Discovered a previously unknown Retina IIIS accessory

[pshinkaw]

I just received an ”Instamatic Reflex Close-up Lens” set, “Type N” for a nominal price on e-Bay. Since it was a 2 piece, 29.5mm set, I figured it would fit my other cameras that have 29.5 mm filter rings too. The auction description included a few words on an extra plastic device that looked like a viewfinder protector.

Turns out that it is really a selenium cell cover for a Retina IIIS rangefinder (Retina Reflex III also). Since it is a dense but somewhat translucent cream-colored plastic, I presume that it is actually an incident light cover for the reflected meter. Nonetheless, it is a perfect fit on both Retina’s (I wonder if it also fits a Retina IIIC (big C). It has no hole to attaché a string, so most of them have probably been lost over the years. That’s probably why I have never seen one before.

The close-up set came with focusing tables. If anyone needs a detailed set of instructions on using lenses like these, PM me and I’ll send you a scan.

-Paul

 

[VetPsychWars]

Yes, it's the incident filter-thingie for the light meter. Probably fits most, if not all of the Retinas with a light meter.

Inside the eveready case is an elastic loop. That's where you store it.

I like my Bessa-R but I sure wish I hadn't sold off all of my Kodak Retina stuff... I had pretty much everything, IIIS, Reflex S, and a significant number of the accessories.

Tom