Kodak Retinette 1A Vintage Camera

Description

The Kodak Retinette 1A is a classic **35mm rangefinder camera** produced by **Kodak AG** in the 1950s, part of the **Retina** series of cameras. The Retinette 1A was designed as a more affordable alternative to its higher-end Retina siblings, offering solid performance and compact size in a semi-automatic package. The Retinette 1A is known for its simple operation, quality lens, and vintage aesthetic.

### Key Features of the Kodak Retinette 1A:

#### 1. **35mm Film Format**:
– The Retinette 1A uses **35mm film**, the standard film format for most of the 20th century. It is widely compatible with many types of 35mm film, making it a great choice for both black-and-white and color photography.

#### 2. **Lens**:
– The Retinette 1A features a **50mm f/2.8 Kodak Ektanar lens**. The Ektanar lens is known for its sharpness and good image quality, especially for a camera in this price range. With an aperture of **f/2.8**, it performs reasonably well in moderate light conditions, though not quite as fast as lenses with larger maximum apertures.
– The lens is **non-interchangeable**, which is typical for many compact cameras of this era.

#### 3. **Rangefinder Focus**:
– The Retinette 1A uses a **rangefinder focusing system**, which is one of the key features that distinguishes it from many other compact cameras of the time. A small **rangefinder window** in the viewfinder helps the user estimate the distance to the subject and align the image for accurate focus. This system allows for better precision in focusing compared to simple zone-focus cameras.
– Focusing is done manually, using the focus ring on the lens, with distance markings visible on the lens barrel.

#### 4. **Shutter and Aperture**:
– The camera offers a **shutter speed range** from **1/30 to 1/300 second** (along with a **B** (bulb) setting for long exposures). This gives the photographer reasonable flexibility, though it is still limited compared to higher-end cameras with a wider range of shutter speeds.
– The **aperture** can be manually adjusted from **f/2.8 to f/22**, allowing for some control over depth of field and exposure, but it’s not fully automatic.

#### 5. **Viewfinder**:
– The **viewfinder** on the Retinette 1A is a simple, **non-TTL (through-the-lens)** design, featuring a **combined rangefinder and viewfinder window**. The rangefinder helps with accurate focusing, while the viewfinder gives a basic frame for composing shots.
– Unlike some other models in the Retina series, the Retinette 1A has a **simpler viewfinder**, with no additional framelines or parallax correction.

#### 6. **Film Transport**:
– The camera features **manual film advance** via a film advance lever, and the film is wound manually after each shot.
– **Film rewind** is also manual, with a rewind knob to reverse the film after the roll is finished.

#### 7. **Flash Sync**:
– The Retinette 1A includes a **flash sync socket** for using an external flash. However, there is no built-in flash, so users would need to attach a flash unit for low-light or indoor photography.
– Flash synchronization on this camera is typically set for **X-sync**, meaning it’s compatible with certain types of flashbulbs or electronic flash units.

#### 8. **Build and Durability**:
– The Kodak Retinette 1A has a **metal body** with a durable build, typical of mid-20th-century Kodak cameras. Its compact design makes it easy to carry around, and the camera’s relatively light weight makes it a good choice for street photography or travel.
– The camera’s aesthetic is classic and minimalist, with a clean design and a small size that was appealing in its era.

#### 9. **Self-Timer**:
– The Retinette 1A includes a **self-timer**, which is useful for group shots or long-exposure photography. It allows the photographer to set up a shot and then step into the frame without needing to rely on a second person to take the picture.

### Purpose and Audience:
The **Kodak Retinette 1A** was designed for **amateur photographers** and those looking for a **compact rangefinder camera** with a higher degree of control over focus and exposure compared to simple point-and-shoot models. Its reasonable price made it accessible to hobbyists and anyone looking for an easy-to-use but capable 35mm camera for everyday use, travel, or family photography.

### Advantages:
– **Rangefinder Focusing**: The ability to manually focus with a rangefinder allows for greater control over your images compared to simple point-and-shoot cameras.
– **Good Lens**: The **Kodak Ektanar lens** is known for delivering sharp, high-quality images with good contrast, especially for its time.
– **Compact Size**: The camera is small and lightweight, making it easy to carry and ideal for casual or travel photography.
– **Affordable**: As a lower-cost alternative to other high-end Retina models, the Retinette 1A provides solid performance without the hefty price tag of more advanced rangefinders.
– **Classic Design**: The design and build quality make it a pleasant camera to use, with a nostalgic feel that appeals to collectors and enthusiasts.

### Disadvantages:
– **Limited Shutter Speed Range**: The maximum shutter speed of **1/300 sec** is quite slow by modern standards, which may limit its performance in fast-moving or bright environments (without ND filters).
– **Manual Exposure**: While you can adjust the aperture and shutter speed, there’s no built-in metering, so you’ll need to rely on external light meters or experience to get proper exposure.
– **No Built-In Flash**: While it does have flash sync, the absence of a built-in flash can be limiting for indoor or low-light photography unless an external flash is used.
– **Simple Viewfinder**: The viewfinder lacks parallax correction or framing aids, which could make it harder to compose shots accurately.

### Conclusion:
The **Kodak Retinette 1A** is a solid, affordable option for photographers who want a compact rangefinder camera with manual control over focus and exposure. While it lacks some of the features of more advanced cameras in the Retina line, its simplicity, sharp lens, and portability make it a great choice for those looking to explore 35mm film photography without needing to invest in a complex or expensive system. Whether you’re a beginner wanting to try manual photography or a seasoned film shooter looking for a compact option, the Retinette 1A offers a classic, nostalgic shooting experience with good results.

Note: We are just like other vintage and antique camera collectors, we buy cameras from different people and markets and places. We do not test, inspect or repair the cameras. We just sell them as we get. Please check the images and videos for better knowledge of the cameras. ONCE PURCHASED WILL NOT BE TAKEN BACK OR REFUNDED! So please check them before placing any orders!

The camera is packed securely and shipped immediately once ordered.

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