katsone Posted July 1, 2020 Share Posted July 1, 2020 Those sound like close-up lenses and I don't know how to use them with a rangefinder. The Retina had a bayonet front element and there were two (I think) alternate lenses you could mount in its place for tele and wide angle, though they may have been awkward as well. Need photo. Photos posted Conrad. Thanks for your reply. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
conrad_hoffman Posted July 1, 2020 Share Posted July 1, 2020 Looks like a 1b. Pretty sure the front element is removable to install the wide and tele option lenses. See the little rectangular tab? It probably has a red dot on it. Grab the knurled area and twist counterclockwise until the red dot on the tab lines up with the red dot on the black area, about 25 degrees. Pull straight out. Goes back in just the way you took it out. Now, most come out quite easily, but I've got one shutter assembly where the front element is so tight I'd never put that much force on a camera. No need to force it if it's stubborn, since you don't have anything else to install there. Handy to know how to do it in case the lens is hazy and needs cleaning in there. Very nice photos BTW. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kmac Posted July 2, 2020 Share Posted July 2, 2020 I do not believe that my original camera lens is removable on this model. If this clear anything up, that would be great! From Camerapedia - The front element can be removed just as with the IIc/C and IIIc/C models, but the reason for that is that the camera used the same bayonet mount for the front element to simplify production. The Ib/IB can't use the wide angle and tele accessory lenses.[2] 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
katsone Posted July 2, 2020 Share Posted July 2, 2020 Looks like a 1b. Pretty sure the front element is removable to install the wide and tele option lenses. See the little rectangular tab? It probably has a red dot on it. Grab the knurled area and twist counterclockwise until the red dot on the tab lines up with the red dot on the black area, about 25 degrees. Pull straight out. Goes back in just the way you took it out. Now, most come out quite easily, but I've got one shutter assembly where the front element is so tight I'd never put that much force on a camera. No need to force it if it's stubborn, since you don't have anything else to install there. Handy to know how to do it in case the lens is hazy and needs cleaning in there. Very nice photos BTW. It is a 1b, as I stated in my original post. Luckily the lens is crystal clear and I don't have any reason to remove the lens. My question was if anyone knew what the accessory lenses I have were for. Thanks for your comments Conrad.. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
conrad_hoffman Posted July 2, 2020 Share Posted July 2, 2020 From Camerapedia - The front element can be removed just as with the IIc/C and IIIc/C models, but the reason for that is that the camera used the same bayonet mount for the front element to simplify production. The Ib/IB can't use the wide angle and tele accessory lenses.[2] Yes, it appears the optical design is different, so can't use the alternate front element lenses. OTOH, it might be nice to find the close-up viewfinder to go with the close-up lenses. They're described on page 22 in the camera manual- https://www.cameramanuals.org/kodak_pdf/kodak_retina_ib.pdf 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kmac Posted July 2, 2020 Share Posted July 2, 2020 OTOH, it might be nice to find the close-up viewfinder to go with the close-up lenses. It's actually a mini rangefinder rather than a viewfinder. There are a few on the Bay right now ... here's one: Kodak Early Retina (Ia, IIa) Close Up Rangefinder Set - EX++ in Case | eBay 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rodeo_joe1 Posted July 2, 2020 Share Posted July 2, 2020 The Retina 1b shown has no built-in rangefinder, just a viewfinder. It uses scale focussing that requires knowing, or guessing at, the subject distance. If you know the dioptre value of those closeup 'filters', then you can work out the adjusted scale distance values for them. Probably given in the original leaflets that came packed with them. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
conrad_hoffman Posted July 2, 2020 Share Posted July 2, 2020 (edited) Just looking at the 'bay, it's amazing how many Retinas of all types are available right now at decent prices. When I looked a few years ago they were fewer and higher priced. Even a iiiC (big C) isn't crazy like it was some years ago. IMO, the lenses on all of them are just superb. My dad shot all the family photos, mostly Kodachrome, with a IIIc and I've got one stashed away as well. f4 EL-Nikkor (Sorry the title is wrong for that page- gotta change the html when I get a chance.) Edited July 2, 2020 by conrad_hoffman 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RCap Posted July 2, 2020 Share Posted July 2, 2020 My Retina IIIc which had a CLA done by Essex Camera Repair in 2011. Unfortunately Essex Camera Repair is no longer in business, they were my go to repair shop for most of my old classic manual cameras. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
katsone Posted July 3, 2020 Share Posted July 3, 2020 The Retina 1b shown has no built-in rangefinder, just a viewfinder. It uses scale focussing that requires knowing, or guessing at, the subject distance. If you know the dioptre value of those closeup 'filters', then you can work out the adjusted scale distance values for them. Probably given in the original leaflets that came packed with them. Unfortuantely there were no information leaflets in the boxes. This Retina has a "frame" viewfinder. Thanks Rodeo_Joe Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
