This is the camera that I took my first pictures with. It belonged to my dad, and he let me borrow it. It was followed by a Nikkormat FTn, and it got "left behind" somewhere along the path. There are quite a few on eBay, but it is really hard to tell if they are functional. I did buy a "for repair" unit, which is not functional, but has good glass. (Xenon f:2 50mm) I could even use one that has "bad glass" if the other functions are good. I'm not looking for a collector grade, just a functional user. I have looked at all the usual outlets, but am drawing a blank. Any suggestions?
AndyH
Loc: Massachusetts and New Hampshire
I have a IIIC, the same as my grandfather's. I did the CLA on it myself, and it functions beautifully and looks showroom new. I got the auxiliary viewfinder and lenses on eBay, after some serious waiting and searching. I have several Retina I and II models from my youth, and they are still functional.
If you have any skills at all, and some basic tools, they are quite easy to work on, and many parts are interchangeable. I highly recommend searching YouTube for Chris Sherlock's excellent, step-by-step videos on repairs. They will give you confidence to attempt repairs that might seem challenging at first. There are many parts cameras available on eBay, and you will take pride in restoring something that your dad would have loved. And if all else fails, Chris Sherlock, although he's located in New Zealand, can make any Retina look and act like new.
Good luck!
Andy
AndyH wrote:
I have a IIIC, the same as my grandfather's. I did the CLA on it myself, and it functions beautifully and looks showroom new. I got the auxiliary viewfinder and lenses on eBay, after some serious waiting and searching. I have several Retina I and II models from my youth, and they are still functional.
If you have any skills at all, and some basic tools, they are quite easy to work on, and many parts are interchangeable. I highly recommend searching YouTube for Chris Sherlock's excellent, step-by-step videos on repairs. They will give you confidence to attempt repairs that might seem challenging at first. There are many parts cameras available on eBay, and you will take pride in restoring something that your dad would have loved. And if all else fails, Chris Sherlock, although he's located in New Zealand, can make any Retina look and act like new.
Good luck!
Andy
I have a IIIC, the same as my grandfather's. I did... (
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Thanks! I have no problem tearing one down if I need to. I have a full set of jewelery tools and some experience with watches. (mostly pocket watches)
jeweler53 wrote:
This is the camera that I took my first pictures with. It belonged to my dad, and he let me borrow it. It was followed by a Nikkormat FTn, and it got "left behind" somewhere along the path. There are quite a few on eBay, but it is really hard to tell if they are functional. I did buy a "for repair" unit, which is not functional, but has good glass. (Xenon f:2 50mm) I could even use one that has "bad glass" if the other functions are good. I'm not looking for a collector grade, just a functional user. I have looked at all the usual outlets, but am drawing a blank. Any suggestions?
This is the camera that I took my first pictures w... (
show quote)
That's a beauty. Take a look here.
https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_from=R40&_trksid=p2380057.m570.l1313.TR2.TRC1.A0.H0.XKodak+Retina+IIa.TRS0&_nkw=Kodak+Retina+IIa&_sacat=0
AndyH
Loc: Massachusetts and New Hampshire
jeweler53 wrote:
Thanks! I have no problem tearing one down if I need to. I have a full set of jewelery tools and some experience with watches. (mostly pocket watches)
Jeweler, meet Chris Sherlock, world's greatest expert on Retinas of all kinds. His videos are awesome and provide everything you might need to know about repairing and restoring Retinas.
Andy
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBNcopU34d_pGsKTvRzHcsg
Hi, I have a IIIc that I purchased new in 1960. As far as I know, it works. Have not used it in 20 years. Let me know if you are interested. I have no idea of what it is worth.
Dave
When I went on active duty in the Navy I purchased a used Retina IIA at the Delaware Camera Mart in Buffalo. It was my first 35mm camera. Later I sold it after purchasing a Nikon Photomic at the exchange in Rota Spain. They both took excellent photos.
About 10 years ago I stumbled on a IIA in great condition at an antique mall. It was fully functional and even had the original leather case. I purchased it and every so often run a roll of BW through it. What a great little camera.
I have a few wonderful older cameras which are generally in very good condition, and which I’m planning to sell. (One of my prerequisites for originally buying was that they all be in excellent operating and cosmetic shape.). One of those is the Retina IIA. In fact, it is next on my list to test, then offer. If you are interested, PM me.
I have a large collection of retinas
I will get back to you
I finally found one that looked pretty good on eBay, and I have one for parts. Fingers crossed.
I have Retina IIIC, I use it the winter time because it small and have no problem carry it inside me heavy winter coat. Preset everything on the camera , pull it out from under the coat, take my picture back inside the coat it goes. The viewfinder is the best in a Retina IIIC.
I have 2 retina reflex s with 5 lenses and other odds and ends to go with if any interest. Bill. At hillbrook@windstream.net
I have 2. Retina reflex s. With 5 lens. Bill at hillbrook@windstream.net
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