madNbad
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James Markus wrote:
madNbad, I've been studying Chris's Retina Rescue web site, and Youtube channel for a few weeks - bought service manuals, and a bunch of broken Retina Reflex cameras - S, III, & IV's (at least two of each. I'm hoping to make one working model of each Kodak SLR (not counting the Reflex, and Instamatic models) These three seem to be Kodak's last serious attempt at a SLR, and they all came out of their Stuttgart Germany plant (including the lenses). I watched my engineer father rebuild a Retina III C, but I don't think I can now focus a rangefinder with my eyes. The split level focusing screen in these works great. The part I am nervous about is rebuilding a shutter. - the rest has been rather straight forward. My motive is to learn, appreciate the level of craftsmanship, engineering, design, and have fun doing it. The lenses are already impressive on my Nikon bodies - and soon the Canon EF adapter will arrive. With my over confidence, Sherlock's treasure of experience and knowledge, and a sense of adventure - who knows - maybe I will get lucky.
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Chris Sherlocks videos are quite informative and entertaining too! Currently, I have a 1a (Type 015) that was serviced by Paul Barden. I also had a late model Retina 1 (Type 013) but it had the older Compur Rapid shutter and the speeds like to drift. I gave that to my neighbors son who was learning film photography. I've owned a IIIc, a couple of IIc's, one with the Schneider and another with the Rodenstock and I just checked at the shop that is working on a IIa. Paul had serviced one for me but due to some family medical problems, isn't taking any new work till later in the year.
I use a rangefinder because of my exceedingly poor eyesight. I can't see past the end of my elbow, I have macular degeneration in both eyes, my right eye has a patch from a posterior vitreous detachment in 2014. I don't like autofocus because I find the cameras to be too heavy, so I have a couple of Leica's and a the of Kodak Retinas. I do have a sports finder frame that is occasionally used with either the Ia or IIa.
Looking at your photos, it's understandable why a lot of camera repair shops don't want to work on the reflex Retinas. There are no spare parts, not many were made and they are somewhat over engineered. In this disposable age, it's encouraging tthat someone is willing to take on such a task. Keep posting, it'll be a good one to follow.
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