Filter for Retina IIIC

mgb74 · Mar 21, 2010

I just came across a very nice Retina IIIC (large C). At first impression, I find the viewfinder is much easier to use with my glasses. As I understand, the proper screw in filter is 29.5mm (which filterfind.net appears to stock). Does anyone know if the front cover will close with a screw in filter attached?

mr rusty · Mar 21, 2010

I have a IIc with an original kodak (yellow) filter on and the cover closes. This filter adds just 3mm from front of lens ring. Hope that helps.

mgb74 · Mar 21, 2010

The IIc has a different shaped cover, but that gives me a baseline. Thanks.

ricksplace · Mar 21, 2010

I have a filter on my retina IIIc (small c) and the camera opens and closes normally. Don't use the same filter on the 35/5.6 curtar. It fits, but it vignettes the image.

elekm · Mar 21, 2010

I think the filter thread is 32mm.

... just checked. Yes, it's 32mm, and it will close with a filter attached.

I'm referring to the Kodak-branded filters for the Retina and not third-party brands.

mgb74 · Mar 21, 2010

Mike, all the references I've seen say 29.5mm for screw-in and 32mm for slip-on. Is yours the slip-on type?

Measuring my lens, it does seem consistent with 29.5mm screw-in and 32mm slip-on.

elekm · Mar 21, 2010

Hi -- I just double-checked the owner's manual. And it is 32mm.

I was going to type it, but instead, here's a scan of the back page of the Retina IIIC (big C) manual:

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Kodak sold a nice little kit for the Retina that include three filters and a hood that came with a small bakelite case.

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I included the film cannister to give you an idea of its size. These show up fairly often on eBay. That's where I got mine, as well as the IIIC and a number of other cameras.

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Another page from the manual showing a different type of filter case. This is a bit like the case for the Zeiss Ikon close-up lenses.

mgb74 · Mar 21, 2010

Thanks!!! Will need to keep an eye out.

mr rusty · Mar 22, 2010

Just to clarify the filter issue.....

The outside diameter is 32mm. The thread diameter is 29.5mm I have two filters - an original "kodak" one where the designation on the filter is 32mm and a third party one where the designation is 29.5mm - and they are both the *same* size!!

elekm · Mar 22, 2010

The best option would be to find one of the Kodak filter kits. As I mentioned, they're plentiful on eBay and not too costly.

JPD · Mar 22, 2010

mr rusty said:
Just to clarify the filter issue.....

The outside diameter is 32mm. The thread diameter is 29.5mm I have two filters - an original "kodak" one where the designation on the filter is 32mm and a third party one where the designation is 29.5mm - and they are both the *same* size!!

True. I think they called the filters "32mm" because the earlier Retina II (and Ia with 2,8 Xenar) used 32mm slip-on sunshades. The filter thread is 29,5mm.

The Kodak Retina filters have thin mounts, so the camera can be closed with one on. If you use other brands of 29,5mm screw-in filters, in thicker mounts, or 32mm slip-on filters, you'll have to take them off before closing the camera.

mgb74 · Mar 26, 2010

I don't see any there right now, so will need to be patient and keep looking. Of course I'm sure there is one there not labeled at "retina", but not sure I want to go through 8-9 pages that come up under "kodak filter".

Looking at filterfind.net, they only have a yellow and green right now. I appears the slim Kodak filters have no front thread, thus allowing them to stay on the lens with the cover closed.

Filter for Retina IIIC

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