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jason_withers

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Posts posted by jason_withers

  1. <p>I use the Retina Reflex III as my main 35mm camera after I had it overhauled in 2007. When I first purchased it online, it worked perfectly and the selenium meter was spot on. It only came supplied with the 50mm f2.8 lens, but I later purchased the 50mm f1.9, 28mm, and 135mm. The Reflex III was one of the best cameras around in 1961 when it debuted and was rather expensive in terms of cameras at that time.<br>

    At that time, Eastman Kodak was the company to go to for photography and they made a whole line of accessories for these reflex cameras. I have bought several more accessories, including the bottom-mounted tripod adapter, type-1 rotary flash, flash adapter for the rotary flash, f1.9 field case, and some other things. The camera looks really cool with its matching rotary flash attached and I always get questions when I go taking pics with it! The m2b flash bulbs aren't hard to find on places like e-bay. <br>

    Anyways, the camera is really special to me and I thoroughly enjoy everything about it! <br>

    For those that want to get their Retina Reflex cameras repaired, definitely look up Chris Sherlock in New Zealand. <a href="http://rawhiti.tripod.com/">http://rawhiti.tripod.com/</a></p>

  2. <p>The film segment is reasonably strong still. You can visit the Kodak website and see which recent films have been produced on Kodak motion picture film. I believe even Madonna's new movie WE was also shot on the Kodak Vision 3 line of films in 16mm and 35mm.<br>

    <a href="http://motion.kodak.com/motion/Customers/Productions/index.htm">http://motion.kodak.com/motion/Customers/Productions/index.htm</a><br>

    Kodachrome was in a league by itself, Velvia just couldn't do what Kodachrome did with color. Even the newer Ektachromes really can't be beat by what the competition has brought to market. It is a shame that some of their competitors like Fuji got their foot in the door in the 70's... Kodak should have snubbed them out when they had the chance.</p>

  3. <p>I visited Kodak.com today to view their digital cameras, and I noticed that the Easyshare Max (<a href="http://store.kodak.com/store/ekconsus/en_US/pd/MAX_Camera/productID.221644300">http://store.kodak.com/store/ekconsus/en_US/pd/MAX_Camera/productID.221644300</a>) camera has several different "film effects" available ( most notable: Kodachrome, Kodacolor, Ektachrome, Tri-x, T-max). I wasn't aware that any other camera had this many film-like effects to add to pictures or that Kodak had done this before. I found a sample pic showing the different effects here: <a href="http://g-ecx.images-amazon.com/images/G/02/uk-electronics/shops/kodak/aplus/M532_film_effect_large._V183386413_.jpg">http://g-ecx.images-amazon.com/images/G/02/uk-electronics/shops/kodak/aplus/M532_film_effect_large._V183386413_.jpg</a><br>

    Anyways, I thought it was interesting, especially since a lot of people were saddened when Kodachrome production ceased. It's hard to tell how the effects compare with the real film, but it's cool that Kodak incorporated this into a camera!</p>

    <p>-JW</p>

  4. <p>Dave, that's really a beautiful camera once you cleaned it up! It looks very german to me. Unfortunately, I'm not very savvy when it comes to camera repairs.<br>

    I did locate some advice on the curtain issue. I'm not sure it is the same problem, but maybe it will help you...<br>

    <a href="http://www.kyphoto.com/classics/forum/messages/2/18305.html?1269426201">http://www.kyphoto.com/classics/forum/messages/2/18305.html?1269426201</a></p>

  5. <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>

  6. <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>

    <a href="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6160/6194010476_2b6449f372_m.jpg">http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6160/6194010476_2b6449f372_m.jpg</a><br>

    <a href="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6168/6193495179_da963ff62c_m.jpg">http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6168/6193495179_da963ff62c_m.jpg</a><br>

    <a href="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6020/6194009062_3db12fefa4_m.jpg">http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6020/6194009062_3db12fefa4_m.jpg</a><br>

    <a href="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6018/6194013400_224498fe7e_m.jpg">http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6018/6194013400_224498fe7e_m.jpg</a></p>

