Kodak Retina

It was the original Retina introduced in 1934 with the new development of a daylight loading film cartridge in 35 mm format that made quality cameras and pictures available to the ordinary citizens of the day. Previously, quality equipment was available from Leica or Zeiss at prices too high for most people. The Retina was produced by Nagel Camerawerk in Germany and when Kodak acquired Nagel, it was able to sell quality cameras without the necessary investment of development and testing as Nagel was already a respected camera manufacturer.

The daylight loading cartridge introduced by the Retina was an instant success and other manufacturers had to design cameras to take advantage of the new film cartridge. Kodak itself was more interested in selling film than cameras and had reservations about the ability of 35 mm film to catch on with the general public. But it was the convenience of the daylight loading film cartridge that assured the success of the Retina, Kodak, and a host of competitors.

It was the original Retina's fit, feel, and finish that helped make it a success. It was pleasant to the eye, fit comfortably in the hand, and produced quality results all while maintaining an affordable price. These characteristics were particularly true in the folding Retina line and is why they remain collectible to this day.

Retina IIc, IIIc, & IIIC

Folding Retinette cameras, post war

type	model	yr built	quantity	lenses available	shutter
012	Retinette	1949-1951		Ennatar 1:4,5/50mm or Reomar 1:4,5/50mm	Prontor-S
012	Retinette	1949-1951		Kodak Anastigmat f:4,5 Angenieux 50mm	Kodak
017	Retinette	1952-1954	012 & 017 = 61,000+	Schneider Reomar 1:4,5/50mm	Prontor-S & Prontor-SV
017	Retinette	1952-1954	see above	F:4,5 Kodak Anastigmat Angenieux 50mm or F:3.5 K.A. Angenieux 50mm	Kodak

post-war non-folding or "Solid-body" Retinettes

type	model	yr built	quantity	lenses available	shutter
022	Retinette	1954-1958	238,000	Schneider Reomar 1:3,5/45mm	Compur-Rapid
022/7	Retinette f	1955-1958	70,000	K.A. F:3,5 Angenieux 45mm	Kodak
026	Retinette II	1958-1959	19,000	Reomar 1:2,8/45mm	Compur Rapid
030	Retinette I	1958-1959	118,000	Reomar 1:3,5/45mm	Compur-Rapid
030/7	Retinette f	1958-1959	10,000	K.A. F:3,5 Angenieux 45mm	Kodak
031	Retinette IIB	1958-1959	40,000+	Reomar 1:2,8/45mm (Type 031 was the first Retinette to have an exposure meter)	Compur-Rapid
035	Retinette IA	1959-1960	231,000	Reomar f:3,5/50mm	Vero & Pronto
035/7	Retinette IA	1959-1961	10,000	K.A. F:2,8 Angenieux 50mm	Kodak
036	Retinette IIA	1959-1960	45,000+	Reomar f:2,8/45mm	Prontormat
037	Retinette IB	1959-1963	230,000+	Reomar 1:2,8/45mm	Pronto-LK
042	Retinette I A	1960-1963	217,000+	Reomar 1:2,8/45mm	Pronto
044	Retinette IA	1963-1967	343,000+	Reomar 1:2,8/45mm	Prontor 250S & Prontor 300S
045	Retinette IB	1963-1966	258,000	Reomar 1:2,8/45mm	Prontor 500 LK

nonfolding Retinas

Want to join an organization devoted to the Retina?
Historical Society for Retina Cameras
Attention:David L Jentz
Historical Society for Retina Cameras
50695 Ridgemoor Way
Granger, Indiana 46530
Phone: 219-272-4193
e-mail: retinacam@msn.com

This Retina page will be updated as more accurate information becomes available. If you see any errors, contact me.
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This page was updated December 6, 1998.