A question for old time Kodak Retina experts (Page 2): I agree Andy. My Aunt (Army nurse) gave me the full kit when she returned from Germany in the early 1960s. I used it to learn...

Doc Barry Loc: Huntsville, Alabama USA

AndyH wrote:

As others have said, the easy answer is the interlock. Just slide the lever and reset the film counter. But if this doesn’t work, it could be the cocking rack, which is either expensive or difficult to repair. Chris Sherlock has extensive videos on YouTube.

It’s a wonderful camera and the Schneider lenses (the most common on US versions) are great. I have a full outfit and it’s one of my favorite 35s.

Andy

I agree Andy. My Aunt (Army nurse) gave me the full kit when she returned from Germany in the early 1960s. I used it to learn photography, got lots of gigs, and paid for most of my total costs while at the university. It is never used anymore, but has too many good memories to get rid of it.
Doc Barry

imagemeister Loc: mid east Florida

AndyH wrote:

As others have said, the easy answer is the interlock. Just slide the lever and reset the film counter. But if this doesn’t work, it could be the cocking rack, which is either expensive or difficult to repair. Chris Sherlock has extensive videos on YouTube.

It’s a wonderful camera and the Schneider lenses (the most common on US versions) are great. I have a full outfit and it’s one of my favorite 35s.

Andy

Thanks !

CamB Loc: Juneau, Alaska

imagemeister wrote:

I am looking at a Retina IIIc (small c) in a thrift shop. The shutter release is locked and the film advance is locked - with no film in the camera. Is there a simple way to unlock it to be able to trip and check the shutter ?? I know the Germans put a lot of inter-locks on these cameras ! Is this "normal" or is there a malfunction ?? Thanks for responding .....Larry
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Takes me way back. This was my first camera. Died when the strap broke at the top of a long cement stairway. Pieces flew off with every bounce.
...Cam

Spirit Vision Photography Loc: Behind a Camera.

I have a Kodak Retina III in mint condition. It sure is an odd rig. 🤔

AndyH Loc: Massachusetts and New Hampshire

Kiron Kid wrote:

I have a Kodak Retina III in mint condition. It sure is an odd rig. 🤔

Odd in what ways? To me, it seems very typical of late fifties rangefinder cameras, but with the added advantage of interchangeable front element lenses.

Andy

silverwren Loc: Alabama

I have a Retina 1a that my Dad bought in Germany in 1952. I used it in my college photography class in 1971. It is a great camera. It sat on the shelf for over 40 years and was frozen. I found a guy in New Zealand who is an expert. Sent it over (nervously) and got it back looking clean and prettier than ever. Works beautifully. Just my two cents worth.

jeweler53

My first camera was a IIa. It was stolen, but I recently bought a replacement and ran a roll through it just for fun.

Bill 45

Kiron Kid wrote:

I have a Kodak Retina III in mint condition. It sure is an odd rig. 🤔

If you don't want that odd rig. Give me reply and take it off your hands.

vg Loc: Kansas City area

If you cannot get it unlocked contact me, I have a retina 3c in working condition, I may be willing to part wit. It has the leather case also.

AndyT Loc: Hampstead, New Hampshire

I have a IIc. Beautifully designed camera. Mine has no meter as yours does, but I liked it because it was more compact.

rehess Loc: South Bend, Indiana, USA

imagemeister wrote:

I am looking at a Retina IIIc (small c) in a thrift shop. The shutter release is locked and the film advance is locked - with no film in the camera. Is there a simple way to unlock it to be able to trip and check the shutter ?? I know the Germans put a lot of inter-locks on these cameras ! Is this "normal" or is there a malfunction ?? Thanks for responding .....Larry
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There is a sense in which information about any Kodak equipment before Instamatics is "old time".