thoughts on the Kodak Retina Reflex camera's

I have bee looking at a couple of Reflex models, was wondering what your thoughts are on getting one, are they any good if so what ones would you recommend and which if any to stay away from, I am familiar with the Retina Pop outs, I have a number of those but I havent used any of the reflex models.

What do you want it to do, and why choose these models?

 

There are a large number of 35mm SLRs around, many that cost less, and many with

a variety of high quality lenses available for reasonable prices.

 

But maybe you have other reasons for choosing these cameras.

Like all leaf shutter SLR's, these have very complex mechanisms. Finding one that works is going to be difficult.

I have a couple of the Retina IIIs 1 for service and 1 for spare parts if the repair didn't go well. I have to say that its one of the more complex cameras that I have ever seen. But don't let that deter you. You would be well advised to get one that is in good working order. There is an excellent rebuild document on Chris Sherlock's site. Have a look at those pages and see what you think.

Retina Reflex S strip-down

I would suggest a Retina IIIS rangefinder which uses the same lenses as the Reflex-S. Less complex mechanism, usually found in working condition.

 

I have a Reflex-S that still works reliably. I put a new prism in it, from a Minolta XG-1. The original prism had badly desilvered. But- I have a hammed Reflex-IV and a Reflex-III that works, but is not smooth. Raising the mirror puts strain on the wind mechanism. The IIIS with it's RF is much smoother, not as much force required to advance the film and cock the shutter. The Reflex cameras place more strain on the fragile cocking rack.

The cameras are built beautifully but way too complex, fragile, and eccentric to use. The lenses, however, are GREAT, and easily adapted even to Nikon F, although with some lenses there will be mirror clearance issues at various focusing distances, so best to use with LiveView or on mirrorless cameras. My favorites: the 50mm f/1.9 Xenon, the 45mm f/2.8 Xenar, and the 35mm f/2.8 Curtagon. They render beautifully and aren't expensive -- usually by buying camera with lens(es) being cheaper than lens alone.

Chris Sherlock has a multi-part Youtube video on rebuilding a Retina Reflex. Its well worth a look.