A 135 format pocketable folding camera
The facts
I own a 1954 type 016 post war retina IIa with a rapid-winder lever. This camera comes with a great lens: a Schneider -Kreiznach retina Xenon f:2 50mm with coating. This 6 lenses in 5 group lens is an amazing performer and the main reason I was interested in the Kodak model.
| film format | 135 (24×36) |
| Shutter speed | B, 1, 1/2, 1/5, 1/10, 1/25, 1/50, 1/100, 1/250, 1/500 |
| Aperture | 2.0-16 (clicks, variable) |
| ISO | film speed, memory disk with old film types |
| film transport | fast winder type |
| frame counter | auto counter with manual start setting |
| my serial numbers | EX590027 |
Warnings
The Retina IIb comes with some warnings with respect to the handling. In general with this kind of camera never force anything. They are high precision (ol) camera’s and everything should work rather smoothly. Some important warnings:
- The camera can only be closed when the distance is set to infinity! Never force the mechanism. If you feel resistance, check the distance scale. The two uttons should operate smoothly and litle pressure should be required to whut the door.
- The frame counter should only be turned in the direction of the arrow (clockwise).
- When the franmecounter indicates the last frame (‘1’), the shutter can not be cocked and the film can not be transported! Turing the frame counter (clockwise) will enable the cocking/transport mechanism.
- At least on my camera’s the shutter speed should not be changed to 1/500 when the shutter is cocked. I don’t know why, but I feel too much resistance moving the shutter speed to 1/500 when the shutter is cocked. It does only happen with the 1/500. So I decided not to try muy luck and only set the 1/500 when not cocked.