Kodak Retina II question

[jon_flanders]

I just inherited a Retina II from my late Uncle Bill. The shutter is OK. The glass cleaned up nicely with Windex, and I just ran a test roll through it to see what it will do, if there are light leaks etc.

A couple of problems. Sometimes the advance stops before it is completely wound. I can free it by pulling backward on the rewind lever on the left side and finish the advance.
Any fix for this? Its an annoyance.

The rangefinder is very dim, I can only use it by looking at a light. If I take the top off, are there any problems to watch for, and is the rangefinder cleanable?

 

[Tom Harrell]

I have a Retina IIa that I bought at a junk store. I took it home and ran a roll of film through it. Doing so I discovered that I had to ratchet the wind lever a partial stroke to finish the wind. I figure they are either manufactured that way, like a double stroke M3 or else they need a CLA. Perhaps someone else out there will see your post and add some information. I like the little camera, seems to be well made and does a respectable job of taking pictures.

Tom

 

[dazedgonebye]

I inherited mine as well...from my father-in-law.
My IIa works fine with a single stroke. I don't believe the double stroke is normal for any Retina.
The wind mechanism has a reputation for being delicate. I would proceed with caution in any case.
My viewfinder is not as bad as you describe, but it is small and a bit dim at its best.
I've only got a few rolls through mine, but the results are certainly respectable and I think it's a fun and challenging camera.
http://www.pbase.com/dazedgonebye/retina

 

[VictorM.]

Here's more Retina info: http://homepages.ihug.co.nz/~Srawhiti/index.html. Unfortunately, the lever wind mechanism is a bit delicate.

 

[dazedgonebye]

At one point, I considered having my Retina IIa CLA'd as a matter of preservation. I emailed around and I believe it was going to cost over $100. I still might do it because of the sentimental value of my copy (I wouldn't mind passing it to one of my boys some day as a link to their Grandfather.) But, without that sentimental value, I'm not sure I'd be willing to lay out that kind of money.
If you're handy and brave.... Follow VictorM's link. You might find some repair advice.
For me, I'd just be destroying it if I opened it up.