Kodak Retinette User Manual

by mischa koning
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The Retinette Guide
These web-pages have been scanned and converted from a photocopy of the "Focal
Press" publication "Retinette Guide", 1965 edition. There may be reference to "current"
and "discontinued" models. Obviously all Retinette cameras are now long discontinued,
but For ease of editing if nothing else, all the original text has been retained.
The original book was divided into two sections, effectively an overview and a "green
pages" section covering specific models in more detail. I've not bothered with a green
background to these pages, but hopefully I will have included links where appropriate to
the relevant text.
Table of Contents
The Retinettes
Handling the Retinettes
Retinette Films
The Technique of Focus
Close-Up Work with the Retinette
The Technique of Exposure
Flash with the Retinettes
The Retinettes
The Retinettes are miniature cameras producing a negative 1 in. x 1½ in. (24 x 36 mm.) on 35 mm. film. A single
load of film in a standard cassette will take up to 36 exposures. The film can be loaded and unloaded in daylight. The
Retinettes are snapshot cameras for all general photography, especially candid action and other life subjects.
The Retinettes owe their mechanical qualities to the fact that they use the same die-cast body unit and transport
mechanism as their more expensive sister, the Retina series of cameras. The body has a hinged-on back, the lock of
which is covered by a protecting safety latch to prevent accidental opening of the camera. The body itself is rigid
(bellowless), the lens and shutter unit being mounted on the front panel.
The Retinette film track is specially designed to keep the film really flat without risk of scratching the emulsion. The
film is wound on by a transport lever, which with one full swing advances the film to the next frame, and also moves
the film counter and re-tensions the shutter. That system provides an efficient double exposure lock, which can,
however, be circumvented by special deliberate procedures. The film lock, which arrests the film after each frame,
can also be released for advancing the film without exposing it (e.g., when reloading a partly-used film).
The viewfinder in the latest models of all Retinettes is a large bright line-frame reflecting eye-level finder, showing
the image almost in natural size. Previous models of the Retinettes have an optical direct vision finder, showing the
image about three-quarters natural size. The finder is placed centrally above the lens, thus avoiding lateral parallax
errors.
The Reomar f2.8 lens (made by Schneider and by Rodenstock) is fitted on the latest Retinette IA, IB, II, IIA and IIB
cameras, while the Retinette I and earlier IA have an f3.5 Reomar. It is a 3-element triplet with a focal length of 1¾
in. (45 mm.), covering an angle of 51°. It has a front cell focusing mount which can be focused down to 3½ ft.
Definition and colour correction are very good. The optimum performance is reached at f6.3. A depth of field
indicator is fitted.
EARLY RETINETTE CONTROLS
Lens: L1, lens; L4, aperture speed index. Focusing: F1,
focusing mount; F2, distance scale. Shutter: S2, shutter
release; S4, shutter speed scale; S6, light value control;
S8, shutter speed ring; S9, flash socket; S10, cable
release socket (in release button); S13, self-timer lever.

Kodak Retinette Specifications

General

Brand	Kodak
Model	Retinette
Category	Digital Camera
Language	English

Summary

The Retinettes

Retinette Models Overview

Lens Care and Accessories

Coated Lenses

Explanation of lens coating technology and its benefits for image quality.

Lens Hoods

Description of lens hoods and their function in protecting the lens from light.

The Shutter Mechanism

Compur-Rapid Shutter and Light Values

Details on operating the Compur-Rapid shutter and using the light value system for exposure.

Specific Shutter Types

Information on various shutter models like Vero, Pronto LK, Prontomat, and Prontor.

Handling the Retinette Camera

Loading the Camera with Film

Step-by-step instructions for loading film into the camera.

Pre-1952 Model Handling

Specific procedures for operating earlier Retinette camera models.

Camera Holding Techniques

Carrying the Retinettes

Methods for safely and conveniently transporting the Retinette camera.

Shooting Procedure

Film Advance and Exposure Setting

Instructions for advancing film and setting exposure parameters.

Focusing and Releasing the Shutter

Steps for setting focus and taking a photograph.

Retinette Finder Features

Film Unloading and Management

Unloading the Retinettes

Instructions for rewinding and removing exposed film from the camera.

Film Release Function

Explanation of the film release button's purpose and operation.

Double Exposures

Guidance on intentionally creating double exposures for creative effects.

Cutting Off Exposed Film

Procedure for removing partially exposed film in darkroom conditions.

Changing Partly Exposed Films

Process for replacing film mid-roll, for example, with different film types.

Retinette Film Selection

Types of Retinette Film

Details on daylight cassettes, darkroom refills, and bulk film formats.

Safelight Precautions

Guidelines for safe film handling, particularly in low light conditions.

Film Handling and Winding

Proper techniques for handling, winding, and trimming film.

Choosing Film Material

Film Sensitivity and Types

Information on panchromatic, infra-red, and ordinary film characteristics.

Film Speed Ratings

Explanation of ASA, BS, DIN systems and their relation to film speed.

Film Grain Characteristics

Film Latitude

Colour Film Types

Colour Negative Film

Description of colour negative film characteristics and output.

Reversal Colour Film

Description of reversal colour film for transparencies.

Displaying Colour Pictures

Focusing Techniques

Understanding Depth of Field

Explanation of the concept of depth of field and its impact on image sharpness.

Controlling Depth of Field

Using Depth of Field Calculators and Indicators

How to use built-in features for managing depth of field.

Zone Focusing

Zone Focusing Tables

Reference to tables providing zone focusing settings for various subjects.

Depth of Field Tables

Hyperfocal Distances

Focusing Zones Table

Close-Up Photography

Close-Up Equipment

Details on close-up rangefinders and supplementary lenses.

Using the Close-up Rangefinder

Guide to operating the close-up rangefinder for accurate focusing.

Other Close-up Lenses

Information on alternative close-up lens options like meniscus lenses.

Table Stand Accessory

Exposure Techniques

Exposure Measurement Methods

Discusses the use of exposure tables and various types of light meters.

Daylight Exposure Guide

Built-in Exposure Meter

Exposure Meters in Practice

Reflected Light Measurement

Method for measuring light reflected from the subject.

Incident Light Measurement

Method for measuring light falling directly on the subject.

Retinette IIB Meter Details

Using Filters

Filter Types and Factors

Overview of common filters (yellow, UV, orange, red, blue) and their effects.

Flash Photography

Using Flash Bulbs and Electronic Flash

Guide to different types of flash units and their setup for use.

Correct Aperture and Guide Numbers

How to calculate correct exposure using guide numbers and apertures.