, it could be distracting, but this was not the case at all.
As the name implies, the filter outputs a retro vibe to the final image, by combining some interesting characteristics. As mentioned above, it reduced the overall contrast, softened the image and relatively warmed it up, by somewhat accentuating both yellow and green colors. I tried to use the filter in an environment that would naturally compliment it, so for that reason I choose an amusement park. Being almost a thing of the past, I was able to match that vibe, with the filters’ characteristics.
The vibrant colors were perfect for this shoot, as they managed to showcase the color enhancement, that the filter was able to bake into the final image. The high contrast scenes, were a bit challenging, but the filter also reduced the overall contrast, something I was used to, by using the Medium Soft Focus filter. The haze like effect around light sources and the overall softer look, was indeed like the pictures were shot with uncoated vintage glass, rather than modern digital lenses. In extreme high contrast scenes however, one thing I noticed was, that the warmer tones were a bit exaggerated.
When there are no bright light in the frame, it is a bit more difficult to appreciate the filter. The softness and the warmer tones are there, but in those type of scenes, it’s like their intensity is less. It isn’t, it just feels like that. So I would definitely suggest, to incorporate some king of light source into the frame, in order to get the effect the Retro filter outputs.
Lastly, I made an attempt to mimic the effect of the filter by post processing some images. My thought process was, to see for myself, if it is possible to achieve a similar result, without the filter. Something like making a preset and applying it to multiple images, without the need to spend a large amount of time in the edit. I tried some images that included highlights and there was no way that I could manage to mimic the halo effect around them, so that’s out of question. As a last attempt, I used a flatter landscape scene. This time I managed to add warmth and softness to the image. I also manipulated the colors a bit, in order to achieve similar results. I got somewhat close, but it took a lot of time and I was not satisfied with the final result. So, it is safe to say, that the WalkingWay Retro filter has its place into your filter kit, as its effect is not something achievable by editing your pictures.
Who is this for
I find that the Retro filter will perfectly serve anyone who shoots specific subjects, that are included in the vintage/old school theme category. An American style diner, muscle cars, rock-and-roll ballroom events, old style denim photo shoots or, as in my case, and amusement park, could greatly benefit from its characteristics. Also if you work with minimal delivery time, like the event photography mentioned, the filter, will bake in the picture its retro look, without having to edit your pictures. SOOC JPEGs, can be delivered or printed instantly, in order to get to the client in no time. It also simplifies the workflow, by removing the post process from it. After all, as mentioned earlier, the retro look of the filter, cannot be mimicked in the editing suite. As always, you should consider purchasing it, for just trying it out, or just to add a specialty filter into your filter kit.
Conclusion
As with previous filters I used from WalkingWay, the Retro effect filter creates a unique and interesting look. A look that pleasantly enhances those types of subjects and cannot be replicated in any way by post processing your images. If your photography niche is the retro, vintage, old school themes, the filter will definitely boost the final look of your images. All its characteristics, the softness, color enhancement, contrast reduction etc, are well balanced, and produce a distinct final look. Although not available at the time, the Retro filter will be soon available for purchase. You should definitely check it out.
If you are interested in the WalkingWay Retro filter, you could find out more at https://walkingwayfoto.com/?ref=dimoudimitris.com You could also navigate through the website to get familiar with the whole product range. Buying through the above Affiliate link, will provide me with a small commission that help me keep these reviews going, without any extra cost to you.