Retina IIIC Sunday walkaround

[bernard_lazareff]

<p>I bought this Retina IIIC in June. I already had a Retina I and a Retinette; so, I needed the Retina IIIC; logical; and who will argue against logic? Slow shutter speeds (1/15"-1") will need attention. Focusing test seems to indicate that, focusing by the r/f (@1m distance) actual focus is ~50mm behind the target, and the distance scale seems to agree with that; so it's the r/f that needs a slight adjustment.<br>

All pictures were taken near home on a Sunday morning. Film: APX100. Developed in Rodinal 1:50 10', agitation at 30" intervals. Really pleased with the tonality, much more than with, recetly Delta400 or HP5 (driven by circumstances) in HC-110.<br>

But, first, the inevitable camera portrait. Same film & development, only shot with Micro-Nikkor 55/2.8 @ f/11.<br>

Then a few shots, with a more complete collection at:<br>

http://bernard.lazareff.perso.sfr.fr/public_html/2007-07-Retina_IIIC/</p>

<div></div>

[bernard_lazareff]

<p>On picture above, the period film case does not say "135" or 24x36, but "for Leica, Contax, Foca". Why did Gevaert leave out the Retina?<br>

First some repurposed bathtubs (drinking spots for cattle).</p><div></div>

[bernard_lazareff]

<p>Next, a pathway</p><div></div>

[bernard_lazareff]

<p>Images were scanned at 2700 dpi with an LS-2000, downscaled to 1350dpi (and further downscaled for PN display). In the next image you are looking at a crop from a 1250x1875 pixel image, i.e. at the ~100dpi resolution of a typical screen the full image would be >12x18 inch.</p>

[bernard_lazareff]

<p>Oops. Got caught by the "notify me" button. Here is the image (I hope)</p><div></div>

[starvy]

<p>From pictures they always look like such a well built camera.</p>

[bernard_lazareff]

<p>@SG. The few reservations I made about the state of that 60(?) year old camera should not be misunderstood. It is indeed a very well built camera as far as I can judge.</p>

[JDMvW]

<p>The "Pathway" especially is an image highly appropriate to the camera.</p>

<p>Nice work.</p>

<p>Since I have a sort of Dresden bias, I've liked the Welta cameras better than the Retinas, but my only copy of the latter has some 'fog' in the lens, so it's not a fair comparison, I acknowledge.</p>

[tony_lockerbie]

<p>I always thought that the Retinas are not only well made, but very atractive to look at as well. The Xenons from that era a bit prone to fogging, but if you find a clear one the results are great. The pathway photo displays a very nice quality.<br>

Gevaert obviously didn't recognise the existance of Retinas, or maybe they just hadn't made their presence felt at that time. I think that Kodak first produced the 35mm cassette for their Retina cameras, making 35mm much more accessible and popular.</p>

[bob_riley1]

<p>I have a slew of Retina's including the big C.</p>

<p>Was there any difference between the Xenon f/2.0s and 2.8s on any of them? My understanding is that the f/2.8 lens was the same as the f/2.0 but the aperture control was mechanically limited.</p>

[subbarayan_prasanna]

<p>I like the Pathway too. Has the looks of early American paintings of the rural landscape. Thanks for the post. sp.</p>

[gnashings]

<p>Another fan of the pathway here. Mind you, I thought you did a great job with the tubs - I rather like that image as well. A Retina is one of those cameras that I always mean to get into...</p>

[rod_larson]

<p>When you get hooked on Retinas, there is no logic, only rationalization.</p>

<p>Great post. Always enjoy seeing what a Retina in good hands can do.</p>

[bernard_lazareff]

<p>Just after completing my post, I came across:<br>

http://www.photo.net/classic-cameras-forum/00Z3Jw<br>

where some PNetters express that they prefer photos to be included rather than linked, and/or that they won't bother to follow the links. Accordingly I post two more pictures inline.</p><div></div>

[bernard_lazareff]

<p>Last. A decaying Citroën van. Characteristic body made of corrugated metal.</p><div></div>

[Troll]

<p>"All pictures taken near home..."</p>

<p>Where's home?</p>

[chuck_foreman1]

I too am pleased with the pathway. Interesting cut of path and pasture, tough contrast well balanced. I too am interested by the lack of reference to Kodak on the film container? I could find this on linetoo , but weren't all Kodak Retinas post-war? I have moxed feelings on their design, some are better than others! I prefer the smaller early models, but my ignorance may be appalling as I don't feel I know this line as well as.... umm... some others!

[bernard_lazareff]

<p>@ all: thank you for the kind comments<br>

@ Bill: see maps below. Grenoble/Chamrousse was the place of the 1968 winter games where Killy won gold in downhill, slalom, and giant.</p><div></div>