First one.

B

Blooze

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Feb 18, 2013
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91
Picked this up today while out and about. Probably paid a bit too much for it at $65, but it appears in good shape and the shutter seems to be off below 1/15 and wanting to stick below 1/4. Lens is clear,clean and the rangefinder appears to work. Came with the never-ready case, but the strap for the top lid was broke.

I've always wanted to try a camera like this and have been reading some good things about the IIc. I'm just getting back to film after 30 years so this should be fun!

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This is a great choice. You don't need the slow speeds anyway! Just don't be rough with the advance lever (ease it back rather than letting it snap back into place). The lens will not disappoint.
 
When I had one of these the shutter was off on the slow speeds but it gradually sorted itself with use. Not a fan of the viewfinder/rangefinder on these, but love the ergonomics with the bottom winder, and the lens is great. I was really surprised just how good the lens is.
 
You will be VERY surprised by the output of the lens on this camera. These Retina cameras are super underrated, in my opinion. Image quality is superb.
 
Agree about the lens. Also, I think they got things right with the C series. The IIa is smaller and fits in more pockets, and is a gem in its own right, but these cameras have a real camera solidity and precision. They just feel right. And they still fit in some pockets. Exercise the shutter on the higher speeds and eventually the slow speeds may loosen up. If not, you may decide that the camera is worth the price of a CLA.
Randy
 
me too!!! :D:eek::cool:

welcome to rff!!!

good going there. i just bought one (a retina II) on-line a day ago.

please post some images when you can.

breathe, relax and enjoy.
laugh more, smile more...i do whenever I get near a mirror. :D:p:D
sming gecko, aka kenneth
 
$65 was a steal. I paid $105 on the Goodwill auction and the viewfinder was like looking through mud. (I never purchased an item from them that was even close to usable.) It cost $110 to repair. But, it does take great photos.
 
Welcome to the Retina world.. They are all fine cameras. I'm using the IIa, IIc, and IIIc/C cameras..
 
Thanks everyone. Got some film coming in the mail right now. I'm hoping to get back into b&w film developing and then most likely scan to start with. If I can get some useable photos out of the Retina, I may send it off to Chris in NZ to get a CLA this summer. Now, to get a light meter!
 
matt_mcg2 said:
When I had one of these the shutter was off on the slow speeds but it gradually sorted itself with use. Not a fan of the viewfinder/rangefinder on these, but love the ergonomics with the bottom winder, and the lens is great. I was really surprised just how good the lens is.
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I was surprised how easily I came to get used to the bottom winder on my IIIc. The aperture setting on the other hand...
 
CliveC said:
I was surprised how easily I came to get used to the bottom winder on my IIIc. The aperture setting on the other hand...
Click to expand...

I'm putting the first roll through it this weekend, actually my first roll of film in 20+ years, and I have to agree. Changing the aperture setting to a specific shutter speed is not for anyone in a hurry.

I have a handful of film cameras now, but this one was the one calling to me in 35mm. Hopefully it proves to be working fine and I don't mess up my first film developing exercise after all this time.
 
Realized I hadn't posted any photos from this camera :)

I've only put one roll through it (Arista Premium 400) and realized the shutter is sticking pretty good if it sits for a day or more, evidenced by the 3-4 blank frames between shoots. I like what I'm getting out of the lens, but my scanning ability leaves a lot to be desired. Here are a couple of shots from that first roll. The light here is very contrasty most days and these show that. The negatives where spot on sharp when I checked with a loupe, I just need to get some better holders for my scanner.

This camera is definitely going off to Chris for a CLA. A definite keeper.

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It'll definitely be worth having the Retina serviced. As you've already discovered the lens is fantastic - as good as anything else I've got. I bought my 11c from a Belgian guy whose hobby is to service Retinas for sale. I paid about £200 for mine which seemed a lot at the time but I've never regretted it.
 
It will be great to get a whole roll of photos like those two, Blooze. Definitely send it off, well worth the money.

PF
 
Great photos from the camera, and great photos period. I have never had a Retina, but have a couple of Weltis and 4 Weltinis by Welta. Very much a contemporary of the Retinas, or vice versa. Many of the old folders were really great. I don't use them as much as I would like, but they never disappoint.
 
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