Kodak Retina Automatic I - Precision German Engineering meets Automation Step into the early 1960s with the Kodak Retina Automatic I, a testament to the transition from manual mastery to user-friendly automation. Manufactured by Kodak AG in Stuttgart, Germany, between 1960 and 1963, this camera was part of the prestigious Retina line. It combined the legendary German build quality with a "modern" (for the time) Gossen selenium light meter system, allowing for automatic aperture control—a luxury feature that made high-quality 35mm photography accessible to a wider audience. Key Benefits Automatic Exposure: Features a coupled Gossen selenium meter that provides automatic aperture setting, ensuring well-exposed shots with minimal manual adjustment. Schneider-Kreuznach Optics: Equipped with the Retina-Reomar 45mm lens, renowned for its clarity and classic color rendering. Robust Stuttgart Build: Unlike many contemporary consumer cameras, the Retina Automatic I features a solid all-metal body and high-quality chrome finish. Features Camera Type: 35mm Viewfinder Camera Lens: Schneider-Kreuznach Retina-Reomar 45mm f/2.8 Shutter: Prontormat-AS (Specific version as engraved on the lens barrel) Shutter Speeds: Automatically selected or manual "B" (Bulb) setting Light Meter: Built-in Gossen Selenium cell meter Viewfinder: Large, bright-frame finder with parallax marks and exposure warning signals Film Advance: Bottom-mounted rapid-wind lever (a signature Retina feature) Condition Rated: 4/5 Cosmetic: The camera is in excellent aesthetic condition. The satin chrome top plate and black textured leatherette are remarkably well-preserved. Optics: The 45mm f/2.8 Reomar lens is visually clear and free from major scratches. Viewfinder is bright. Mechanical: The shutter fires and the film advance operates smoothly. The characteristic bottom-mounted lever works as intended. Note: The Gossen selenium light meter reacts to light; however, as with all selenium meters of this age, its accuracy cannot be guaranteed for precision shooting. Accessories: The brown leather case is structurally sound, though there is some minor "greening" (verdigris) on the metal rivets and the strap shows age-related wear. What's Included Kodak Retina Automatic I Camera Original Brown Leather "Retina" Branded Ever-Ready Case Why This Product? The Kodak Retina Automatic I is a perfect choice for collectors who appreciate the sleek, minimalist design of the 1960s German rangefinder era. It is an approachable piece of history that remains a joy to hold and display. With the refined Prontormat-AS shutter and world-class Schneider optics, this well-preserved unit is a standout example of Stuttgart's engineering prowess. Keywords: Kodak Retina, Automatic I, Schneider-Kreuznach, Reomar, 35mm Film, Vintage Camera, German Engineering, Gossen Meter, Analog Photography, Stuttgart, Prontormat-AS. Would you like more details on how the Prontormat-AS automation functions, or are you ready to list this item?