Where can I buy a Kodak Retina to use

I'm interested in buying a Kodak Retina to use (not to display).<p>

 

Many years ago I borrowed my uncle's IIIc and loved the look of the 50mm lens.<p>

 

I think I would want a model IIa, as it has the f2.0 lens and does not have the weird

shutter/iris interlock that works with the IIIc meter.<p>

 

I would like to find one that does not need to be repaired and is ready to use with a

clear viewfinder and accurate shutter.<p>

 

Does anyone have a suggestion for a reputable and reliable source for these cameras.

Perhaps someone that specializes in repairing and selling them?<p>

 

I can find a pretty cheap one on ebay, but I don't want to spend $300 to clean and

repair it.<p>

 

Cosmetic condition is not important within reason.<p>

 

Thanks,

-bruce<p>

 

<center><a href= http://brucealangreene.com/websitejpgsfullresvertical/

parisdog.jpg"><img src="http://brucealangreene.com/websitejpgsfullresvertical/

parisdog.jpg"></a>

</center> </a><center>shot 30 years ago

with my uncle's IIIc</center>

Try Ritz Collectible Cameras in Phoenix. They have one entire case devoted to Retinas. Conveniently you don't have to visit Phoenix, given the average temperatures this time of year. They have a web page. http://www.ritzcam.com I have purchased quite a few cameras from them. Always been great.

You'd be wise to get a Retina IIC or IIIC (big C) so you can see to focus.

The IIa is a lovely camera to use, but the viewfinder is a bit of PITA, especially compared to the IIIC, and the r/f patch can be quite dim, especially in low light.

 

If you don't wear spectacles I'd suggest the IIa is an option if you can "try before you buy", (or at least get the option to return for full refund), if you wear spectacles, like I do, the IIIC is definitely the better bet.

 

The "weird shutter/iris interlock" can easily be considered as a bonus once you get used to it. Being able to move one control to adjust your depth of field, whilst keeping the exposure constant, is a feature I quite like ... one less thing to think about.

I find that the 1B is a usefull notebook camera. The big viewfinder is easy to use with glasses and the absence of a rangefinder just means I have to think a little more before pressing the shutter.

 

:-)))<div></div>

I agree with Harvey. I have a Retina Ib (small b) and the finder is very easy to use with glasses. The big B should be even better. No rangefinder though, but I have never had any problem with guesstimating the distance. The earlier Retinas, such as the IIa and Ia (and earlier) have very small viewfinders.

 

I find the interlocked aperture/shutter speeds convenient.

 

So my votes go to the Ib (or IB) and the IIc.

Ritz Collectable is good idea; I've found them to be helpful and honest folks.

 

However, a Retina IIa or Retina II is over 50 years old and should have a good CLA if you want to use it extensively. I have one of each, and they need and deserve regular exercise. Your $300 price level for a CLA seems quite high. You can do better.

Thanks for the responses so far!

 

Is the IIa viewfinder the same as on the IIIc?

 

I know that the IIIC is a much more expensive camera, and I will not be using the

optional lenses, so I don't need the frame lines for the 35 and 80mm lenses. I was

guessing that the IIIC viewfinder for 50mm lens was about the same size as the IIIc

full viewfinder. Am I wrong?

I've had mixed results with my Retina II and IIa cameras. They are capable of providing amazing quality images when everything is working, but getting one that has all components working as they should is a real challenge. I've bought several on eBay at prices that should have guaranteed performance, but there always seems to be something not quite right. My present IIa seems perfect, but the images just aren't completely sharp, and I suspect a problem with the infinity focus setting of the lens. The exception in the line for me has been my IIc; it looks and functions perfectly. The IIc had some major improvements in materials, design and workmanship, and I think it is probably a better bet than the earlier models.<br>    My impression of Ritz Collectibles is that they do a basic clean-up, but not a full CLA unless you ask for it. Their prices are on the high side, but I think they deliver what is promised if you are willing to pay.<br>    In spite of my problems with the Retina, I just can't seem to leave them alone. I recently picked up a Retina I (type 010) and am in the process of of restoring it now. So far, I've cleaned the shutter and lenses and glued the detached bellows. The lens has a few cleaning marks, but I'm hopeful they are not enough to significantly degrade the Xenar's performance. I could probably shoot the thing now, but I'm going spend a little more time on the cosmetics with this one to get rid of a few Zeiss bumps and clean up the overall finish on leather and metal.

B.G.,

 

The viewfinder in the IIIC is overall bigger and brighter than the one on the IIIc. I agree with some of the comments above about the excellence of the IIc. It is beautifully made and finished, and has a killer lens. It has no meter, so the weight and size are modest. However, I would recommend the IIC for the bright viewfinder. It's the same, only better!

Hi Bruce,

 

I've a Retina IIa that I very much enjoy using for B&W. Small, unobtrusive, pocketable, and the f2 Xenon is a wonderful lens.

 

Here's a shot I've posted before taken with my IIa. FWIW, I wear glasses, am over 50, and do not have trouble with the range/viewfinder.

 

Following up on a comment made to my previous posting of this image (Hi Mike E!), this was taken at Union Station in Washington DC before 9/11 when taking pictures in public transportation hubs didn't get the scrutiny that it might today.

 

Bottom line: If you find a nice IIa I don't think you'll regret the purchase.

 

Hope this helps! Let us know what you decide.

 

Ed B.

Bruce,

Another attempt to post the image directly . . .

Ed

As you can see by the above, I've had no success in posting the image directly despite resizing to less than the 511 pixel width limitation and being less than 100K in size. All I get is a link to the pic.

 

Anyone have a suggestion???

 

Ed B.

Ed you need to make sure the image is no wider than 500 pixels and don't forget to fill in the "Caption" field when submitting the image.

 

The IIa is so pocketable. In most cases the IIa will need a full CLA. As mentioned it rangefinder patch isn't very big or bright and I for one have to remove my eye-glasses to use the viewfinder. BTW , great photo of the dog rounding the corner.

B G, No, the viewfinder is much smaller on the IIa.

 

Ib, IIc and the IIIc has a larger one, and the ones with the big C has even larger finder, but framelines in it for the accessory lenses. They are also much more expensive.

 

Ib, and IB has a 2,8 Xenar lens.

 

IIc has a 2,8 Xenon or Heligon AND a rangefinder and no light meter.

 

I would choose one of those. They cost less than the IIIc, and many thinks that the 2,8 Xenon/Heligon is sharper than the 2,0 version.

I've had very good experiences buying used gear from Pacific Rim Camera (www.pacificrimcamera.com). I just checked their current on-line catalog, and they have a number of Retina models for sale. I've found Pacific Rim to be honest in their description of condition. They're good about responding to questions, and have always shipped my orders promptly and with lots of packing material.

I've had mixed experience with Pacific Rim. Their rating system for their eBay items frankly is horrible.

 

Now, back to the Retinas. I've felt the viewfinders on the IIc and IIIc (small c) to be a bit small and a bit dim. The Big C cameras have much better viewfinders, and you can simply ignore the framelines for the others lenses.

 

The advantage of the IIa is its compact size. The Ib/B, IIc/C and IIIc/C cameras are noticeably larger.

 

The crazy thing about the Big C models is that the prices are abnormally high -- sometimes selling for more than a Contax IIa or IIIa.

 

As with all of these older cameras, unless someone has worked on it, you should expect that it will need a CLA, so you should figure that into the cost.