KODAK RETINETTE

Name: Kodak Retinette
Brand: Kodak

The Kodak Retinette is a series of compact 35mm folding cameras produced by Eastman Kodak for the European market under the Kodak A.G. (Stuttgart, Germany) division. Designed as an economical alternative to the premium Kodak Retina line, the Retinette offered simplified mechanics and modest optics while retaining the essential functionality of a high-quality 35mm rangefinder-style camera.

Overview

Introduced in 1939 and produced intermittently until 1960, the Retinette series was positioned as a budget-friendly option within Kodak’s German-made folding camera lineup. It was conceived during a period when 35mm photography was gaining popularity among amateur photographers seeking portability and ease of use. While the original Retina models featured coupled rangefinders and premium lenses like the Schneider Kreuznach Xenar, the Retinette series replaced these with simpler viewfinder designs and lower-cost optics, notably the Kodak Anastigmat and later the Kodak Eutar lenses.

The Retinette line evolved through several iterations, including the original pre-war model (Type 015), the post-war Retinette I (Type 025), Retinette II (Type 035), and the final Retinette 5000 (1956–1960). Despite its economy designation, the build quality remained solid, with metal bodies, leatherette covering, and precise German engineering. The folding design allowed the lens to collapse into the body, making the camera highly portable—a key selling point in its era. The Retinette was marketed to amateur photographers and students who desired a reliable, compact 35mm camera without the expense of a full-featured Retina.

Specifications

Specification	Value
Type	Folding viewfinder camera
Film Format	35mm (135 cartridge)
Years Produced	1939–1960 (various models)
Lens Mount	Fixed lens (non-interchangeable)
Shutter	Kodak Ektra-type leaf shutter; speeds from 1 sec to 1/300 + B (early models), later models up to 1/400
Metering	None (uncoupled or no meter)
Exposure Modes	Manual via shutter speed and aperture selection
Viewfinder	Optical direct-vision viewfinder (no rangefinder)
Dimensions	Approx. 110 x 60 x 35 mm (folded); weight ~400 g

Lens Details:

Early Retinette (Type 015, 1939–1941): Kodak Anastigmat 45mm f/3.5
Retinette I (Type 025, 1951–1953): Kodak Eutar 45mm f/3.5
Retinette II (Type 035, 1953–1955): Kodak Eutar 45mm f/2.8
Retinette 5000 (1956–1960): Kodak Eutar 45mm f/2.8 with coated lens elements

Aperture Range: f/3.5 to f/16 (early models); f/2.8 to f/16 (later models)

Focus: Scale focusing via front standard; distance set manually from 4 ft to ∞

Flash Sync: Yes, via PC terminal (X-sync on later models)

Frame Count: 20 or 36 exposures (depending on film load)

Film Advance: Knurled knob with automatic frame counter

Shutter Release: Threaded cable release compatible (on most models)

Key Features

Compact Folding Design: Collapsible lens assembly enables pocketable portability while maintaining a rigid body when open.
German-Built Quality: Manufactured in Stuttgart, Germany, with precision engineering typical of Kodak A.G.’s mid-century output.
45mm f/2.8 Lens (Later Models): A relatively fast lens for a budget camera, offering improved low-light performance and shallow depth of field.
Scale Focusing with Depth-of-Field Scale: Allows estimation of focus and depth of field, useful for zone focusing techniques.
PC Flash Sync: Enables use with external flash units, a feature uncommon in budget cameras of the era.

Historical Context

The original Retinette (Type 015) was introduced in 1939 as a simplified sibling to the Kodak Retina I (Type 117), which had debuted in 1934. At a time when European economies were strained by pre-war conditions, Kodak sought to expand its market reach by offering a more affordable 35mm folding camera. The Retinette omitted the coupled rangefinder and used a basic Anastigmat lens instead of the higher-grade Xenar or Ektar, significantly reducing production costs.

Production was interrupted during World War II, resuming in the early 1950s with updated models. The Retinette I and II reflected post-war design trends, incorporating improved ergonomics and faster lenses. The final model, the Retinette 5000 (1956), featured a coated Eutar lens and a more modern aesthetic, but by then, the market was shifting toward fixed-body rangefinders and eventually SLRs. Competitors such as the Zeiss Ikon Ikoflex series, Wirgin Edinex, and later the Zeiss Ikon Contessa offered similar form factors but often with rangefinders or superior optics. Despite its limitations, the Retinette maintained a loyal user base due to its reliability and compactness.

Collectibility & Value

Today, the Kodak Retinette is a modestly collectible camera, particularly among enthusiasts of vintage German-made folding cameras. Early pre-war models (Type 015) are rare and command higher prices, typically ranging from $150 to $300 in functional condition. Post-war models (Retinette I, II, and 5000) are more common and generally sell for $75 to $150, depending on condition, lens clarity, and shutter functionality.

Collectors should inspect for common issues: shutter curtain deterioration (especially in older models), lens fungus or separation (particularly in humid storage), and stiff folding mechanisms. The leather bellows are prone to cracking over time, which can affect light sealing. As the camera uses no batteries, functionality depends solely on mechanical integrity. A working Retinette with a clean lens and accurate shutter speeds is a capable film camera, suitable for enthusiasts exploring classic 35mm photography.

Due to its lack of a rangefinder, the Retinette is less desirable than the full Retina series, but its historical role as an accessible German-made Kodak gives it niche appeal. Complete examples with original case and manual are especially prized.

Similar Cameras

Zeiss Ikon Contessa 35 – A similarly styled German-made 35mm viewfinder camera with a high-quality Tessar lens, produced from 1957–1964.
Wirgin Edinex 35 – A German folding 35mm camera with scale focusing and interchangeable lenses (via adapter), popular in the 1950s.
Rollei 35 – Though produced later (1966+), this ultra-compact 35mm camera shares the Retinette’s emphasis on portability and German engineering.
Kodak 35 Rangefinder (Model 2) – A contemporary American-made Kodak 35mm camera, simpler and less refined than the German Retinette.
FED 2 or Zorki 1 – Soviet rangefinder cameras based on the Leica II; more advanced but from the same era and price-conscious market.

Repair & Maintenance

The Retinette requires no batteries and operates entirely mechanically. Common maintenance issues include sluggish or inaccurate shutter speeds, often due to dried lubricants in the leaf shutter. A CLA (Clean, Lubricate, Adjust) by a qualified technician can restore functionality. The folding mechanism may become stiff; gentle cleaning and re-lubrication of hinge points are recommended. The lens should be checked for fungus, haze, or separation—common in long-stored optics. Replacement leather bellows are not readily available, making undamaged originals valuable. Users should ensure the film pressure plate is secure and the film advance mechanism operates smoothly to prevent frame spacing issues. With proper care, the Retinette remains a durable and functional example of mid-century compact camera design.