Retina IIIC - Lower Lens Scales?

[JoeV]

I've used my IIIC for a number of rolls of film, haven't had any issues focusing or figuring DOF from the main (top) focus scale. But I was wondering what the lower set of distance scales on the Schneider Zenon lens are for (under the lens, adjacent to the flash sync lever).

I don't see any correlation between these scales and the main focus scales on the top of the lens. I'm sure a more experienced Retina user would be able to inform me.

Also, there are several distance marks on both scales with small circular marks; I'm assuming these are for depth of field at some assumed aperture setting, but again I'm not certain.

Any enlightenment that you can share would be appreciated.

~Joe

 

[Chris Sherlock]

The lower scales are for using the wide-angle or telephoto lenses.

Regards, Chris

 

[murpograph]

yes, you can measure the right distance by the rangefinder and then transfer it by the lower scale according to the used lens (35 mm or 80 mm). It's not very comfortable but precise. If you think about buying these accessory-front-elements be aware that they must correspond to the (main) 50 mm lens i.e. Rodenstock or Schneider-Kreuznach.

regards

 

[ZeissFan]

Using the accessory lenses is a bit cumbersome. The 35mm Curtagon shows some barrel distortion, so it's not the best choice for photographing doorways, for example.

By the way, that's a Xenon lens.

 

[murpograph]

There are Xenon lenses from Schneider-Kreuznach but as well Rodenstock-lenses . 50 mm lens is a Heligon. Don't know off hand the name of the Rodenstock wide-angle and tele-front-element.

regards
Udo

 

[kitaanat]

The "T" is for 4/80mm lens
The small triangle mark is for 5.6/35mm

It's a little bit complicate.
First, you focus with range finder and use the distant read to adjust the lower distant mark. For example if you use 80mm lens and your subject away from you 12 ft. (distant measure after focus) you need to set 12 ft to point at "T" mark located on the lower right of the body.

There is a snap mode too. For example 5.6/35mm lens the lower left distant mark will be used. You'll see a small circle at 12 ft. and you can have everything in focus by using f11. I got this info from Kodak Retina manual some where online.