Quick snapshots in a wide-angle Lomo look – How does the RETO Ultra Wide and Slim perform in a practical test?
Background on the Camera
The RETO Ultra Wide and Slim, launched in early 2022, is a reissue of the cult camera Vivitar Ultra Wide & Slim from the 1990s. It is a product of the Hong Kong-based company Reto, which specializes in reviving classic analog cameras. A similar model was also available under the brand name “Superheadz”
The RETO Ultra Wide and Slim, with its compact dimensions of 100 x 59 x 28 mm and a weight of under 70 grams, is extremely portable and fits into any bag. The housing is made entirely of plastic and is available in a variety of colors, from subtle “Charcoal” and “Cream” to more eye-catching tones like “Pastel Pink” or “Murky Blue”.
Included in the scope of delivery are the camera, a wrist strap, and a simple fabric pouch. You have to buy the films separately, of course.
Features
The functionality of the RETO Ultra Wide and Slim is reduced to the absolute minimum. It features a 22mm wide-angle plastic lens with a fixed aperture of f/11 and a likewise fixed shutter speed of 1/125 second.
You won’t find an exposure meter, flash, or autofocus. The camera is completely manual and requires no batteries, as both film transport and rewinding are done by hand.
The focus is fixed and designed for subjects from one meter away. This radical simplicity forces the photographer to concentrate on composition and light, completely relinquishing control over the technical aspects.
In the Practical Test
The camera is incredibly easy to handle. After loading the 35mm film, it is manually advanced to the first frame. The camera is then ready to shoot.
The viewfinder is bright, but only provides an approximate indication of the actual image framing, which is wider due to the wide-angle lens.
Care must be taken not to accidentally get your own fingers in the picture. The shutter button has a pleasant, albeit not loud, click, and the thumb wheel for film transport is easy to use. Rewinding the film is done via a small crank, which is a bit delicate. Opening the back cover to load the film also requires a delicate touch.
The image quality is what sets this camera apart. Don’t expect clinically sharp images. Instead, the plastic lens produces a characteristic aesthetic with distinct vignetting (dark edges), some softness towards the corners, and a tendency for lens flares in backlight. It is precisely these qualities that give the photos a nostalgic, “Lomo-like” charm.
The choice of film is crucial for the result. In sunny weather, films with ISO 100 or 200 are suitable, while on cloudy days, ISO 400 is a better choice to avoid underexposure.
There’s not much more to say about the features, as there isn’t much more.
Conclusion
The RETO Ultra Wide and Slim is the ideal camera for anyone looking for an uncomplicated and fun introduction to the world of analog photography. It’s a great alternative to disposable cameras, as it’s reusable and therefore more sustainable and cost-effective in the long run.
Even experienced photographers will enjoy this little camera, as it offers a welcome change from complex cameras and stimulates creativity through its simplicity. It’s the perfect companion for travel to capture spontaneous moments.
However, it is not a camera with which you can truly immerse yourself in the world of analog photography and exploit the wide range of possibilities. This includes multiple exposures, long exposures, color filters, flash photography, and whatever else there is.
In addition, the fields of application for the RETO Ultra Wide and Slim are limited. It works and delivers the best results outdoors on a sunny day. As soon as it gets dark or you are indoors, you will have difficulties with insufficient light due to the small aperture, fixed shutter speed, and lack of flash.
Personally, I see the RETO Ultra Wide and Slim as an add-on to have in the camera bag and use when the opportunity arises, if you’re looking for the lo-fi wide-angle look or just want to shoot away. In my opinion, the camera is best suited for this purpose.
