Kodak Retina IIc
Name/Title
Kodak Retina IIcEntry/Object ID
330Tags
IconicDescription
The Kodak Retina IIc is widely regarded as one of the finest folding 35mm cameras ever made. While it bears the Kodak name, it was actually designed and manufactured in Germany by Kodak AG (formerly the Nagel Camera-Werk). It is a masterpiece of precision engineering, featuring a "clamshell" design where the lens and bellows fold completely into the camera body, making it exceptionally portable. Technically, this is a coupled rangefinder, meaning as you turn the focusing knob, the two images in the viewfinder move until they align, ensuring perfect focus. It features the world-class Schneider-Kreuznach Retina-Xenon C lens. The "C" stands for "convertible"—the front element of the lens can actually be swapped for a wide-angle (35mm) or telephoto (80mm) component, a very advanced feature for a folding camera. The "Bottom Wind" Lever: One of the most unique aspects of the Retina IIc is the film advance lever, which is located on the bottom of the camera rather than the top. This was done to keep the top plate clean and allow for a larger rangefinder mechanism. The camera uses a Synchro-Compur shutter, offering speeds up to 1/500 second. Like your Voigtländer Vito B, it has a remarkably solid, "dense" feel in the hand, weighing more than it looks. This specific unit shows some oxidation and wear on the top plate and leatherette, but the optics appear clear.Category
Camera, Folding, Rangefinder, 35mm Film, Project Analog
Media Type