Retina 1B- Instruction manual.

[laybie]

I have just purchased on eBay one of these wonderful cameras. It was the first camera I ever bought back in 1959,from Wallace Heaton in London.
Can anyone advise where i might locate a copy of the Owner's instruction Manual?
Thank you.

 

[aicardi]

Tried google?
http://www.butkus.org/chinon/kodak.htm

 

[laybie]

Yes and I ended up going nowhere, but I will try a new search.
Thanks.

 

[aicardi]

Here is the link to the 1b/1B.
http://http://www.butkus.org/chinon/kodak/kodak_retina_ib/kodak_retina_ib.htm

 

[laybie]

Thank you for the link. I actually found the site yesterday and downloaded the Manual for the 1b. He doesn't appear to have the 1B manual. It has been very helpful and I shot my first roll of B and W today.
The camera is so solid and a delight to hold. It appears to work perfectly, but maybe I should wait until I see the photos.

 

[aicardi]

The only difference in the two is the top plate with the larger viewfinder. Yours may have a meter as well. There were two 1B's, one without the meter and one with the meter. 019/I and 019/II.

 

[laybie]

Yes mine has the meter. I wasn't aware there were two versions.
Can one tell from the serial number the year of manufacture?
Thanks.

 

[RichL]

Yes mine has the meter. I wasn't aware there were two versions.
Can one tell from the serial number the year of manufacture?
Thanks.

Chris has the go to site for your Retina questions.

http://retinarescue.com/retina1btype019.html

 

[laybie]

Thanks. Just developed my first roll of film. Disaster. Not one single image out of 36 in focus.It looks like a shutter problem-all images appear as if they were shot at a speed of a second or more and no definition at all. I will go to the site you recommended.

 

[RichL]

Thanks. Just developed my first roll of film. Disaster. Not one single image out of 36 in focus.It looks like a shutter problem-all images appear as if they were shot at a speed of a second or more and no definition at all. I will go to the site you recommended.

It's not unusual for a camera that has sat for a long time to have sluggish lubricant. Hopefully that's all it is and a simple clean and lube will have you back in business.

Don't know if you have a photo shop on the island but there is (or used to be) a decent little camera shop in Market Square.

 

[laybie]

Thanks. No , no camera shops on the Island. By coincidence I am visiting New Zealand in February so I have made contact with Chris and have arranged to drop the camera in to him in Dunedin. Thanks for your help and advice.

 

[RichL]

Thanks. No , no camera shops on the Island. By coincidence I am visiting New Zealand in February so I have made contact with Chris and have arranged to drop the camera in to him in Dunedin. Thanks for your help and advice.

Enjoy your visit.
I know from personal experience that with Chris working on your camera you will end up with an excellent machine.