Kodak Retina Reflex III

[jason_withers]

<p>So, I thought I would post up some pics of my camera. It's from circa 1961 (small selenium meter version). It came with the small 50mm f/2.8 lens when I originally got it, but I've acquired the 50mm f/1.9, 28mm f/4, and 135mm f/4. I also found a close-up lens set and a tripod accessory adapter. It's been a great camera so far, and shots from the f/1.9 lens have been very sharp! The meter is pretty accurate and it's great that it doesn't use batteries!<br>

I love the quirkiness of these cameras, from the front-mounted shutter release, to the bottom mounted rapid wind lever; even the bottom exposure counter!<br>

Does anyone else use one of the Retina Reflex series cameras?<br>

<a href="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6153/6193497477_d267fd639e_m.jpg">http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6153/6193497477_d267fd639e_m.jpg</a><br>

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[marc_rochkind]

I do!

 

Here's my post from not long ago about my original Retina Reflex:

 

http://www.photo.net/classic-cameras-forum/00ZAI4

[jean_moxhet]

<p>Yes... and no ;-)<br>

My Retina IIIs (rangefinder, nice camera) use same lenses as the Retina Reflex. I have the 28, 35 , basic 50 and the 135. Initially I bought all of that in way to use the lenses on my Bessamatic (after little dremel operation) but finaly I use both camera with same pleasure.<br>

I still have to search for a 50 1.9. and for the 35mm Voigtlander.</p>

[jason_withers]

<p>Marc,<br>

Your pics are great! Glad your Reflex is still working. Seems like so many have problems, but I guess that can be expected from being around 50+ years without a cleaning. I had mine CLA'd about 4 years ago, and it has been performing well since then.<br>

Jean, which lenses will fit the Retina Reflexes (other than the Kodak brand) without having to dremel them?</p>

[joachim_larsen]

<p>I have the first version. I dont use it very often, because the shutter and the mirror sometimes get out of sync leaving a bright area in the top half of the picture. Its not a light leak. At shutter speeds below 1/15, the shutter sometimes stays open, but at faster speeds I just have to press the release fast enough to avoid extreme sync problemes.<br>

Its an old but very well constructed camera. I try to shoot one roll a year in August or September. The lens is sharp and excellent for colour photography.<br>

In this example you can see a bright area in the top stone near the camera.<br>

A CLA would be nice, but I didnt pay very much for this camera, and I can live with the limitations and minor faults. Its fun to use, and at least 50% of my pictures are fine. From a technical point of view of course!<br>

<img src="http://www.h783.dk/REALA/RRflex_stone.JPG" alt="" width="600" height="400" /><br>

Retina Reflex (I), Kodak Farbwelt 200, Nikon Coolscan V</p>

[starvy]

<p>I don't use them but had always wanted one with all the bells and whistles! They are full of character and the lenses are very good performers.</p>

[a._t._burke]

<p>Gentlepersons and fellow Retina enthusiasts...</p>

<p>There is a fellow named Mr. Jacques Decooman in Braine-l'Alleud, Belgium, who rebuilds and/or sells rebuilt, the nicest working Retinas. He bought up most of the factory repair parts from the “authorized repair station” some time ago. He can also get the shutter speeds the closest to “par” of any camera repair or re-builder I’ve used. I have a shutter tester. The most that any one of the speeds on all four of my cameras re-built by him are off, is 10%. Most are closer than 1/2 the needle width on my meter. That is remarkable accuracy with those mechanical shutters. I’ll bet they are closer than when they left the factory 50 + or - years ago.</p>

<p>A. T. Burke</p>

[tony_lockerbie]

<p>I also have the original model as well as a 111. The 111 works every now and then and suffers from the usual spotty viewfinder. Still, these are lovely cameras with great lenses, and have the nicest chromework of any classic camera, truly a joy to behold.</p>

[brett_rogers]

 

No Retina Reflex yet, but I own and love a Bessamatic and many Contaflice so I guess it is inevitable. I'd like one, and I'd use it, too.

 

 

<blockquote>

<p>I do!<br>

Here's my post from not long ago about my original Retina Reflex:<br>

<a rel="nofollow" href="00ZAI4">http://www.photo.net/classic-cameras-forum/00ZAI4</a></p>

</blockquote>

<p>How did you get on with the Contaflex, Marc? I explained to you what the cause of its problem is in the thread you linked to, no response received to date...<br />Regards,</p>

 

 

<p> </p>

 

 

[steve m smith]

<blockquote>

<p>Does anyone else use one of the Retina Reflex series cameras?</p>

</blockquote>

<p>One? No. I have three!</p>