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THE KODAK RETINA IIIc is a perfected miniature camera to meet the highest demands. It has interchangeable lenses, a coupled rangefinder combined with the new viewfinder with reflected line frame, a built-in exposure meter, the new Synchro-Compur shutter with light value settings and self-timer a collapsible lens panel which locks open absolutely rigidly, as well as a large number of other technical refinements.

This camera will be your companion for many happy hours; in your job, when traveling, at home, in every weather and every season. You can thoroughly rely an it.

The RETINA IIIc was tested according to the strictest standards before it reached you. It combines utmost precision with unsurpassed performance and thus satisfies every possible requirement for first-class results. The name Kodak is your guarantee for that.

Make the best use of the many advantages of your camera. And here is at once the most important piece of advice: Read the first part of these instructions (pages 5-12) especially carefully - whether you are a beginner or an experienced photographer - and practice the operations described without a film in the camera. The controls of your RETINA work equally well with or without film. Then, once you hove mastered the elementary manipulation, load the camera with a film and take your first pictures. The later sections in this booklet will give you a number of further tips for successful pictures. So don't skip that part of the instructions but follow the advice given there. You will soon realize how easy picture taking is with the RETINA IIIc.

KODAK AG · STUTTGART-WANGEN GERMANY

First get to know the main points of operation

Contents

Hold the RETINA in your hand and push the button (1) towards the word 'Kodak. At the same time pull open the baseboard (2) until it audibly clicks into position. The camera is now ready to shoot. Before you close the camera, remember to set the focusing scale (10) to inf. Only then can you close the camera. Simultaneously press in the two buttons (11) at each side of the lens panel (16); the baseboard (2) will then easily fold up even with a filter screwed into the lens.

Whenever possible grip the camera with both hands. The illustrations show the position for horizontal and upright pictures. They are, however, mainly intended as a guide; you can, of course, hold the camera in other ways, too. So try a few positions to find which suits you best. And when you have found your ideal hold, stick to it!

Setting the distance

Hold the camera in the shooting position and look thorough the eyepiece (34) of the combined view and range finder. You will see the subject as well as the reflected line frame superimposed on it (we shall have more to say about that on page 27).

 In the center of the field of view you will also notice a bright diamond-shaped rangefinder field. Until the camera is focused for the correct distance, this field shows part of the subject with double outlines. To set the distance turn the focusing knob (30) until the outlines of the double image move together and coincide, so that only one image is visible. The lens is now accurately set to the subject distance.

All distances are measured from the subject to the plane of the film in the camera. This corresponds approximately to the rear upper edge of the chromium-plated top of the body. Precise focusing in this way with various subjects at different distances. Close the camera now and again and then pretend that you have just noticed a goad subject and want to focus the camera an it. Try the same with the camera held upright.

An important feature of your RETINA:

The light values The RETINA 111 c has a built-in photo-electric exposure meter. This eliminates difficult calculations and gives you the correct light value. The latter is a number corresponding to the amount of light required for correct exposure. Point the camera at the subject, directing it slightly downwards. A black pointer will move in the window (6). Turn the meter setting ring (3), thus moving a red pointer until the latter coincides with the black pointer of the exposure meter. If you have taken the reading with the cover (5) closed, read off the light value from the index mark (4b) * an the setting ring (3).

Setting exposures by light values

If the painter of the exposure meter does not move appreciably with the cover closed, open the cover (5) by gently pressing on the ribbed upper edge. In this case read off the light value apposite the index mark (4a) for the open cover **.

The green numbers on the setting ring (3) show aperture settings far exposure times longer than 1 second, or exposure times at small apertures. Far instance, if you want to use aperture f/11 at a light value setting of 6, the green figure 11 shows the correct exposure time to be 2 seconds. See page 25 for various applications of the exposure meter.

One operation sets any aperture-speed combination

The Synchro-Compur shutter of your RETINA carries the following three scales

The Shutter Speed Scale (14): The numbers signify fractions of a second, thus 2 stands far 1/2 second, 15 for 1/15 second, 125 for 1/125 second, and so on.

