KODAK RETINA AUTOMATIC II

Name: Kodak Retina Automatic II
Brand: Kodak

The Kodak Retina Automatic II is a 35mm viewfinder camera introduced in 1960 as an upgraded version of the original Retina Automatic. It represents the culmination of Kodak’s German-engineered compact 35mm camera line, combining automatic exposure control with high-quality optics and precise mechanical construction.

Overview

Manufactured by Kodak AG in Stuttgart, West Germany, the Retina Automatic II was released during a transitional period in consumer photography when automation and ease of use were becoming increasingly important. It succeeded the Retina Automatic I (1958–1960) and featured several refinements that improved usability, build quality, and optical performance. The camera was targeted at advanced amateurs and professionals seeking a compact, reliable 35mm camera with automatic exposure capabilities, without sacrificing image quality.

The Retina Automatic II is part of the third generation of Retina cameras, which were distinguished by their sleek, all-metal bodies, collapsible lenses, and innovative shutter systems. Unlike earlier Retinas that required manual exposure calculation, the Automatic II integrated a cadmium sulfide (CdS) light meter with full-aperture through-the-lens (TTL) metering—a rare and advanced feature for its time. This allowed the camera to automatically select the correct shutter speed based on the scene luminance and the film speed set by the user, significantly simplifying exposure control.

One of the most notable upgrades over its predecessor was the inclusion of a superior lens: the Kodak Ektanon 44mm f/2.8, a four-element, three-group optical design that delivered sharp images with excellent contrast and minimal aberrations. This lens replaced the slower f/3.5 lens found on the Automatic I, making the II significantly more capable in low-light conditions and providing a brighter viewfinder image. The camera retained the leaf shutter design with speeds from 1/30 to 1/500 second, plus B, and featured automatic flash synchronization via a PC terminal.

The Retina Automatic II was one of the last high-end compact viewfinder cameras produced by Kodak before the company shifted focus toward simpler, more mass-market models. Its blend of automation, precision engineering, and premium optics made it a favorite among discerning photographers in Europe and North America, though its relatively high price limited its mass appeal.

Specifications

Specification	Value
Type	Fixed-lens compact viewfinder
Film Format	35mm (135 cartridge)
Years Produced	1960–1963
Lens Mount	Fixed Kodak Ektanon 44mm f/2.8 (non-interchangeable)
Shutter	Compur-Rapid shutter with speeds: 1/30, 1/60, 1/125, 1/250, 1/500 sec, and B
Aperture Range	f/2.8 to f/22 (manually selected)
Metering	TTL CdS meter at full aperture
Exposure Modes	Aperture-priority automatic (shutter speed selected automatically); manual override via exposure lock
Viewfinder	Optical direct-vision viewfinder with brightline framelines (parallax-corrected) and exposure indicator
Focus	Manual focus via helical focusing mount (3 ft to ∞)
Flash Sync	PC terminal with X-sync (1/30 sec sync speed)
Battery	One 1.35V mercury battery (PX625 or equivalent) for meter
Dimensions	Approx. 105 x 65 x 45 mm (closed), 105 x 65 x 70 mm (lens extended)
Weight	Approx. 480 g (with battery)

Key Features

TTL CdS Metering with Aperture-Priority Automation: The camera automatically selects the correct shutter speed based on the selected aperture and film speed, using a full-aperture TTL light meter.
High-Speed Ektanon 44mm f/2.8 Lens: A four-element lens offering superior sharpness and low-light performance compared to earlier Retina Automatic models.
Compact Collapsible Design: The lens retracts into the body when not in use, making the camera highly portable.
Manual Focus with Coupled Viewfinder: Precise focusing via a distance scale and viewfinder with parallax correction.
Built-in Exposure Lock: Allows for manual exposure override by locking the selected exposure settings for recomposition.

Historical Context

The Retina Automatic II was introduced in 1960 at a time when 35mm photography was rapidly gaining popularity among amateur and professional photographers alike. The post-war economic boom in Europe and the United States fueled demand for high-quality, easy-to-use cameras, and Kodak AG in Stuttgart was well-positioned to meet this need. The Retina line had already established a reputation for precision engineering and optical excellence, and the Automatic II built on that legacy by incorporating cutting-edge metering technology.

It competed directly with other premium compact rangefinders and viewfinders such as the Leica Standard, Zeiss Ikon Contessa 35, and later models like the Olympus 35 series. However, unlike many of its competitors, the Retina Automatic II offered full aperture TTL metering—an innovation that would not become widespread until the late 1960s. Despite its advanced features, the camera faced increasing competition from Japanese manufacturers who offered similar or better performance at lower prices. By 1963, Kodak discontinued the model in favor of simpler, more cost-effective designs, marking the end of an era for German-made Retinas.

Collectibility & Value

Today, the Kodak Retina Automatic II is a sought-after collector’s item, particularly among enthusiasts of vintage German cameras and the Retina lineage. Well-preserved examples in working condition typically command prices between $400 and $700, with mint-condition units or those with rare accessories reaching upwards of $900. Its value is driven by its historical significance, advanced metering system, and reputation for build quality.

When purchasing a Retina Automatic II, collectors should verify that the CdS meter is functional, as the original PX625 mercury battery is no longer available and modern replacements (such as zinc-air or adapters) may not provide consistent voltage. A non-working meter significantly reduces usability and value. Other common issues include stiff or seized focusing mechanisms, shutter curtain deterioration, and light seal degradation. The collapsible lens mechanism is generally robust but can become sticky if not regularly exercised. Cameras should be inspected for fungus, haze, or scratches in the lens, and the shutter speeds should be tested with a timing device.

Similar Cameras

Konica Auto S2 (1963) – Aperture-priority 35mm viewfinder with Hexanon lens and CdS metering.
Olympus 35 SP (1969) – Rangefinder with spot and average metering, Zuiko lens.
Yashica Electro 35 (1966) – Fully automatic 35mm rangefinder with Copal shutter and Yashinon lens.
Leica Minolta CL (1973) – Compact M-mount rangefinder with CdS metering and Leitz collaboration.
Retina Reflex IV (1964) – Kodak’s own SLR offering, though larger and less portable.

Repair & Maintenance

The Retina Automatic II requires a 1.35V PX625 mercury battery for its CdS light meter; modern alternatives include WeinCell MRB625 (zinc-air) or alkaline adapters, though voltage mismatch may affect meter accuracy. Shutter maintenance is critical—given the age, the Compur-Rapid shutter may require cleaning, lubrication, and recalibration by a specialist. The focusing helicoid should be checked for smooth operation, and the collapsible lens tube should extend and retract without resistance. Light seals should be replaced to prevent light leaks, and the viewfinder should be cleaned of internal dust or residue. Due to the complexity of the TTL metering system and leaf shutter, repairs should be performed by technicians experienced with vintage German cameras.