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Post by Rachel on Apr 30, 2006 11:46:00 GMT -5
Just got back from a camera fair near Cambridge with 2 "new" cameras. One is a Retina IIc folder and the other is an Altix which I've never heard of before. I'll get some pictures of them for the board as soon as I can.
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PeterW
Lifetime Member
Member has Passed
Posts: 3,804
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Post by PeterW on Apr 30, 2006 17:28:44 GMT -5
Hi Rachel, Congrats on the acquisitions. Was the Cambridge camera fair well attended by stallholders? The one at Sidcup, about 25 or so miles from me, has been falling off, only a dozen tables last time instead of the usual 50 to 60. The guy who runs it is wondering if it's worthwhile carrying on.
I'm sure you'll love the Retina. I've got five of them and love 'em all, but I haven't got a IIc. There were two models of Retina IIc, the IIc (small c) and the IIC (large C). Which one did you get? They both had interchangeable front elements giving 35mm, 50mm and 80mm, and I'm unsure about the exact differences except that the IIc had unequal sized windows in the front of the top plate and a brightline for the 50mm only whereas the IIC had equal sized larger windows and brightlines in the finder for all three focal lengths.
I've never seen an Altix, but according to my rather old copy of McKeowns, 1992-93, they were made by Eho-Altissa in Dresden which became VEB Altissa-Camera-Werk after the war. There was one pre-war and several post-war models. When you post a picture I might be able to identify which one you've got.
Regards,
PeterW.
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Post by Rachel on May 1, 2006 3:38:42 GMT -5
Hi Peter.
I think that the Altix is the version V. It has an interchangeable lens. The one fitted is a Trioplan 1:2.8/50 which I assume is a 3-element lens. It is such a pretty camera that it caught my eye.
The Retina is, I think, a IIc (small c) with a diamond shaped mask in the rangefinder window. It is fitted with an Xenon C f:2.8/50mm lens.
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otthe
Contributing Member
Posts: 43
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Post by otthe on May 1, 2006 12:34:15 GMT -5
Congratulations on you akquisitions. I think you will like the Altix- very soildly built -and quite rare. Depending on the exact model - they are listed here in Germany at about 50-70 Euros (in good condition). The Trioplan (a simple 3 element lens) was rather basic but capable of good results if stopped down and used with a good hood. enjoy Josef www.kamera-geschichte.de
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Post by Rachel on May 1, 2006 13:44:51 GMT -5
Thanks Josef. Unfortunately I've had a slight problem with it. The sprocket is staying locked after pressing the shutter button. I am returning it to the dealer and asking him to fix it. As you say, it is a beautifully solid little camera and I do so want to get it back in working condition.
Oh !! I forgot to mention that I paid a little less than the prices you quoted so if I can get it working then it was a good deal.
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Post by Rachel on May 1, 2006 13:52:10 GMT -5
Hi Rachel, Congrats on the acquisitions. Was the Cambridge camera fair well attended by stallholders? The one at Sidcup, about 25 or so miles from me, has been falling off, only a dozen tables last time instead of the usual 50 to 60. The guy who runs it is wondering if it's worthwhile carrying on. Peter, the Cambridge fair was very well attended but I think some of the dealers were not doing great business. I thought that many of the prices were too high for the condition that cameras and lenses were in. Those selling high price equipment, Leicas, etc., were doing even worse business. I suppose people are looking for bargains. I had my eye on some other items but buying the two cameras cleaned me out of cash
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Post by Rachel on May 10, 2006 5:31:22 GMT -5
More news on my recent acquisitions.
Unfortunately the Altix was too worn internally to repair but I have located an Altix IV which I am awaiting delivery. From the same source I am buying a Diaxette.
I've also received another Kodak Retina, a Retina II with Ektar lens. When I've got them all I'll post some pictures.
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Post by kamera on May 17, 2006 19:07:18 GMT -5
Rachel,
I have the plain Retina II with the 50/2 Xenon lens and it is a pleasure to use. Small and compact and excellent quality from that lens.
Set it as a fixed focal length, use sunny 16 rules or use a handheld meter...fun all the way!
Enjoy it!!
Ron Head Kalamazoo, MI
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Post by Rachel on May 22, 2006 13:16:09 GMT -5
Ron,
Welcome back.
Yes, the Retinas are nice little cameras. I'm putting a film through the IIc at the moment.
The Altix turned out to be a disappointment lacking a take up spool and having a faulty shutter.
Now the Diaxette is just amazing. A simple camera it may be but it is almost in mint condition and the leather case is even better.
I'll get some pictures of them this week.
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