The Aperture Scale (13): The stop numbers indicate relative apertures. The largest stop is f/2, the smallest f/22.

The Light Value Scale (27): The red figures from 2 to 18 are the light value settings.

The light value setting required for any shot may be determined from the built-in light meter (see page 8).

To set the light value obtained an the shutter, pull the light value lever (26) slightly outwards and move it to the appropriate light value number. If this light value is outside the range of movement of the light value lever, adjust the ring carrying the light value scale (27) and shutter speed scale (14) accordingly, You can also set in-between light values, e. g. 11.5.

Far instance, once you have set the light value to 12, the index mark (12) will indicate one of the following aperture speed combinations:

Shutter speed

If you don't wont to use the combination opposite the index mark (12), select the required combination by turning the speed ring. You will notice that this clicks into place at each setting, to ensure accurate shutter speeds. When one selects a faster shutter speed, the aperture-speed coupling automatically opens the lens aperture. Adjusting the aperture to a smaller stop alters the shutter setting to a slower speed, thus keeping the exposure constant all the time,

If you want to set the exposure without reference to the light value, make sure that you adjust first the shutter speed and then the aperture. If you do it the other way round, the aperture-speed coupling would alter the aperture when setting the shutter speed.

Quick winding and releasing

Look through the finder eyepiece, sight the subject, and press the release button (7). If the shutter is not tensioned, you cannot press the button. To tension the shutter, pull out the rapid-winding lever (36) in one movement as for as it will go. Then let it shoot back into its original position. If it does not move back, you did not pull it out far enough, so carry on to complete the transport movement.

This, at the same time tensions the shutter, and - provided you have a film in the camera - winds on the film by one frame and advances the film counter (see page 15). Now you can release. You will notice how smooth the release button operates; this is important to avoid camera shake.

Make a habit of operating the rapid-winding lever immediately after every exposure so as to have your camera always ready far action. Keeping the shutter tensioned - even for some time does not harm it in any way.

Preparing for the first exposure

You should by now be familiar with the most important operations and can take your first picture. For that, of course, you must have a film in the camera. Provided you have no special type of picture in view, choose a medium-speed film of about 28 degrees BS. (50 ASA). Before you insert the film you have to open the camera back. Proceed as follows.

On the bottom of the camera you will find the tripod bush (33) . This is surrounded by a double lever (32). If you push the milled end of the lever in the direction of the arrow, the opposite end uncovers a button (31). Depress this button, and the camera back (41) will spring open.

This lacking system has obvious advantages. You can only open the camera deliberately, and not by any accidental movement or knock.


Now insert the film in the camera

Before inserting the film, pull out the rewind knob (20) to its second stop. Turn the built-in take-up spool (40) by its serrated flange (40a) until the slit in the core points upwards. Now push the trimmed film end into the slit until it Is just visible on the other side of the spool core. Then draw the film across the film track and insert the cassette into the cassette chamber. Push back the rewind knob (20) into its normal position, carefully turning it at the same time in the direction of the arrow 0 tension the film. Check that the teeth of the transport sprocket (39) properly engage the perforations at the rawer edge of the film, and that at least tow perforations at the upper edge overlap the film track (see illustration). Now close the camera back.

To get the RETINA ready for the first exposure you still have 0 set the film counter.

Push the button (38) in the direction of the arrow and at the same time depress the film release button (8) Repeat this until the diamond-shaped mark near No. 36 an the film counter (38a) is opposite the notch in the upper edge of the film counter window.

Remember to set the film counter

If you are using a 20-exposure cassette, set to the index mark between No. 20 and 25. Now work the rapid-winding lever and press the film release button (8). Repeat this until the film counter indicates No. 36 or 20 respectively. At the same time the rewind knob (20) should rotate against its arrow if the film is advancing properly.  The film counter always indicates the number of shots still available. When it has reached No. 1. - in other words when the whole film is exposed - a transport lo* comes into operation. Neither the rapid-winding lever nor the release button will work further.