katsone Posted July 3, 2020 Share Posted July 3, 2020 Just looking at the 'bay, it's amazing how many Retinas of all types are available right now at decent prices. When I looked a few years ago they were fewer and higher priced. Even a iiiC (big C) isn't crazy like it was some years ago. IMO, the lenses on all of them are just superb. My dad shot all the family photos, mostly Kodachrome, with a IIIc and I've got one stashed away as well. f4 EL-Nikkor (Sorry the title is wrong for that page- gotta change the html when I get a chance.) I know what you mean about the price coming down online. When I bought this, cleaned it up and realized how amazing the condition was, the going price for one in this condition was upwards of $300.00. I was VERY happy I made out so well! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rodeo_joe1 Posted July 3, 2020 Share Posted July 3, 2020 (edited) You can find the dioptre value - AKA focal length expressed as 1000mm/f - by measuring the distance from the lens to the sharp(est) image it projects of the sun. This measured focal length then becomes the focus distance when the auxillary lens is fitted to the camera, and the camera focus scale is set to infinity. Sounds complicated, but just requires a sunny day and use of a yardstick or tape measure. For distances other than infinity on the camera scale, it does require a bit of maths to work out. However, the difference made to the focussed distance is fairly minimal. I just worked out that a 1 dioptre (f = 1000mm) auxillary lens will allow focus to about 831mm with the lens scale set at 3 feet. So that's only a change of about 170mm in subject distance by rotating the camera lens all the way from infinity to minimum focus. A 2 dioptre (500mm) closeup lens allows focussing from 500mm to ~323mm as the scale is turned from infinity to 3 feet. Edited July 3, 2020 by rodeo_joe|1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rodeo_joe1 Posted July 3, 2020 Share Posted July 3, 2020 (edited) Ooops! Correction to above. The 1 dioptre CU 'filter' allows focussing from 1000mm down to around 477mm. A range of about 523mm. 3 dioptres covers from 333mm down to 244mm. So it's likely that the 1, 2 & 3 filter designations are the dioptre values; allowing focussing from 3 feet down to 244mm in three slightly overlapping ranges. In addition, combining the filters gets you 4, 5 & 6 dioptres - sorry about the mathematical pun! P.S. I'm not sure the accessory rangefinder would be of any use with those CU lenses. It would need separate scales and calibration for each lens. So I don't think the add on rangefinder has anything to do with the CU dioptres. Edited July 3, 2020 by rodeo_joe|1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kmac Posted July 3, 2020 Share Posted July 3, 2020 Here it is in a nutshell for 1b Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rodeo_joe1 Posted July 5, 2020 Share Posted July 5, 2020 Hmm. A rangefinder stuck two inches above, one inch to the side of, and a further inch behind the taking lens - at subject distances of less than 3 feet!? About as much use as the proverbial chocolate teapot I would think. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jon_wason Posted July 7, 2020 Share Posted July 7, 2020 Made in Germany? Yes. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ross_lipman Posted October 7, 2020 Share Posted October 7, 2020 A Retina IIIc passed through my possession several years ago. I shot a few rolls of film, and recall it delivering very sharp photos, with excellent contrast and slightly warm colors...almost a glow to radiants. Nice and underrated camera. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rodeo_joe1 Posted October 7, 2020 Share Posted October 7, 2020 Yes. I'm well aware that Retinas were made in Germany. It's clearly stamped on the camera. My question mark was aimed at this statement: These may have been the last great American film cameras. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
conrad_hoffman Posted October 7, 2020 Share Posted October 7, 2020 Well, it was made in Germany but sold by Kodak. That makes it like when you order a sub with Swiss cheese and they ask if Swiss-American is OK. I always ask, "What the heck is that? Cheese with a dual passport?" 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hunter_compton Posted October 28, 2020 Share Posted October 28, 2020 I hate to be this guy, but since we happen to have a large number of IIIc owners here, I figured I'd ask. Does anyone have a IIIc parts camera hanging around? I have a IIIc with a dead galvanometer and missing flap on the meter cell. The selenium cell is still active though. I'd like to buy a IIIc meter assembly if anyone has one, otherwise, If anyone can measure the aperture in the flap, I can fabricate a new one. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
conrad_hoffman Posted October 28, 2020 Share Posted October 28, 2020 A caution on the meters. The parts between seemingly identical cameras may not physically fit each other. I had a similar problem with a broken flap hinge and couldn't find a replacement assembly that would fit. Reminds me of a joke comment on a machinist's drawing, "File to fit, weld to suit." I'll try and measure the aperture for you. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
conrad_hoffman Posted October 29, 2020 Share Posted October 29, 2020 Under a measuring microscope, the hole in the door over the meter is 0.059". Since the camera is German, I'm guessing they drilled with a 1.5 mm bit. Or maybe they punched it. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rodeo_joe1 Posted October 29, 2020 Share Posted October 29, 2020 I'm guessing they drilled with a 1.5 mm bit. A 1.5mm drill fits the hole almost perfectly, and since a +/- 9% change in diameter keeps you within an error of 1/4 stop; I'd say that was close enough. The Hi/Lo flap has a little slot in its edge to form a latch BTW. And it's sprayed matt black inside. Good luck finding a working galvo! 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hunter_compton Posted October 29, 2020 Share Posted October 29, 2020 Much appreciated gentlemen. This will help me fabricate a new part. The galvanometer may be tricky, I may have to buy a second parts camera and hope it doesn't have the same problem. One of the things I have found through research is that the IIIc is the only Retina to use this meter assembly, whereas the IIIC shares the same meter assembly as the IB, retinette IIb, IIS, reflex and reflex S. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rodeo_joe1 Posted October 31, 2020 Share Posted October 31, 2020 The galvanometer may be tricky Hows about a miniature circuit and LCD display instead? That would make for a unique looking Retina - perhaps a model IIIe? 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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