I have five different models from Kodak's line of Retina cameras. All are excellent shooters, but the IIa rangefinder model if my favorite because of its high-quality construction, compactness and reliability. The lens diagram below illustrates the IIa lens, the Schneider Xenon 50mm f/2.0. As shown, the lens consists of six elements in four groups, arranged symmetrically around the shutter. It was easily equal to anything in its class when introduced in 1951.
Ohhh...that Xenon was the lens of my first serious camera, a Retina II shared with my brother.
ReplyDeleteI've got the Retina II as well, and it does have a terrific lens. Unfortunately, the shutter just won't cooperate with my restoration efforts. I keep thinking I'll turn up a shutter spring with more life to it, but haven't done so yet.
ReplyDeleteA few years back I was playing with a IIa at a flea market, everything seemed to work but got cold feet at the $25 asking price. So I went home to do some internet research, when I went back to buy it, it was gone...I've been haunted since and now determined to acquire one.
ReplyDeleteI'm enjoying your photo and vintage camera blogs a lot! Found it through your Flickr site.
Thanks for sharing!
Twenty-five bucks would have been a real steal for a working IIa. You would probably pay twice that now on ebay, but even then it would be a bargain if you consider the quality. All the models of the Retina line are excellent image makers, as well as being helpfully compact.
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