This prevents the film end from being pulled out of the cassette, which would make rewinding impossible. The film release button (8) incorporates a safety, catch to prevent accidental operation.

Setting the correct film speed

Always remember to set the speed of the film in the camera a) On the film indicator (19). b) On the exposure meter. a) The film indicator (19) on top of the rewind knob is a small but useful reminder which always shows you what type of film the camera is loaded with. Grip the rewind knob with two fingers and turn the inner serrated ring with the thumb of the other hand until the triangular index mark paints to the type of the film loaded in the camera.

b) Turn the inner disc (4) of the exposure meter setting ring by means of the knob (4d) until the appropriate speed number of the film in the camera appears in the window (4c), For instance, use 40 far an 40 ASA film. If you forget this setting, you may obtain incorrect light values and thus wrong exposures. A second window is provided for DIN speed numbers. Now you can really take your first picture

When the film is finished: Unloading

To rewind the exposed film depress the reversing button (37) in the base of the camera and half pull out the rewind knob (20) to get at it more easily. Then turn the rewind knob in the direction of the arrow until the reversing button ceases to rotate. This is easily observed by the small black dot near the rim of the button.

You have now rewound the film into its cassette. Open the camera back, fully pull out the rewind knob, and remove the cassette.

Do not load or unload the film in direct sunlight or strong artificial light, or you may fag the first few exposures. After removing the exposed film, rewrap it in its original packing for full protection against the light, until you are ready to process it.

Points for good pictures: Distance, Depth of field

To permit instant readings of the depth of field for any aperture and distance, a depth of field scale (15) is arranged symmetrically around the distance index (9). Suppose you have set the aperture to f/8 and the distance to about 5 1/2 feet (see also page 28). This is how you read off the depth. To the left of the distance index the line marked with the figure 8 is opposite 4 1/2 feet.

Zone focusing for action

To the right of the index another line with the figure 8 points to 8 feet. This tells you that with a setting of about 5 1/2 feet at f/8 You have a depth of field zone extending from 4 1/2 to 8 feet Within this zone everything will be sharp.

Zone focusing

Technically good exposures depend largely on the skilled combination of appropriate distance, shutter-speed, and aperture settings. However, you may come across subjects where you just haven't the time to work out the ideal setting or to use the rangefinder if you don't want to miss the picture (as in sports and action shots, children at play, etc.). For such occasions your RETINA carries two zone focus settings: one for near and one far distant subjects. a) For near subjects set the distance to the small circle near the 10 feet mark, and the aperture to f;8. This gives you a depth of field from about 6,5 to 20 feet b) For more distant subjects use the small circle near the 15 feet mark and an aperture of f/8. This gives a depth of field from about 9.5 feet to inf. c) With these settings you must, however, have adequate light, the painter of the exposure meter with the cover closed - should indicate a light value of at least 12.

live shots with flash

Your RETINA has a speed-synchronized Synchro-Compur shutter. That means that you can take flash shots at any shutter speed up to the fastest setting of 1/500 second with all available flash bulbs and electronic flash units, The holder Of the flash socket (21) carries three letters engraved an it M, X and V. M and X are synchronizing settings for flash. V is the self-timer setting. The three settings are adjusted by means of the green synchronizing lever (22). The flash is fired on releasing the camera shutter. The table (right) shows the suitable shutter speeds and the required setting of the synchronizing lever for the different types of flash. The aperture to be used can be Obtained from the so called guide numbers which are included with each package of flash bulbs. Divide this guide number by the distance; that gives you the aperture number to use. For instance, if the guide number is 120 and you are 15 feet from the subject 120/15 = 8. In other words you set the aperture lever to f/8.

