Which Retina?

[CliveC]

Put the Tri-X in the IIIc.

Done!
Shot a bit with it yesterday and today. The uncoupled meter is more work, but I think I'm getting along okay. The flap on the meter doesn't seem to stay down sometimes.

The shutter sound is so soft that I sometimes wonder if it went off at all. My testing before I inserted film seemed fine, but I guess I'm paranoid.

 

[murpograph]

please be aware that the frame-counter has to be set to the start-symbol. It will count down and if you are at number "36" it will block the release. If so, don't panick, just adjust the counter-wheel few frames back and continue.

Regards
Udo

 

[CliveC]

please be aware that the frame-counter has to be set to the start-symbol. It will count down and if you are at number "36" it will block the release. If so, don't panick, just adjust the counter-wheel few frames back and continue.

Regards
Udo

Yes. I discovered this little tidbit while testing out the camera before I purchased it.

 

[colyn]

My favorite is the IIa and apparently my daughter's favorite also since she keeps borrowing mine.

I've been watching here and on eBay for one to get for her but most sellers must think their's is gold plated and worth a months pay or more..

The IIa is easier to carry than the IIIc/C and is every bit as good...

 

[bitfeng]

I just grabbed one from the bay for $17 shipped. It works well and, Rodenstock Heligon. Some copper green though.

My favorite is the IIa and apparently my daughter's favorite also since she keeps borrowing mine.

I've been watching here and on eBay for one to get for her but most sellers must think their's is gold plated and worth a months pay or more..

The IIa is easier to carry than the IIIc/C and is every bit as good...

 

[colyn]

I just found one on eBay for a price I am comfortable with. We'll see how it works out once it arrives..

I'll then have to decide which one to give to my daughter..

http://www.ebay.com/itm/RETINA-IIa-...FN0%2B1E7SD5GVfMNsY4A%3D&orig_cvip=true&rt=nc

 

[literiter]

The Retinas are great little cameras. I use mine quite often, the lens shade really helps.

This is the model II.

 

[JPD]

Is it pronounced retina (as in the eye) or re-tina (like emphasis on Tina, like the name)? I believe I've heard it both ways.

It's probably meant to be pronounced like the Retina of the eye, like the maker of this video pronounce it: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZhnFYbD7Q7Y

I, however, pronounce it "Reteena". It makes it sound more like a name. 😉

 

[CliveC]

The Retinas are great little cameras. I use mine quite often, the lens shade really helps.

This is the model II.

Aged leather sure looks great with the camera!
My IIa didn't come with a case and my IIIc has a case which looks nearly brand new except for the straps.

 

[CliveC]

Quick question about the IIa, is the camera supposed to lock the advance if you don't trip the shutter? On mine it seems like you can keep advancing without firing. Is this normal?

 

[Chris Sherlock]

No, that isn't normal in a camera that is working correctly.

But if the mechanism is maladjusted, if you press the shutter release a little bit without pressing it far enough to release the shutter, and then let it back up, you can find that the film/shutter interlock has released the film advance allowing you to wind on again.

And, of course there are other subtle minor faults that can also do funny things to the film advance.

Regards, Chris

 

[CliveC]

No, that isn't normal in a camera that is working correctly.

But if the mechanism is maladjusted, if you press the shutter release a little bit without pressing it far enough to release the shutter, and then let it back up, you can find that the film/shutter interlock has released the film advance allowing you to wind on again.

And, of course there are other subtle minor faults that can also do funny things to the film advance.

Regards, Chris

Interesting. Does the fact that I'm testing without film impact things?

Now that I've looked at more photos, it seems like the button behind the shutter (the film release button?) is stuck in the down position.

 

[Chris Sherlock]

A camera with the film release buttons stuck down certainly counts as 'broken' to me, and no, it wouldn't make any difference if there were a film in the camera or not.

Regards, Chris

 

[CliveC]

A camera with the film release buttons stuck down certainly counts as 'broken' to me, and no, it wouldn't make any difference if there were a film in the camera or not.

Regards, Chris

Aw, that's too bad. Everything else seems to function great.

 

[Chris Sherlock]

G'day Clive,

The film release button has light return spring, so should return to the 'up' position all by itself. The base of the button rests on the top of a small lever called the 'release lever'. This lever also has a spring underneath it to push it back up, and it has a spring that serves to hold it in firm contact with the 'cam assembly', the bit that gives the advance its ratchet action.
When the shutter has been released the 'release lever' has been pressed down by the shutter release mechanism and the tip of the 'release lever' rides against the lower cam. This allows you to swing the advance lever. There is a coarse ratchet action involved that prevents the advance lever from returning until the full film advance stroke has been completed.
At the end of the advance stroke, the 'release lever' rises on its spring to the top cam, and the film advance lever is free to return to the park position.
This also leaves the 'release lever' in a position where it is free to be depressed by the shutter release, or the film release button.
With your camera, it seems likely that one or more of these components is missing, broken, or jammed.
Does the film advance lever have a ratchet action, preventing the return of the lever until a full stroke has been completed?
Regards, Chris

 

[CliveC]

Spot on assessment! Nothing stops the advance lever from returning.
Many thanks Chris. From reading around the 'net, it seems like I'm dealing with the expert on Retinas. I very much appreciate your advice.

 

[Dirk]

I have the IIIa with Schneider-Kreuznach lens. The lens is great, but a little low contrast. It's ideal for B&W.

 

[puderse]

Old retinas

Old retinas

Whatever you pay for your Retina, roll into the cost of ownership an overhaul from Chris. You'll not regret it if your retina is to be anything but a shelf queen!

You wouldn't drive your "new" '57 Chevy with a stuck valve lifter very long before it was in the shop for much more serious work!

PS: The bottom wind on newer Retinas is just plain goofy!