The Kodak Retina series, manufactured in Germany by Kodak AG in Stuttgart, represents a unique intersection of precision engineering, compact design, and superb optics. Among the many models produced between the 1930s and 1960s, three in particular stand out: the Kodak Retina Ia, Kodak Retina IIc, and Kodak Retina Reflex III. Each offers a different experience, reflecting the evolution of camera technology in the mid-20th century.

Kodak Retina Ia (Type 015)
Produced from 1951 to 1954, the Retina Ia is a 35mm folding camera known for its elegant simplicity. It features either a Schneider-Kreuznach Reomar 50mm f/3.5 or a Xenon f/2.8 lens. Fully manual and lacking a rangefinder, it embodies the minimalist yet precise approach of post-war German camera design.

Kodak Retina IIc (Type 020)
Produced from 1954 to 1957, the Retina IIc adds a coupled rangefinder and a unique lens interchangeability system using convertible front lens elements. This model is equipped with a Schneider-Kreuznach Retina-Xenon C 50mm f/2.8 lens, delivering exceptional sharpness and image quality. Compact and highly portable, the IIc was aimed at serious enthusiasts seeking flexibility without compromising optical performance.

Kodak Retina Reflex III
Produced from 1960 to 1964, the Reflex III marked Kodak’s move into the single-lens reflex (SLR) segment. It features through-the-lens focusing and metering, and is equipped with a fast Schneider-Kreuznach Retina-Xenon 50mm f/1.9 lens. With its superior light-gathering ability and crisp rendering, this lens remains highly regarded. The Reflex III also uses the same interchangeable front element lens system, offering both versatility and optical excellence.

Key Differences Between Retina IIc and Retina Reflex III

• The Retina IIc is a rangefinder camera, while the Reflex III is an SLR, offering through-the-lens viewing.
• The Reflex III features a brighter Retina-Xenon 50mm f/1.9 lens, compared to the f/2.8 lens on the IIc.
• The IIc is a compact folding camera ideal for travel, whereas the Reflex III is larger and better suited for precision work.
• Mechanically, the IIc offers a quieter, quicker shooting experience; the Reflex III provides more control and accuracy for advanced photography.

All three models were sold successfully, primarily in Western Europe and North America, and were praised for their mechanical reliability and top-tier optics. The Schneider-Kreuznach Retina-Xenon lenses, made in Germany, are particularly noteworthy — known for their clarity, build quality, and beautiful rendering.

The Kodak Retina series remains a significant chapter in the history of analog photography, reflecting the craftsmanship and innovation of a bygone era.