KODAK RETINA II

Name: Kodak Retina II
Brand: Kodak

The Kodak Retina II is a 35mm folding rangefinder camera produced by Kodak AG in Stuttgart, Germany, from 1949 to 1956. It represents a significant achievement in postwar German camera engineering under American ownership, combining precision optics, robust construction, and compact portability.

Overview

Introduced in 1949 as the successor to the Retina I (Type 117) and Retina II (Type 015), the Retina II (Type 017) was part of Kodak’s second-generation Retina series, distinguished by its integrated rangefinder and improved mechanical design. Manufactured at the Nagel factory in Stuttgart—later fully absorbed into Kodak AG—the Retina II was positioned as a premium compact camera for serious amateur and professional photographers seeking high image quality in a portable form factor. It utilized the standard 135 film format and featured a fixed, high-speed Schneider-Kreuznach Xenon 50mm f/2 lens, setting it apart from many contemporaries that used slower standard lenses.

The Retina II’s folding design allowed the lens and shutter assembly to collapse into the body, significantly reducing its profile when not in use. This made it exceptionally portable for its era, while still delivering image quality on par with larger, more rigid-bodied rangefinders. The camera featured a combined viewfinder and rangefinder in a single bright-line window, a feature that improved usability and compositional accuracy. Unlike earlier models, the Type 017 included a synchronized flash terminal (X-sync at 1/30 sec), catering to the growing demand for flash photography in low-light and indoor environments.

Within Kodak’s lineup, the Retina II (Type 017) was succeeded by the Retina III (Type 018), which added a built-in light meter. The Retina I (Type 117) was the base model without a rangefinder. It exemplified Kodak’s strategy of blending German optical excellence with American mass-market distribution, making high-quality photography accessible beyond elite circles. Its production spanned seven years, during which incremental improvements were made, including refinements to the film transport mechanism and shutter reliability.

Specifications

Specification	Value
Type	Folding Rangefinder
Film Format	35mm (135 cartridge)
Years Produced	1949–1956
Lens Mount	Fixed lens (non-interchangeable)
Lens	Schneider-Kreuznach Xenon 50mm f/2, 7 elements in 4 groups
Aperture Range	f/2 to f/16 (click-stopped)
Shutter	Compur-Rapid shutter, speeds 1 sec to 1/300 + B
Shutter Sync	X-sync only (at 1/30 sec)
Metering	None (unmetered)
Exposure Modes	Manual only
Viewfinder	Combined optical viewfinder and coincident-image rangefinder with parallax correction
Focusing	Coupled rangefinder, via front lens cell rotation
Film Advance	Top-mounted knob with automatic frame counter reset
Frame Count	36 exposures (standard), 12 or 20 via insert spools
Dimensions	105 × 65 × 40 mm (folded); 105 × 65 × 75 mm (unfolded)
Weight	Approx. 520 g (with lens extended)

Key Features

Schneider-Kreuznach Xenon 50mm f/2 lens: A fast, high-performance lens renowned for sharpness, contrast, and low aberration, especially for its era.
Integrated coincident-image rangefinder: Provides accurate focusing with a bright, easy-to-read patch visible in the combined viewfinder.
Compact folding design: Lens and shutter retract into the body, making the camera highly portable when stowed.
Flash synchronization: Equipped with both X and M sync terminals, allowing use with electronic flash and flashbulbs.
Precision Compur-Meter shutter: Offers reliable shutter speeds from 1 second to 1/300 second, with a reputation for long-term durability.

Historical Context

The Retina II (Type 017) was launched during a pivotal period in photographic history, as 35mm film transitioned from a novelty to the dominant consumer format. Kodak AG, having acquired the Nagel Werkstätten in 1931 and integrated it into Kodak's German operations, later consolidated under Kodak AG in Stuttgart, leveraged German optical expertise to compete with Leica and Contax in the premium compact camera market. The Retina II was designed to offer near-professional performance at a more accessible price point, appealing to educated amateurs and photojournalists who valued discretion and image quality.

Its primary competitors included the Leica IIIc, Zeiss Ikon Contax II, and later the Canon VT and early Nikon rangefinders. While it lacked the interchangeable lens system of the Leica, the Retina II compensated with superior ergonomics, quieter operation, and a more compact folded profile. Market reception was favorable in Europe and North America, supported by Kodak’s dealer network and film ecosystem. The camera’s build quality and optical performance earned it a loyal following, and it was often praised in contemporary reviews for its reliability and ease of use.

Collectibility & Value

Today, the Kodak Retina II (Type 017) is a sought-after collectible among vintage camera enthusiasts, particularly those interested in postwar German engineering and compact rangefinders. Well-maintained examples in working condition typically sell for $300–$500 USD, with cameras featuring original cases, manuals, and unscratched lenses commanding premiums. Rarity is moderate—while not exceptionally scarce, functional units with clean viewfinders and smooth shutters are increasingly difficult to find due to age-related deterioration.

When purchasing a Retina II, collectors should inspect several critical components: the rangefinder alignment (commonly misaligned due to impact or wear), shutter functionality across all speeds (especially 1/300 and 1 sec), and lens condition (fungal growth, haze, or separation in the Xenon elements). The leather bellows are prone to cracking, and the viewfinder prism may exhibit silvering degradation. Additionally, the film advance mechanism can bind if not regularly serviced. Despite these concerns, the Retina II remains repairable by specialists familiar with vintage Compur shutters and folding camera mechanics.

Similar Cameras

Leica IIIc – Interchangeable-lens rangefinder with M39 mount; benchmark for 35mm quality.
Zeiss Ikon Contax II – Precision-engineered rangefinder with long stroke focus and coupled metering in later variants.
Canon VT – Japanese rangefinder with bright viewfinder and interchangeable lenses.
Nikon I – Early Nikon rangefinder, precursor to the Nikon F SLR system.
Yashica Electro 35 – Later Japanese compact 35mm rangefinder, though electronically controlled.

Repair & Maintenance

The Kodak Retina II requires no battery, as it is fully mechanical. Shutter operation and film advance are manual, making it reliable in long-term storage if properly maintained. The most common issues include stiff or inconsistent shutter speeds (often due to dried lubricants in the Compur shutter), misaligned rangefinders, and degraded light seals. Regular CLA (clean, lubricate, adjust) by a technician experienced with vintage leaf shutters is recommended every 10–15 years. Replacement light seals and focusing rail lubrication can extend usability. Due to the complexity of the folding mechanism and rangefinder coupling, amateur disassembly is discouraged. Spare parts are limited but occasionally available through specialized vintage camera suppliers or donor bodies.