Kodak Retina IIc. New To Me, Some Questions.

Cholentpot · Aug 30, 2020

I picked up an almost mint Retina IIc last week and ran my first roll through it. I noticed as I was shooting that if I depressed the shutter too softly the shutter seemed not to open. On development this was confirmed. Is this a common quirk of this camera?

Other than that this machine is amazing. My other few rangefinders don't have the build quality of the Kodak. I'm quite impressed with it.

Are there any other things I should watch out for with this device?

BrianShaw · Aug 30, 2020

One thing to watch for is to never forget to set the countdown counter correctly wheN loading film, especially 24 exposure rolls because the marks are for 36 and 20.

BrianShaw · Aug 30, 2020

The unreliable shutter release... not normal for a well-adjusted Retina.

BrianShaw · Aug 30, 2020

Other thing to watch for is that when using accessory lenses the rangefinder does not read directly.

Cholentpot · Aug 30, 2020

BrianShaw said:
The unreliable shutter release... not normal for a well-adjusted Retina.

It's not unreliable. I just pressed it too soft. I think a soft push resets the shutter and allows you to advance the film even if the lens wasn't opened.

BrianShaw said:
One thing to watch for is to never forget to set the countdown counter correctly wheN loading film, especially 24 exposure rolls because the marks are for 36 and 20.

It cuts you off when counter reaches zero. I hit that today, rest for another few frames.

JPD · Aug 30, 2020

It's not normal. Chris Sherlock, the famous Retina repairman, always check and adjust the sync of the shutter release and film wind release on these cameras during his CLAs.

BrianShaw · Aug 30, 2020

Cholentpot said:
It's not unreliable. I just pressed it too soft. I think a soft push resets the shutter and allows you to advance the film even if the lens wasn't opened.

That’s not normal operation. Sorry, it’s not.

BrianShaw · Aug 30, 2020

Are you sure that the shutter is fully cocking each time you wind on?

Cholentpot · Aug 31, 2020

BrianShaw said:
That’s not normal operation. Sorry, it’s not.

I tired to replicate it. I can't.

However I did discover if I push down about 3/4th of the way there is a first stage which allows me to advance the film without tripping the shutter. Maybe with this particular camera the way it is I have to work on my follow through.

Cholentpot · Aug 31, 2020

BrianShaw said:
Are you sure that the shutter is fully cocking each time you wind on?

I think the halfpress frees up the film advance. Bad habits maybe.

John Will · Aug 31, 2020

Cholentpot said:
I tired to replicate it. I can't.

However I did discover if I push down about 3/4th of the way there is a first stage which allows me to advance the film without tripping the shutter. Maybe with this particular camera the way it is I have to work on my follow through.

My IIc has just returned from Chris Sherlock after a complete service and it is impossible to wind on until the shutter has been tripped. Why not message Chris and explain what is happening, I'm sure he will give you an idea what the problem is. Chris is very helpful https://retinarescue.com/

JPD · Aug 31, 2020

Watch this video from 35:45, when Chris is checking and adjusting this. It's a Retina Ib, but it should work the same on the IIc.

Cholentpot · Aug 31, 2020

JPD said:
Watch this video from 35:45, when Chris is checking and adjusting this. It's a Retina Ib, but it should work the same on the IIc.

Yep.

There it is. Pretty simple fix that I'll never get around to doing...

bdial · Aug 31, 2020

Based on my experience with them, if you don't know that it's been serviced, you should get it serviced.

BrianShaw · Aug 31, 2020

Cholentpot said:
I think the halfpress frees up the film advance. Bad habits maybe.

It may have, but...

There’s no intended functionality associated with “halfpress” on that Retina. You have a, for now, rather minor maladjustment. Sounds like you can just make sure to fullpress the shutter.

That phenomenon sometimes happens when the maladjustment fails to cock the shutter completely... which is an indication that an overhaul is due.pay attention at the end of the window strike to ensure that the shutter is staying cocked.

The Retina is a swell camera. They are also rather complex in operation and need to be clean and adjusted to perform reliably. I have 3: IIIC that Chris Sherlock overhauled, IIIc that I overhauled, and a IIIc that I tried overhauling but might get sent to NZ for a well-deserved vacation.

Cholentpot · Aug 31, 2020

BrianShaw said:
It may have, but...

