Retina IIa, first attempts!!

[Stratman]

Finally shot a roll through my fathers Retina IIa today, and had em put on a CD. Missed focus on a few, a few were somewhat overexposed, but I am fairly pleased with the results, considering I have never shot with it before. Used an old Kalimar Light Meter to set exposure, Kodak Gold 200 film. A little PP on these, and resizing.

Click the thumbnail for larger size.

 

[ZeissFan]

What's particularly notable about these are that they were shot in some high-contrast conditions. The single-coated Xenon has held the highlights very nicely. Even the highlights on the hosta aren't too badly burned out.

Oddly enough, a more modern lens would have difficulty with this. And forget digital in that scene, right? Well, I supposed you could combine exposures or shoot for the highlights and then work the photo in PS.

Good work.

What's the story about the camera? When did your father buy it? Do you still have any photos that he took with it?

 

[Stratman]

I asked him when he bought it, and he said he thinks he bought it 15 or so years ago at a garage sale. I asked him how much he paid for it, and he doesn't remember, but he did say he knows he didn't pay MUCH for it, haha, he is a bargain hunter for sure. He couldn't remember if he had ever shot with it.

For it's age, it is in remarkable shape.