KODAK RETINA AUTOMATIC II
The Kodak Retina Automatic II is a 35mm viewfinder camera introduced in 1960 as an upgrade to the original Retina Automatic. It was the last of Kodak's German-built compact 35mm line, with automatic exposure control, good optics and precise mechanical construction.
Overview
Kodak AG built it in Stuttgart, West Germany, at a time when consumer photography was moving toward automation and ease of use. It followed the Retina Automatic I (1958-1960) and added refinements to usability, build quality and optical performance. Kodak aimed it at advanced amateurs and professionals who wanted a compact, reliable 35mm camera with automatic exposure and no loss in image quality.
The Retina Automatic II belongs to the third generation of Retina cameras, which had sleek all-metal bodies, collapsible lenses and innovative shutter systems. Earlier Retinas made you work out exposure yourself. The Automatic II has a cadmium sulfide (CdS) light meter with full-aperture through-the-lens (TTL) metering - a rare and advanced feature for its time. The camera picks the shutter speed from the scene luminance and the film speed the user sets, which simplifies exposure control a great deal.
The biggest upgrade over its predecessor was the lens: the Kodak Ektanon 44mm f/2.8, a four-element, three-group design that gave sharp images with excellent contrast and minimal aberrations. It replaced the slower f/3.5 lens on the Automatic I, so the II handles low light better and has a brighter viewfinder image. The leaf shutter stayed, with speeds from 1/30 to 1/500 second, plus B. Flash sync is automatic through a PC terminal.
The Retina Automatic II was one of the last high-end compact viewfinder cameras Kodak made before the company shifted toward simpler, more mass-market models. Its mix of automation, precision engineering and premium optics made it a favorite among discerning photographers in Europe and North America. The 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 arrived in 1960, when 35mm photography was rapidly gaining popularity among amateur and professional photographers. 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 it. The Retina line already had a reputation for precision engineering and optical excellence, and the Automatic II added 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. Unlike many of its competitors, the Retina Automatic II offered full aperture TTL metering, which would not become widespread until the late 1960s. Japanese manufacturers offered similar or better performance at lower prices, and the pressure kept growing. By 1963, Kodak discontinued the model in favor of simpler, more cost-effective designs, which ended the line of German-made Retinas.
Collectibility & Value
Today the Kodak Retina Automatic II is a sought-after collector's item, particularly among fans of vintage German cameras and the Retina lineage. Well-preserved working examples typically sell for $400 to $700. Mint units, or ones with rare accessories, reach upwards of $900. The price comes from its historical significance, its metering system and its reputation for build quality.
When buying a Retina Automatic II, check that the CdS meter works. The original PX625 mercury battery is no longer available, and modern replacements (such as zinc-air or adapters) may not provide consistent voltage. A dead meter cuts usability and value significantly. Other common problems are stiff or seized focusing mechanisms, shutter curtain deterioration and light seal degradation. The collapsible lens mechanism is generally sturdy but can get sticky if it isn't exercised regularly. Inspect the lens for fungus, haze and scratches, and test the shutter speeds 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 takes a 1.35V PX625 mercury battery for its CdS light meter. Modern alternatives include the WeinCell MRB625 (zinc-air) or alkaline adapters, though a voltage mismatch may affect meter accuracy. Shutter maintenance is critical. Given the age, the Compur-Rapid shutter may need cleaning, lubrication and recalibration by a specialist. Check the focusing helicoid for smooth operation, and make sure the collapsible lens tube extends and retracts without resistance. Replace the light seals to prevent leaks, and clean the viewfinder of internal dust or residue. The TTL metering system and leaf shutter are complex, so repairs should go to technicians experienced with vintage German cameras.
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