There’s no intended functionality associated with “halfpress” on that Retina. You have a, for now, rather minor maladjustment. Sounds like you can just make sure to fullpress the shutter.

That phenomenon sometimes happens when the maladjustment fails to cock the shutter completely... which is an indication that an overhaul is due.pay attention at the end of the window strike to ensure that the shutter is staying cocked.

The Retina is a swell camera. They are also rather complex in operation and need to be clean and adjusted to perform reliably. I have 3: IIIC that Chris Sherlock overhauled, IIIc that I overhauled, and a IIIc that I tried overhauling but might get sent to NZ for a well-deserved vacation.

JPD linked a video that shows the issue. It's a small adjustment that I can overlook for now. It doesn't make the camera unusable to me. Judging by the negatives the rangefinder is dead on and the shutter speeds are accurate. For the price I paid I can wait for a CLA.

removedacct1 · Aug 31, 2020

As you've discovered, there is an adjustment that needs to be made to better synchronize the timing of the advance release and the shutter firing. Its not difficult to do, but you do need to know how to remove the top cover to do it. I've done it many times, and I can attest to the fact that this is one of simplest adjustments to make, if you're brave enough to take the top off.

Cholentpot · Aug 31, 2020

paulbarden said:
As you've discovered, there is an adjustment that needs to be made to better synchronize the timing of the advance release and the shutter firing. Its not difficult to do, but you do need to know how to remove the top cover to do it. I've done it many times, and I can attest to the fact that this is one of simplest adjustments to make, if you're brave enough to take the top off.

I see three screws and two rivet looking things. Might not be worth the effort for a minor problem though.

removedacct1 · Aug 31, 2020

Cholentpot said:
I see three screws and two rivet looking things. Might not be worth the effort for a minor problem though.

The top cover comes off by removing three screws: two located under the rewind knob, and one at the opposite end, by the strap lug. You will need to remove the rewind knob too, which is accomplished by opening the back, putting a screwdriver (or something similar) through the forks of the rewind to hold it, and then simply unscrew the rewind knob (counter clockwise).

Admittedly, its a minor problem that is resolved by adjusting your shutter-pressing habits.

Cholentpot · Aug 31, 2020

paulbarden said:
The top cover comes off by removing three screws: two located under the rewind knob, and one at the opposite end, by the strap lug. You will need to remove the rewind knob too, which is accomplished by opening the back, putting a screwdriver (or something similar) through the forks of the rewind to hold it, and then simply unscrew the rewind knob (counter clockwise).

Admittedly, its a minor problem that is resolved by adjusting your shutter-pressing habits.

Shame I got this camera near the end of the summer. It's an 'outdoors' camera by all accounts for me. I'm not sure how many rolls I'll get through it to establish habits before the weather changes.

BrianShaw · Aug 31, 2020

Sounds to me like the perfect time to send it out for an overhaul.

Cholentpot · Aug 31, 2020

BrianShaw said:
Sounds to me like the perfect time to send it out for an overhaul.

I have about 30 other cameras in the need of an overhaul. This one joins the line.

JPD · Aug 31, 2020

If the shutter releases when you use the camera normally, then it isn't a big problem anyway and I don't think it causes any harm. But if you watch Chris Sherlock's videos your urge to get it overhauled will grow. It will work like new afterwards, and the finder will be so clear that you'd wish that you sent it to him earlier.

Cholentpot · Aug 31, 2020

JPD said:
If the shutter releases when you use the camera normally, then it isn't a big problem anyway and I don't think it causes any harm. But if you watch Chris Sherlock's videos your urge to get it overhauled will grow. It will work like new afterwards, and the finder will be so clear that you'd wish that you sent it to him earlier.

Some day...

Cholentpot · Sep 1, 2020

Well, here's the results of my first roll through the Retina.

Expired HP5+ cinema stock shot at 200 sunny16 metering. Developed in HC-110B for 6:30. Scanned with a DSLR.

Needless to say I am very impressed. Yes, the film stock is not very good but it was a test roll. Aside from the light film advance reset the camera is sound. I can see that awesome vintage looking flare/glare in other photos that give it a very warm timeless look. I'll be loading this camera up again very soon. I love being impressed by a new piece of equipment.

Kodak Retina IIc. New To Me, Some Questions.

Privacy & Transparency

Privacy & Transparency