In praise of the Retina II

[julio1fer]

This is my preferred model in the Retina line: small size, RF, Xenon lens, simple film transport.

It was the first serious camera I owned, almost 60 years ago. A twin of that camera came into my hands, and using it brought a lot of memories.

Post your Retina II pictures! I start with some from my last roll.

Last one is a central crop, the others are full frame scans.Thanks for looking!

 

[Solinar]

Great back story with regards to the Retina II being your first camera. 70 years ago this was a luxury kleinbild travel camera. So, it was very well spec'd by Kodak AG.

 

[farlymac]

I can definitely see where the older film transport system would be a selling point on that model. I like my Ia, so upgrading to a II would be better.


PF

 

[Swift1]

I've been a big fan of the Retina II since first holding one at Blue Moon Camera about 10 years ago. I love the design, the size, and the feel/build quality. I've had a few different Retinas since then. Last summer I picked up this near immaculate early (I think) Type 14.

Here are a few photos I made with it,

Untitled by Colton Allen, on Flickr



Untitled by Colton Allen, on Flickr



Untitled by Colton Allen, on Flickr​

 

[Muggins]

George Lowe took a Retina II (can't remember exact model, sorry!) a very long way up Everest before Hillary reached the top with his second-hand Retina 118. Quite how he handled something so dinkt in extreme conditions I don't know.

 

[Swift1]

Here's another from my Type 014 Retina II.

From September 2019...

Untitled by Colton Allen, on Flickr
1949 Kodak Retina II
Schneider Kreuznach Retina-Xenon 50/2
Expired Ferrania Solaris 200
Epson V750​

 

[titrisol]

I have to agree, I joined the party very late with a 011, fun camera

 

[mconnealy]

I picked up a Retina II about 25 years ago when we lived in southern New Mexico.
People in Las Cruces never seemed to get out of their cars. When I felt the urge to do some street photography I would wander around El Paso with my Retina.

superheroes by Mike Connealy, on Flickr

 

[titrisol]

First roll, I'm not sure if the "glow" is due to the film being overdeveloped or due to a dirty lens (I cleaned it inside and out)

 

[Jamie Pillers]

I agree... the Retina cameras are beautiful jewels. I had a IIIc for a few years... loved it, and sorry I sold it!







San Francisco's Market Street with the Retina:

 

[qqphotos]

security gate

Retina IIIc, APX25, rodinal.