Retina IIIc

Oh sorry for not keeping you all posted. Retina IIIc. I ordered one off keh.com and it should arrive tomorrow XP.
 
yes there are interchangeable front-elements for the IIc, IIC, IIIc and IIIC. Rodenstock made them as well as Schneider-Kreuznach. The front-elements can be combined however only in their system, that means you can use the front-elements from Rodenstock only with a camera that bears the basis-lens from Rodenstock as well.
 
I received my Retina. The build is superb! The ergonomics don't bother me so much; the finder definitely isn't the greatest, but it is still very useable. Makes me want to start my own Retina collection...

I haven't had a chance to load up some film, but before doing so, is there anything that i should be cautious about so that i don't accidentally break my camera? Besides not letting the wind lever snap back.

Thanks!
 
UOTE=msbarnes;1748509]I received my Retina. The build is superb! The ergonomics don't bother me so much; the finder definitely isn't the greatest, but it is still very useable. Makes me want to start my own Retina collection...

I haven't had a chance to load up some film, but before doing so, is there anything that i should be cautious about so that i don't accidentally break my camera? Besides not letting the wind lever snap back.

Thanks![/QUOTE]

Most Retinas allow film-transport only when the exposure-counter doesn't show the end of the film. Therefore you have to set the counter-mark on the rhombus. You have to press the small protected piston and shift the counter with the flat button on the back. Another thing which can confuse is the fact, that the camera can be closed only when the range-setting is on infinite. Only then you can press the two knobs on top and bottom of the spreading leverage and push the lens into the camera body. A matter of routine after few exposures.

Have fun.
 
The counter interlock is a pain. Years ago, I would see "jammed cameras" listed on Ebay. Was always worth taking a risk when the film counter was at 0.
 
I found a IIIc recently in excellent condition, as shown above.

But the one thing that annoys me to distraction is that the meter door pops up far too easily. As far as I know it's working as intended. No damage or anything. It just pops up too easily since it's directly in front of the shutter button my index finger lingers and "pop"... up comes the door. Very annoying.

Does anyone else find the meter door hinge to be too sensitive? And if so, do you have a fix?

I know, I'm whining... and it's a long shot... but I figure it doesn't hurt to ask.

Otherwise, I really like the ergonomics of this camera.
 
The Retina is an amazing camera! The meter door thing is annoying though, but besides that I'm incredibly happy.

I'm addicted to folders now. I love the compactness and quality. I might grab a IIa or IIc if I stumble upon a good deal.. Between the IIa and IIc are the finders and bodies the same size?
 
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i probably fixed the meter door on my retina IIIc when i first got it, over 10 years ago?

It's a simple mechanism with a catch in the metal. I remember bending it ever so slightly to increase friction when closed.
 
Rewind lever

Rewind lever

I'm a bit confused about the indication that letting the rewind lever flip back somehow causes damage to the camera. I own 10 Retinas and have never had or heard of this perceived problem before. I quote from the IIIC manual page 10, "To tension the shutter, pull out the rapid winding lever in one movement as far as it will go, then let it shoot back to its original position. if it should not fly back, it ws not moved far enough". The camera(s) is (are) designed to operate this way, no damage is being caused. Sorry to disagree. Bob
 
Retina IIIc

I've gotten a Retina IIIc, which was sold in America. It's in good condition, light-meter still works but not really accurate. The focus index is in feet system, hix hix, I rather meter one. The aperture index is in below the lens, not really convenience in fact. Anyway, with the Xenon 50/f2 lens, it still give you very good pictures. I am happy very much to have it. I'd appreciate it very much! :angel:

Here are some demos:

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Oh, and I was able to fix the meter door flap hinge issue by applying a tiny drop of JB Weld to build up the latch tooth. Then I dabbed it with a black permanent marker. Invisible and works just right now.
 
I'm a bit confused about the indication that letting the rewind lever flip back somehow causes damage to the camera. I own 10 Retinas and have never had or heard of this perceived problem before. I quote from the IIIC manual page 10, "To tension the shutter, pull out the rapid winding lever in one movement as far as it will go, then let it shoot back to its original position. if it should not fly back, it ws not moved far enough". The camera(s) is (are) designed to operate this way, no damage is being caused. Sorry to disagree. Bob

From what I remember, that was a problem mostly on the small 'c' models, fixed with a redesigned rack in the big 'C' models. The replacement racks that are sold today are of the newer design, and will last much longer.

PF
 
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