The built-in self-timer
If you want to include yourself in a shot, set the synchronization lever (22) to V. But first operate the rapid-winding lever. Start the self timer mechanism by pressing the release button. The shutter will go off after about 10 seconds; you therefore have sufficient time to take your place in the picture. Once the self-timer is tensioned, the lever (22) cannot be moved away from V.

If you use the self-timer for flash shots, the camera works with the X-synchronization. As the self-timer runs dawn, the synchronizing lever automatically moves to X. Be sure to use the appropriate shutter-speed setting far X-synchronization, (see table).

Wider scope the L RETINA RETINA lenses

The standard lens of the RETINA is a 6-element 2 inch RETINA Xenon C f/2 or RETINA Heligon C f/2 The interchangeable part of the standard lens can be removed from the shutter by turning the mount to the left as far as it will go. Far easy removal and safe storage we strongly recommend the special container designed for the standard lens. In place of the standard lens removed, two alternative units can be inserted as required:

a) A telephoto lens, the 3 1/8 inch (80 mm)
RETINA Longor-Xenon C f/4 or RETINA Heligon C f/4; or

b) A wide-angle lens, the 13/a inch (35 mm)
RETINA Curtar-Xenon C f/5.6 or RETINA Heligon C f 5.6.

Preferably avoid changing lenses in brilliant sunshine.

Telephoto shots

Before inserting the lens place it in position over the mount so that the red dot (18) on the lens rim is exactly opposite the red dot on the bayonet ring (17). To lack the lens securely and correctly in place, turn it clockwise as far as it will go, until the red dot is opposite the white dot on the bayonet ring. Before exposing with the telephoto lens measure the distance] of the subject with the rangefinder of your RETINA, and read off the distance against the index (9) on the focusing scale (10). Then turn the camera towards you and transfer the measured value to the focusing scale for the telephoto lens (25) marked in white figures on block. To do this turn the focusing knob until the appropriate distance on the telephoto scale is opposite T-index mark (23). Do not, however, use the black ring (25a) on the telephoto lens itself for setting the distances. This ring is part of the depth-of-field indicator and serves only to show the depth of field available.

The telephoto lens focuses from infinity down to 6 1/2 feet. With the T l supplementary lens fitted over the front, the focusing range extends from 3 1/2 to 6 1/2 feet. In this case transfer the distance reading of the rangefinder to the scale (24) marked with yellow figures on black.

When reading off distances, you will find the scale marked with subdivisions which are repeated on the focusing score for the telephoto lens. This facilitates more accurate transfer of the readings to the telephoto focusing scales (25 and 24).

Wide-angle shots

Set the distance in the same way as with the telephoto lens. Transfer the distance figure obtained with the rangefinder to the wide-angle distance scale (29) and read off from the mark (28). Always sure to set the distance on the correct focusing score when using the interchangeable lenses. You will find small circles on the focusing scales for the wide-angle lens (at 10 feet) and far the telephoto lens (at 15 feet and at about 50 feet). These are the markings for the zone focus settings.

When the focus zone of the wide-angle lens is used and the aperture set at f/11, the depth of field will be from 5 feet to about inf. With the telephoto lens, if the close-up (15 feet) focus zone is used and the lens set at f/11, the depth of field is from about 12 feet to about 21 feet. With the same lens aperture and the zone focus set far distance at about 50 feet, the depth of field is from about 25 feet to inf.

Like the telephoto lens, the wide-angle lens carries a depth of field indicator (29a). Its rotating ring is engraved with a distance scale in the same colors as the focusing scale corresponding to the lens in use. The depth of field scales on the interchangeable lenses indicate only the depth of field. They are not to be used for setting exposures.

The interchangeable lenses use the same aperture and shutter speed as the standard lens. However You cannot set a larger aperture than the largest stop of the appropriate lens (f/4 with the telephoto lens and f/5.6 with the wide-angle lens). Otherwise the picture will be underexposed.

