Kodak Retina IIIc Analogue camera
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Kodak Retina IIIc 35mm folding rangefinder camera with a Schneider-Kreuznach Retina Xenon 50mm f/2.0 lens, in very good cosmetic condition and tested and working, dating to the 1950s (1950–1960).
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Description from the seller
Manufactured by Kodak AG at the acclaimed Nagel factory in Stuttgart, West Germany, the Retina IIIc (Type 021) is a legendary flagship 35mm folding rangefinder camera. Revered as one of the absolute pinnacles of the high-end Retina lineage, this specific "kleine zoeker" (small viewfinder) variant features a highly sophisticated coupled rangefinder mechanism integrated alongside a built-in selenium light meter. Its iconic self-erecting folding front bed design collapses flat, transforming a professional-grade photographic instrument into a pocketable masterpiece of mid-century industrial optimization. Outfitted with premium interchangeable front-element Schneider-Kreuznach optics produced in November 1955, this camera stems directly from the winter of 1955/1956 and remains a coveted mechanical jewel warmly appreciated by modern analog purists and serious collectors.
KEY FEATURES
Highly responsive coupled rangefinder system for precise manual focus tracking
Built-in dual-range selenium light meter assembly with a flip-up protective honeycomb cover plate
Ingenious self-erecting folding front bed that safeguards the lens mechanism when closed
Ergonomic bottom-mounted rapid film advance lever design for fluid mechanical operation
Premium West German multi-component all-metal chassis with embossed leatherette panels
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
Camera Type: 35mm Folding Rangefinder Camera (Small Viewfinder Variant)
Lens: Schneider-Kreuznach Retina-Xenon C 50mm f/2.0 high-speed six-element lens (Lens Serial No. 4625675, production date November 1955)
Shutter Speeds: Synchro-Compur mechanical leaf shutter with settings from 1 second to 1/500th second plus Bulb (B)
Serial Number: Body configuration number engraved on the accessory cold shoe plate: 654673
CONDITION REPORT
Cosmetic: Very good vintage condition with minor signs of prior handling. The satin chrome plates are clean with only light superficial scuffs. The black leatherette cladding is fully intact on the body panels, showing only minor edge rubbing on the collapsible front door cover. The selenium cell window and flip-up honeycomb door cover are structurally healthy.
Optics: The high-speed Xenon 50mm f/2.0 lens is bright and clear with a standard minimal amount of micro-dust, free from deep scratching. The viewfinder window is clean, and the secondary rangefinder patch aligns properly for focus composition.
Mechanics: The front cover bed pops open cleanly and locks securely into its detent. The bottom-mounted film advance lever winds smoothly, and the shutter trips reliably across the various speed settings. The light meter needle deflects when exposed to varying intensities of direct illumination, though accuracy has not been timed against a modern digital light meter.
Test status: This camera is being sold as a vintage collector's item and has not been tested with film for full light-tightness or chemical testing.
WHATS INCLUDED
Kodak Retina IIIc 35mm folding rangefinder camera
Original brown leather ever-ready carrying case featuring the embossed "Retina" script nameplate configuration
WHY BUY THIS ITEM
The Kodak Retina IIIc pairs the exceptional speed and optical performance of a November 1955 Schneider-Kreuznach Xenon f/2.0 lens with a beautifully compact, masterfully engineered folding rangefinder chassis, offering a magnificent addition to any premium collection.
KEYWORDS
Kodak Retina IIIc, Retina 3c, small viewfinder, kleine zoeker, Schneider Kreuznach, Retina Xenon, Folding Rangefinder, 35mm Film, Synchro Compur, West Germany, Vintage Camera, Analog Collector, Pocket Camera, Mid-Century Design
Manufactured by Kodak AG at the acclaimed Nagel factory in Stuttgart, West Germany, the Retina IIIc (Type 021) is a legendary flagship 35mm folding rangefinder camera. Revered as one of the absolute pinnacles of the high-end Retina lineage, this specific "kleine zoeker" (small viewfinder) variant features a highly sophisticated coupled rangefinder mechanism integrated alongside a built-in selenium light meter. Its iconic self-erecting folding front bed design collapses flat, transforming a professional-grade photographic instrument into a pocketable masterpiece of mid-century industrial optimization. Outfitted with premium interchangeable front-element Schneider-Kreuznach optics produced in November 1955, this camera stems directly from the winter of 1955/1956 and remains a coveted mechanical jewel warmly appreciated by modern analog purists and serious collectors.
KEY FEATURES
Highly responsive coupled rangefinder system for precise manual focus tracking
Built-in dual-range selenium light meter assembly with a flip-up protective honeycomb cover plate
Ingenious self-erecting folding front bed that safeguards the lens mechanism when closed
Ergonomic bottom-mounted rapid film advance lever design for fluid mechanical operation
Premium West German multi-component all-metal chassis with embossed leatherette panels
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
Camera Type: 35mm Folding Rangefinder Camera (Small Viewfinder Variant)
Lens: Schneider-Kreuznach Retina-Xenon C 50mm f/2.0 high-speed six-element lens (Lens Serial No. 4625675, production date November 1955)
Shutter Speeds: Synchro-Compur mechanical leaf shutter with settings from 1 second to 1/500th second plus Bulb (B)
Serial Number: Body configuration number engraved on the accessory cold shoe plate: 654673
CONDITION REPORT
Cosmetic: Very good vintage condition with minor signs of prior handling. The satin chrome plates are clean with only light superficial scuffs. The black leatherette cladding is fully intact on the body panels, showing only minor edge rubbing on the collapsible front door cover. The selenium cell window and flip-up honeycomb door cover are structurally healthy.
Optics: The high-speed Xenon 50mm f/2.0 lens is bright and clear with a standard minimal amount of micro-dust, free from deep scratching. The viewfinder window is clean, and the secondary rangefinder patch aligns properly for focus composition.
Mechanics: The front cover bed pops open cleanly and locks securely into its detent. The bottom-mounted film advance lever winds smoothly, and the shutter trips reliably across the various speed settings. The light meter needle deflects when exposed to varying intensities of direct illumination, though accuracy has not been timed against a modern digital light meter.
Test status: This camera is being sold as a vintage collector's item and has not been tested with film for full light-tightness or chemical testing.
WHATS INCLUDED
Kodak Retina IIIc 35mm folding rangefinder camera
Original brown leather ever-ready carrying case featuring the embossed "Retina" script nameplate configuration
WHY BUY THIS ITEM
The Kodak Retina IIIc pairs the exceptional speed and optical performance of a November 1955 Schneider-Kreuznach Xenon f/2.0 lens with a beautifully compact, masterfully engineered folding rangefinder chassis, offering a magnificent addition to any premium collection.
KEYWORDS
Kodak Retina IIIc, Retina 3c, small viewfinder, kleine zoeker, Schneider Kreuznach, Retina Xenon, Folding Rangefinder, 35mm Film, Synchro Compur, West Germany, Vintage Camera, Analog Collector, Pocket Camera, Mid-Century Design
Details
Era
1900-2000
Brand
Kodak
Model/type nr
Retina IIIc
Physical condition
Very good
Functional condition
Tested and working
Film type
35mm
Estimated period
1950-1960
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