Retina IIIc with Heligon

[julio1fer]

Got locally a nice Retina IIIc with Heligon lens:

The meter works perfectly. Results from the first roll are encouraging. I had no reference for the Heligon lens - it is on par with the best I have.

I still have to get used to the handling. For instance, every time I grab the camera I manage to open the meter window!

 

[raid]

Very nice, Julio. I do not have this lens on my two Retina cametas.

 

[Brian Legge]

I know what you mean about the meter cover - I have the same issue. One of these times I'm going to accidentally break that cover off. :/

Very nice shots btw.

 

[farlymac]

I've always liked Rodenstock lenses, from the time when I had a Polaroid 110B. The one on the Iloca Aut-O-Mat that wound up with Philip last year (from the NFf Christmas Give-Away) was another fine example (it and the Polaroid were both Ysarex versions). I've got an Agfa Karat 36 right now with the Karat-Heligon that will be one of my winter repair projects, and I'm looking forward to seeing if it's as good as the Agfa Solinar on my other Karat.

PF

 

[Jamie Pillers]

I still have to get used to the handling. For instance, every time I grab the camera I manage to open the meter window!

I had one of these cameras for awhile. I too really liked the image quality. I also liked the handling, even though its a bit quirky compared to a Leica-type rangefinder. Much more 'old school' feel about it.

I solved the meter cover opening too easily problem with a pair of needle-nosed pliers. Just gently bend the little indented piece of the cover a bit and it'll have a stronger grasp when closed.

 

[julio1fer]

Thanks for the kind comments. When shooting these old, well-cared cameras, sometimes I can feel the blessings of the previous owners!

Indeed, the meter window problem can be solved by gentle bending. Thanks for the tip.