Retina Ia focus ring and advance lever

[ggray79]

I very recently acquired a Ia with the Kodak Ektar 50mm/f3.5 lens. The focus ring is smooth and continuous but clearly not as easy to rotate as my IIIc. Will the focus ring rotation become more resistant over time or will it stay about the same, or even improve, if I use the camera frequently?

The film advance lever has a good, quick, springy return, but is noticeably harder to do the initial advance than my IIIc. Assuming the film otherwise advances correctly will this initial advance resistance get worse or stay about the same with frequent use?

 

[removedacct1]

The 1A has a cocking rack mechanism that is prone to wear and failure. Be careful; never force it.

This is a myth that is often repeated. Its absolutely not true. The Ia and IIa have steel cocking racks which are NOT prone to wear/failure. I have never, ever serviced one of these models and found damage to the rack. The problem is solely with the IIc/IIIc types, which have a chromed brass rack.

 

[ggray79]

This is a myth that is often repeated. Its absolutely not true. The Ia and IIa have steel cocking racks which are NOT prone to wear/failure. I have never, ever serviced one of these models and found damage to the rack. The problem is solely with the IIc/IIIc types, which have a chromed brass rack.

That is why I chose the Ia over the Ib! Will it limber up on the advance stroke if I use it a lot? Thanks!

 

[gone]

Considering your camera is somewhere between 71 and 74 years old, I doubt anything on it needs breaking in :>)

The film advance may just be what it is. Mine always felt a little stiff but never had any issues w/ that or anything else. Just out of curiosity, does your Ektar lens have a chrome nose, or a chrome nose w/ a black ring around it? The former is a real Kodak Ektar, the ones w/ black trim are actually a Schneider Xenar. They ran out of the real Ektars on some production runs due to a supply issue, and just rebadged the Xenars to say Ektar. Two different lenses.

 

[ggray79]

Chrome only. Indicates "Made in USA". EO15844

 

[removedacct1]

That is why I chose the Ia over the Ib! Will it limber up on the advance stroke if I use it a lot? Thanks!

No. that indicates that it’s impacted with dried out grease, and it needs servicing.

 

[ggray79]

No. that indicates that it’s impacted with dried out grease, and it needs servicing.

Same for the focusing ring?

 

[removedacct1]

Same for the focusing ring?

Yes