HOME

COLLECTION

FEEDBACK

 

Kodak Retinette 1

 

The technical stuff:

Camera type: Compact viewfinder

Lens Type: Schneider Kreusnach 45mm f3.5 - f22

Shutter Type: Compur Rapid 10 Speed + B 1,2,4,8,15,30,60,125,250,500

 

 

Another one of those ebay bargains, this camera came bundled with a lightmeter, hood and a set of close up filters including all of the handbooks and all for under a tenner. The slow speeds are a bit shaky and the front lens element looks as if it has seen better days but lets wait and see what it can deliver. The Schneider lens is legendary so I might be surprised.

The first roll is now out and processed and the images are a mixture of good and bad. When the light is good the pictures are definitely better but the lens is not great. However, I don't think it's because of it's condition more a case of not set correctly. The previous owner had removed the lens, there are obvious signs of this, and when reassembled it was not set to focus properly. This has led to the problem with focus on anything but infinity. Having said I have managed to get some passable pictures which are on display here. For the benefit of anyone new to photography or those who have not yet made the pilgrimage the pictures of the "old house" at the top are of the photographer's mecca. This is Lacock Abbey the home of William Henry Fox Talbot. He was the chap who pioneered the negative/positive film process and without whom these pictures may not have been possible at all. On the technical side the lens shows that the resolving power is still excellent despite my misgivings about it's condition. The detail in the stonework of the canal bridge shows this to advantage. All in all still a very useable camera which needs a little maintenance.

 

 

Gallery

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Website hosted by obscura135                                                                 ©35mil Plus all rights reserved