Kodak Retina Reflex III

abruzzi · Oct 1, 2020

I just bought a Retina Reflex III locally for pretty cheap. Cosmetically it is in great condition, but has some functional issues I expect may need to be fixed. Not sure if I will try to get that done. There is one thing that has me puzzled, and I don't know what to make of it. When I open the back like I'm going to load film, the entire film gate ares is covered by a metal blockoff plate (see attachment). I don't know what moves this plate into place, and what moves it out of place. Its not something that the user is supposed to remove because it is on the wrong side for that. I assume it is a "shutter open for focusing" block off plate to protect the film from exposure, but I don't see it move at all when I advance film or trigger the release.

Also, has anyone dealt with a jammed shutter on one of these? I can see the tips of the shutter blades, and they don't seem to close.

I suspect both of these issues are connected.

shutterfinger · Oct 1, 2020

That's called a capping shutter. Check the edges of the back opening for a lever/pin that depresses when the back is closed. Press it in fully to trick the camera into operating as though the back is closed.

The shutter is a #00 Synchro Compur . https://learncamerarepair.com/downloads/pdf/Compur-Factory-Shutter-Repair-Manual.pdf
This manual only covers the basic shutter, not the adapted version used in the camera, only has engineers drawings, special instructions, and a lubrication diagram. It assumes you know how to service shutters.
When the shutter blades do not close fully the shutter requires a CLA.

guangong · Oct 2, 2020

I don’t know if I would go through the expense of repairing this camera. Kodak Retina cameras had a reputation for being unreliable very early on. Retina RF cameras are quite reliable except for ratchet that cocks shutter, which can wear over time. Again, Retina reflex cameras never had a very good reputation.
But they are nice looking cameras and would look good on a shelf as bookend.

Deleted member 88956 · Oct 2, 2020

guangong said:
I don’t know if I would go through the expense of repairing this camera. Kodak Retina cameras had a reputation for being unreliable very early on. Retina RF cameras are quite reliable except for ratchet that cocks shutter, which can wear over time. Again, Retina reflex cameras never had a very good reputation.
But they are nice looking cameras and would look good on a shelf as bookend.

It's like 50/50 in my garage. Have 2, one works the other does not. All leaf shutter SLRs by design necessities were mechanically very complex cameras and as such far more wrong to happen than in any other design. Zeiss Ikon Contaflex, or the one of a kind Contarex, are such fine instruments ... when they work. Same goes for Voigtlander's Bessamatic and its varieties.

I agree though, while it might be worth it to look into what this one needs, it is not going to be easy nor guaranteed for long.

markjwyatt · Oct 2, 2020

I have a Retina Reflex IV. When I got it, I had a problem winding film (ended up tearing it), and fortunately I was able to get it fixed for not too much. Why bother with such cameras?

1. The Schneider-Kreuznach lenses are excellent and worth dealing with the cameras for. I suspect the same goes for the Rodenstock lenses too if that is the version you have.
2. Leaf shutters are better for flash synch, so this could potentially be a good 35mm flash camera.

I also have a IIIc with a Rodenstock 50mm f2 Heligon, and love it also. The Retina rangefinders are amazing cameras.

As a repair tip, there is of course Chris with Retina Rescue, but I think he is in New Zealand. But, Ross Yerkes in California worked for Kodak for many years and repaired Retinas, so is a good more local source who knows the cameras.

ic-racer · Oct 3, 2020

Excellent write-up here on Retina Reflex stripdown and re-assembly but....

What didn't I cover here? A number of things, ... and what to do if the various rods and levers that operate the mirror and capping plate are bent or sticking....

removedacct1 · Oct 3, 2020

abruzzi said:
I just bought a Retina Reflex III locally for pretty cheap. Cosmetically it is in great condition, but has some functional issues I expect may need to be fixed. Not sure if I will try to get that done. There is one thing that has me puzzled, and I don't know what to make of it. When I open the back like I'm going to load film, the entire film gate ares is covered by a metal blockoff plate (see attachment). I don't know what moves this plate into place, and what moves it out of place. Its not something that the user is supposed to remove because it is on the wrong side for that. I assume it is a "shutter open for focusing" block off plate to protect the film from exposure, but I don't see it move at all when I advance film or trigger the release.

Also, has anyone dealt with a jammed shutter on one of these? I can see the tips of the shutter blades, and they don't seem to close.

I suspect both of these issues are connected.

That "plate" that blocks the film gate is the backside of the mirror. The mirror does not return to the rest position automatically - you have to wind the film to the next frame and that moves the mirror back to its rest position. If that mirror assembly remains blocking the film gate after you've cocked the shutter, then something is seriously wrong and the camera needs servicing/repair. Only Chris Sherlock will service the Reflex models. I wouldn't recommend attempting it yourself - by the time you get to reassembling things like the meter cord drum, you're likely in way over your head.

I own two of them, and they are heavy and a bit weird to use. But they allow you to use the Schneider Retina-Xenon f1.9 lens, which is one of the most beautiful lenses ever made for 35mm.

abruzzi · Oct 3, 2020

Sounds like a project. I do have a Retina IIIC, which I love. I bought this reflex because it was “impulse buy”-cheap, and film cameras almost never come up for sale here. I may watch that tear down video and give it a try myself. Or I may just put it in the shelf.

markjwyatt · Oct 3, 2020

abruzzi said:
Sounds like a project. I do have a Retina IIIC, which I love. I bought this reflex because it was “impulse buy”-cheap, and film cameras almost never come up for sale here. I may watch that tear down video and give it a try myself. Or I may just put it in the shelf.

They are almost too inexpensive to repair. If you have lenses for them, it is worth buying one that works. Or get an adapter (I have a M42-DKL lens adapter, and a couple of M42 cameras it works on, not all M42s work. I also have an adapter for my Fujifilm XT-2).

Kodak Retina Reflex III

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