Retro-inspired cameras have become exceptionally trendy – but part of the retro look lies not in the camera at all, but in the lens. Film lenses were often not as sharp as their digital counterparts, and optical imperfections gave light sources a glowing quality called bloom – an effect that became more pronounced as the lens’ coatings wear out over time.
But what if photographers with modern digital cameras needed to buy just a filter, rather than a vintage lens, to get that old school look? That’s the idea behind the PolarPro CineGold, a warm diffusion filter that the company says is designed to mimic the look of Kodak Porta 400 film.
