Kodak Retina IIc and IIIC Questions

[JoyF]

I've got these two cameras that are in great shape. My questions are, why does the rapid winding lever act like it is locked sometimes? Is there a locking mechanism on these cameras or do you need film in them for certain functions to work? If the shutter does not appear to be working properly, how could I troubleshoot? Any advice on these is appreciated.

 

[johnf04]

The wind lever will lock when the film counter reads "1". The manual for the IIc also mentions the "film release" button - to deal with any blockage of the wind lever. This is the button inside the curve of the lever.
If the shutter is not working correctly, an overhaul may be needed. Chris Sherlock is the man for this: http://retinarescue.com/

 

[Dpingr1]

The advance locks when the film counter counts down to one -- you have to then advance the counter manually using the handy little buttons until it is again at 36, or any number other than 1. Every Retina owner should know about Chris Sherlock's website -- it's a treasure trove of info on these cameras, and includes manuals for both of yours. retinarescue.com

 

[madNbad]

Use the button (with the arrow) on the back to advance the frame counter. The button on the top will release the wind mechanism. +1 for Sherlocks' website!

L1030879 (1) by Michael DeLuca, on Flickr

 

[JoyF]

Thanks a lot, guys. I'm going to try to figure it out with your help. I was on Sherlock's website and looked at the manuals some. There does seem to be a wealth of info there!

 

[colyn]

Here is the downloadable .pdf manual for this camera..

http://www.cameramanuals.org/kodak_pdf/kodak_retina_iic_small.pdf

If the advance is locking up before the counter counts down to 1 it will need service.

 

[madNbad]

Try "exercising" the shutters a bit. Work through all of the speed a few times and see if it helps. A good cleaning will brighten the viewfinder and make everything smoother. You will find they slip into a pocket and are very convenient to carry around. Good luck and have fun!

 

[JoyF]

Thanks for all the help!

 

[JoyF]

The advance and wind lever seem to be working fine on both cameras, and I was able to get the shutter to work a few times on one but then it seemed to lock up. Now on both cameras I pull the wind lever, but can not get the shutter release button to perform its action, and because of this I presume the wind lever then locks up until I advance the frame counter. Is there something I may be doing to lock the shutter release button?

 

[JoyF]

Okay, I should have read more instructions earlier. Went to reading and now both cameras appear to be working fine.🙂 Thanks!