Kodak Retinette vs Agfa Silette

<p>And why are those cameras so "under the radar". They seem pretty good quality.</p>

<p>Purely a question of fashion - everybody has an image of their father or grandfather walking around with one of these cameras round their neck in a immaculate leather ever-ready case. The cameras are not all that practical - a meter may not work, models with rangefinders are rare, but in terms of image quality per $, these cameras are unbeatable!</p>

<p>If anyone wants photos, first the Agfa Silette, then the Kodak Retinette IIa. From my free site, http://basepath.com/ClassicCameras. No question in my mind that the Retinette is the classier of the two. Kodak marked as "Made in Germany"; Agfa not so marked, but probably was, too.<br /> <img src="https://basepath.smugmug.com/photos/i-FRSTffx/0/O/i-FRSTffx.jpg" alt="" width="500" /><br /> <img src="https://basepath.smugmug.com/photos/i-R8rLR2G/0/O/i-R8rLR2G.jpg" alt="" width="500" /></p>

<p>Very cool and useful website, Marc!</p>

<p>I had a couple of Retinettes and they were very nice to handle, well made, and made good pictures. I'm guessing that these are a bit under the radar because these days film cameras are pretty easy to find, and those like the Retinette that do not have rangefinders are going to be neglected. </p>

<p>I recently picked up a lovely Retinette Ib from a charity shop for £10. Thankfully everything works, including the light meter. <br /><br />I do think these old camers are very much under appriciated, just because they don't have a Rangefinder or focusing aids. <br /><br />I'm certainly looking forward to using mine!</p>

<p>They're both down market versions of the "better" (as in more expensive) cameras that both camera makers produced for amateur photographs on a budget. The lenses are 3 element but work fine if stopped down to at least F8. A little more money then or now will get you a better lens, but for the casual snapper that won't matter.</p>

<p>This post reminds me of my old Retina IA's w/ Xenar lenses that produced stunning photos that were in the Leica class.</p>

I think Steve is correct. Personally, I consider a rangefinder essential for a 45mm lens, and both manufacturers made just

such cameras: they cost more, but for anyone wanting to take sharp pictures in anything other than full sun, they are a

much better investment.

<p>Not a Retinette, but a Retina IIc, this is one of my favorite 35mm rangefinders. Superb craftsmanship. Just a real beauty to have and hold. I own an Agfa as well, and I would expect either of these cameras to render great photos.</p>

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