  7. <p>Yeah, it seems more and more films are falling off the map since demand is dwindling. I like digital for it's convenience but curse it for accelerating films decline. I haven't used much in terms of Fuji film, but I forsee the same thing happening with Velvia and Provia that happened to Kodachrome down the line.</p>
  8. <p>I agree with the previous post. If Kodak is developing newer Super 8 films (which is great), why not produce films that a majority of the Super 8 cameras out there can read, in addition to the newer ones? Wouldn't more people purchase the film then? Super 8 cameras haven't been built for many years, but a majority read 40 and 160 ASA. I understand why Kodachrome 40 movie film was discontinued, but why axe Ektachrome 160? Was it a different process for developing than the current Ektachrome 100D? Fell out of flavor? I'd prefer a film that was grainy in a camera I can use versus finer grained film in a camera that can't read the film notch, especially since some cameras can't accept ND filters. I recently bought a Canon 814 that is supposed to be able to read the new 100 speed film (haven't tried it yet though), but we will see! <br>

    I am happy though that Kodak is continuing to support this medium.. fantastic company!</p><div>00WRs4-243649584.jpg.96e97ab079e2634ac65503524db2e754.jpg</div>

  9. I have and use a Kodak Cavalcade model 510 slide projector with a zoom lens. The image displayed on the screen is beautiful, plus the projector has a high and low bulb wattage setting that one can use, depending on the density of the slide being used. It's a heavy unit and uses the straight 40 slide tray. It works well for my needs!<div>00PKD9-43196084.thumb.jpg.67ea67dbbaaeb1cb1347c6ff46e7fc72.jpg</div>
  10. Hi Kevin,

     

    I have a pretty good experience with the Kodak Retina Reflex III model. I think that any camera that is 30-40 years old should have a CLA performed. It will benefit the camera in the long run and will likely operate more smoothly. I would agree that the Retina Reflex III and IV can be difficult to work on, but the lenses are superb and really can perform alongside the Bessamatic, if not better than, especially the 50mm f1.9 lens. I don't think that a CLA of $125.00 is all that much, considering what went into those cameras in the 1960's (They were $125 retail then!) Yeah, they are complex and do require care when using. They are relatively cheap on places like e-bay. The Reflex III and IV really are great cameras! Hope this helps!

  11. I third the film counter check. Just slide the arrow until you get past the diamond shape and then press the shutter release and attempt to slowly swing out the film advance lever.

     

    If you just received the Retina Reflex III and it hasn't been used in some 30 years, I would definitely take it for a complete CLA (make sure the company working on your camera has worked on the Kodak Reflexes before). There are so many moving parts inside these cameras they are very difficult to work on, but superb performers. I think a typical CLA ia around $100-$125, but well worth it when you have a properly working camera. ( I took mine to my local photo shop, who in turn sent it off, and it came back with "new" dust in the viewfinder and lens, and they charged $160!) Happy picture taking!

  12. Hi Andre.

     

    Is your main reason for considering the Nikon F2, F3, etc. series of camers because you will have access to a large selection of lenses? I have a few favorites that are pretty good performers (and cheap nowadays!) The Canon Ftb is a good choice (I think someone else mentioned this camera). I used it while in high school and a little bit in college. I used it to produce some really great pictures with a Canon 50mm lens (and a 28mm I think). The Pentax K-1000 is a great, robust, user friendly camera as well, and will give you access to a huge selection of lenses. Although, my personal favorite is still the Kodak Retina Reflex III (used that more in college). However, you would only have access up to a 200mm lens, and that can be rare to find (still a comparable camera to the Canon F2's regarding performance, maybe not features). I'm sure some in here think that camera is too antiquated/difficult to use today, compared to what was available in the 80's and 90's.

     

    I did see that some user mentioned the electronics in the AE-1 starting to die. Personally, I much prefer a camera that doesn't have to rely on batteries, etc. for meter readings., but the Ftb and K-1000 are still great choices I think. You should be able to get by without the 1/4000 shutter speed.

     

    If you have your heart set on Canon, take a look at the Ftb. (You could drop that tank and it would still work probably).

  13. I currently own the Kodak P880 camera and found it to be a great high-end consumer camera. After reading the instruction manual, it is pretty easy to use and really delivers excellent pictures. I do not think the lag time to save pictures in long at all; I don't know off hand any digital camera that offers this instantaneously. With a current MSRP of $399.99 from Kodak, it is an excellent buy. I'm also glad that Kodak decided to continue with the Schneider-Kreuznach lenses; they feature great optics in my book.
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