Finally, a few valuable hints

Two ways of using the exposure meter The exposure meter of the RETINA III c can be used in two different ways: for reflected light readings and for incident light readings.   Reflected light readings are taken from the camera position towards the subject as described an p. 8. This method is suitable for all subjects without strong contrasts: of light and shade and where there is no specially dark or exceptionally brilliant background or surroundings (e. g. sky or water). Do not let direct light, sky light, or strong artificial light strike the honeycomb cell of the exposure meter as you may otherwise obtain too high readings, leading-to underexposure. For incident light readings the camera is pointed from the subject towards the taking position. With this method the diffusing screen (5b) must always be fitted over the cell of the exposure meter irrespective of whether the cover is open or closed. Always let the direct light from the light source reach the screen. This method is particularly suitable far determining the light value in against-the-light shots and snow subjects, as well as close-tips. When not in use, the exposure meter incident light diffusing screen should be retained in the elastic strap which is provided in the cover of the ever ready case.

We have thought of everything to make your camera a joy to use
If you have carefully read the previous sections, you will surely agree that the RETINA III c is much easier to handle than you first thought. However, if you should still hove any daubs an some point, please turn to your photo dealer or get in touch with us.

But, before you put down this instruction booklet, we would like to give you a few more hints.

The film release
If the rapid-winding lever should ever lock, pressing the film release button (8) will free it without wasting a frame or causing a double exposure. There may be various reasons for this. For instance the winding lever will lack if you try out the camera with the shutter set to 1 second and work the lever before the shutter has closed. Never use farce, but simply press the film release (8). Alternatively, check whether the film counter has reached No. 1. In that case the film is finished and must be unloaded.

Easy film changing
If you want to unload a partly-exposed film (e. g. to change from black-and-white to KODACHROME), rewind the film into its cassette as described an page 17. However, take care not to draw the trimmed film leader completely into the cassette; stop rewinding immediately when the reversing button (37) ceases to rotate. Also remember to note on the beginning of the film leader the number of the lost exposure read off the film counter.

When reloading the partly-exposed film, proceed as described on page 14. As before, set the film counter to the $ mark before No. 20 or 36, according to the length of the film. Close the camera back and advance the film by alternately working the rapid winder (36) and pressing the film release button (8). On no account press the shutter release (7)! Carry an until the film counter indicates the-same number at which you originally unloaded the film. To be an the safe side, advance the film by an extra frame.

The line frame finder

When you look correctly through the eyepiece of the finder, you will see a reflected line frame (34a). It outlines your picture area and is always plainly visible. This helps you to find the correct field of view and prevents faulty sighting. This is especially important with color shots, as you cannot easily trim a color transparency.

Parallax
To compensate far parallax with close shots between 2~ and 6 feet you have to imagine two lines (dotted in the illustration) between the pairs of opposite marks (34b) in the line frame. With shots at such. close range the subject must not go beyond these imagined lines.

If you wear spectacles
The finder of the RETINA has been designed to give a complete view of the picture area, even if you are wearing spectacles.
Should your vision be faulty, however, and you do not wear spectacles (and thus cannot see the finder image sufficiently clearly) we can supply a correction lens to special order. Just let us know your spectacle prescription. This correction lens is screwed into the mount of the eyepiece. How ever, no correction lenses are available far astigmatism.


Now you really know your RETINA

Aperture-shutter speed combinations
If you want to the aperture-shutter speed combination by turning the speed-setting ring towards the short exposure times, the aperture lever may not go beyond a certain point. In that case the intended picture is not possible. However, if the aperture lever comes up against the limit of its movement when you try to set a small aperture, you can still take the picture. Simply mount the camera an a tripod and take a time exposure with the shutter set to B. The green figures on the meter setting ring show the exposure required at the aperture setting wanted.

Exposure settings without light values
You can of course also set the exposure in the usual way without utilizing the light value scale. The only point to note is that the shutter speed must be set first and the aperture afterwards. If you proceed in the reverse order, setting the shutter speed will also change the aperture due to the aperture-speed coupling.

