Kodak Retina IIa

[leicarfcam]

One of my toys.

Kodak Retina IIa.

 

[fotch]

Nice classic.

 

[Alan W]

Now they'd be on to something if they put the film advance on the bottom.

 

[Chrismat]

I've got one myself. I really like the Retina series of cameras. Very nice lenses.

 

[johnielvis]

my FIRST camera!!!!!!!!
belonged to my dad
was ruined by a girl at a party who took a pic with it and then closed it without putting the lens back to infinity
NEVER worked right again
BUT it turned me on to other cameras
VERY sharp lens

still like the girl too, even after THAT. man, that was like 25 years ago...

 

[dehk]

my FIRST camera!!!!!!!!
belonged to my dad
was ruined by a girl at a party who took a pic with it and then closed it without putting the lens back to infinity
NEVER worked right again
BUT it turned me on to other cameras
VERY sharp lens

still like the girl too, even after THAT. man, that was like 25 years ago...

Well do you still have the camera? Wanna sell it? lol.

 

[elekm]

I agree. They are beautiful cameras.

 

[msbarnes]

How does the viewfinder/rangefinder compare with the IIc/IIIc? I have a IIIc and I love it so I wanted to get another one, or maybe I'd opt for the IIa.

 

[elekm]

I don't have my Retinas nearby, but as I recall, the IIc/IIIc (small c) have better contrast than the IIa. Keep in mind that most Retinas will need to be cleaned and serviced, which includes the viewfinder components.

The Big C models - IB, IIC and IIIC - all have the best viewfinders and include framelines for the auxiliary lens (not the IB, which has a fixed Xenar).

If you're looking for a better viewfinder, look at one of the Big C models.

Sorry about the deleted posts below. I was trying to make some edits while using a tablet device.

 

[mgb74]

I'd add a picture of mine but it can't compare to these "trailer queens".

 

[leicarfcam]

Contrast is good but as has been pointed out the large C models have the best view/rangefinder.

 

[msbarnes]

Thanks! I think I'll opt for another IIIc or maybe a IIIC. I handled a IIIC once. From my recollection the viewfinder magnification was noticeably larger and brighter, my but the patch was worse... usable but definitely inferior to my IIIc (maybe a bad sample?). I liked the viewfinder but I wasn't so sure if it's worth double the price. However, the Kodak Retina is my favorite 35mm camera so I now think that it is!

 

[John Austin]

I must update to the newer folding one from my 1936 Retina 119 to get the RF

 

[leicarfcam]

Thanks! I think I'll opt for another IIIc or maybe a IIIC. I handled a IIIC once. From my recollection the viewfinder magnification was noticeably larger and brighter, my but the patch was worse... usable but definitely inferior to my IIIc (maybe a bad sample?). I liked the viewfinder but I wasn't so sure if it's worth double the price. However, the Kodak Retina is my favorite 35mm camera so I now think that it is!

The IIIC has a far better patch than the IIIc so yours must have been defective..

Another fine Retina with the large view-rangefinder is the IIIS. It is a rigid front rangefinder that uses lens from 28mm - 135mm and unlike the IIc/C, IIIc/C does not require transferring focus distance to the wide or tele scale plus each lens will automatically change the brightline focal length scale in the viewfinder..

Below is my IIIS with 50mm f/2.8 lens.. I have a 50mm f/1.9 Retina-Xenon on the way...

 

[mr rusty]

Yes, the IIIS is a great camera. I use the 28mm most of the time, and have a 50mm 2.8 and the 135mm f4. I can't really get on with the 135mm - the focus/viewfinder area is just too small. I had mine a while and then the cord broke, so it went on its holidays to Chris Sherlock in NZ, and came back CLAd and fixed. I also have a IIc which sees action from time to time. I thought this one was going to have to go on its hols too, as the shutter kept sticking, but I cleaned it out with spray alcohol and then lubed it with watch oil, and so far its behaving.

 

[John Austin]

Having an elderly one I too desire the IIa



The lens is the Retina-Xenar, uncoated, good by realistic standards, but not by current ones - The tiny squinty viewfinder is surprisingly good

It is the prettiest camera I have and very tiny, so I love it for snapshots except it attracts "Oh wow" attention, which my Vitessa or Nikon F do not

 

[EASmithV]

I have an old Retina 1 which needs some TLC and some recovering...

 

[Paul Goutiere]

Kodak Retina 118



I have used this little guy a fair amount.



Indoor picture handheld 1/10 sec about f3.5
Robert bateman at the Whyte Museum in Banff Alberta.