Retina IIIs: good user? and price?

[msbarnes]

I have a Retina IIIc and I love it but I also want a fast non-folder.

I was thinking of a Retina IIIs. I haven't heard too much about this cameras because I guess most people prefer the folders, but is this camera reliable and durable? And what's a good price for one with a xenon 50mm/1.9?

 

[Chris Sherlock]

The Retina IIIS is a joy to use....with the 50mm f/2.8, that 50mm f/1.9 is just too bulky and obscures the viewfinder. The large aperture lens is best on a Retina Reflex S or later.
Regards, Chris

 

[KoNickon]

Really nice camera. I trust you've read Mr. Gandy's writeup on it over at CameraQuest -- that was what convinced me to go buy one years ago. Pretty intuitive to use also. I don't know about repairs, but I expect Chris of anyone knows how they are to fix up.

 

[msbarnes]

Yeah I read Gandy's writeup. It seems like an incredible bargain but it a little weird that it doesn't get much attention, but I figured that it doesn't have its own niche either. I haven't looked too hard but I'm not sure how much I should expect to pay and they don't seem to show up as often as the Reflex and Folders. Ebay, as usual, is all over the place and keh.com doesn't have any in stock.

I'm interested in the 50/1.9 for speed, then maybe a 35mm and an 85mm. Since the reflex cameras show up more often, it might be cheaper to get a kit then find a IIIs by itself or with a xenar lens.

 

[msbarnes]

Oh and between the 35mm, 50mm, and 85mm lenses do any of those not focus with the IIIs?

 

[Chris Sherlock]

No, all the S series lenses are potentially coupled, except that 200mm one. Just make sure you get ones with the coupling cam. It was missing from around serial number 8,000,000 I believe, that would have been around the time the Instamatic Reflex was about and the IIIS was distant history. Regards, Chris