The right finder for the right lens
When taking pictures with the telephoto or wide-angle lenses, use the RETINA multiple finder specially designed far the interchangeable lenses of the RETINA. This shows the correct field of view with each lens. If you use only the standard and telephoto lenses, the frame finder model c is sufficient. Both finders provide for parallax correction.

When you buy extra lenses
When you acquire a wide-angle or telephoto lens, be sure that it is the same make (Xenon or Heligon) as the standard lens. Your camera is designed in such a way that you can use only interchangeable Xenon lenses with the standard RETINA Xenon lens and interchangeable Heligon lenses with the standard RETINA Heligan lens.

Also make sure that the standard lens supplied with the camera is not interchanged against the standard lens of another RETINA. The serial number of the standard lens must therefore always correspond to the serial number engraved an the bayonet ring.

More scope with accessories
The world-wide popularity of the RETINA is based as much on its famous precision and unsurpassed performance as an its versatility. The term RETINA Photography is not empty description; it covers the many applications of the wide range of accessories.

The Kodoblitz.
Be ready for action with your RETINA at any time and under any light conditions: get the handy KODABLITZ flash gun with the grained soft-light reflector.. Its 22.5 volt anode battery will also operate two to three extension units without additional power source.

The lens Hood and Filters.
The new rectangular lens hood, suitable with a hood extension also for the wide-angle lens, and the various color filters are indispensable aids to good pictures

The RETINA Frame Finder Model c.
With it you can follow moving subjects and view them in natural size before they actually enter the field of view. This frame finder is designed for the standard and telephoto lenses, and its parallax correction also makes it suitable far close-ups with the supplementary N-lenses.

The Optical Multiple Finder.
This indicates the exact field of view with the telephoto and wide-angle lenses.

The Close-Up Rangefinder.
The RETINA close-up rangefinder with its two supplementary lenses opens up a whole new field of small subjects. The close-up rangefinder and two N-lenses permit shots between 38 1/4 and 11 5/8 inches from the camera.

The Table Stand.
The highly versatile table stand has been developed for close-ups of subjects which. require or permit long exposure times, and far all shots where quick setting-up and absolute steadiness of the camera are important.

The Close-Up Attachment.
The three it-lenses with the close-up attachment permit shots of live subjects or of rapid movement at four fixed near distances, ranging from 11 to 6 inches.

The Stereo Attachment.
If you are interested in three dimensional photography, the stereo attachment will give you true stereoscopic pictures which look amazingly life-like in the stereo viewer.

The Ground Glass Focusing Adapter.
This is a valuable aid far the accurate determination of depth of field and distances for shots requiring special arrangement, and for checking of special effects before exposure.

The Micro Adopter.
Doctors, biologists and all scientists and science students will find the micro adapter the ideal equipment for making black-and-white or color records of their microscope investigations.

The Cowing Stand.
If you want to copy documents, important letters, valuable prints and the like, use the copying stand, which also incorporates its awn complete lighting unit.

LIGHT VALUE CORRECTION with the use of filters

Infra-red shots
On the right side of the distance index mark (9) there is a small red dot. You use this red dot in place of the black index mark when exposing infra-red film. In other wards, turn the focusing knob to bring the red dot opposite the figure for your subject distance. For infra-red shots you must use a suitable infra-red filter in front of the lens. ( As of 2024 they are making IR B&W film again.)

Double Exposures
The double exposure lock of the RETINA prevents accidental double exposures. To make a deliberate double exposure for special purposes, press the reversing button (37) after the first exposure and keep it depressed while tensioning the shutter with the rapid-winding lever (36). The film remains in the same position for a second exposure.

Note that operating the rapid winder after the second exposure also advances the film counter, although you have actually saved a frame by the double exposure.

A last tip
Protect your lens against damage and especially avoid touching the glass surface and the shutter blades when they are exposed while you change the lens. The best means of cleaning the glass surfaces and finder windows, is a soft rag as used for cleaning spectacle lenses.