Kodak Retina IIc
For decades, I dismissed Kodak cameras, associating them with the mass-produced, lowquality designs of the 1970s and 1980s. My career as a professional photographer and enthusiast led me to favor Minolta film cameras and later Sony and Canon digital systems. However, my recent exploration of 35mm folding cameras, driven by the need for a rangefinder-equipped model suitable for my visual impairment, brought me to reconsider Kodak’s Retina line. This article chronicles my journey from skepticism to admiration, culminating in the acquisition and use of a Kodak Retina IIc.
For decades, I dismissed Kodak cameras, associating them with the mass-produced, lowquality designs of the 1970s and 1980s. My career as a professional photographer and enthusiast led me to favor Minolta film cameras and later Sony and Canon digital systems. However, my recent exploration of 35mm folding cameras, driven by the need for a rangefinder-equipped model suitable for my visual impairment, brought me to reconsider Kodak’s Retina line. This article chronicles my journey from skepticism to admiration, culminating in the acquisition and use of a Kodak Retina IIc.
Growing up in the late 1970s and 1980s, I encountered Kodak cameras that epitomized the era’s "plastic fantastic" and Bakelite designs. These cameras, often flimsy and prone to failure, earned a poor reputation among photographers, frequently relegated to the status of gag gifts. While Kodak’s film remained the gold standard, their cameras, in my view, fell short of the quality offered by competitors like Minolta, which I relied on for years. This bias shaped my equipment choices, leading me to overlook Kodak’s offerings for much of my career.
As a legally blind photographer, I sought a compact 35mm folding camera with a rangefinder to simplify focusing, given my inability to judge distances accurately. Initially, I turned to Voigtländer’s Vito series, which I found reliable and well-designed. However, the only Vito model with a built-in rangefinder, the Vito III, was prohibitively expensive. This led me to revisit Kodak’s Retina line, specifically the IIc and IIIc models, which combine portability with rangefinder functionality.
My perspective shifted after discovering Retina Rescue, a website by Chris Sherlock, a renowned expert in vintage camera repair. Sherlock’s detailed insights into the Retina series, coupled with his engaging YouTube channel, provided a wealth of knowledge about the cameras’ engineering and history. His work challenged my assumptions about Kodak and inspired me to seek out a Retina IIc or IIIc.
After a thorough search, I found an eBay auction for a mint-condition Retina IIc, complete with 35mm and 80mm accessory lenses. Winning the auction at a price well below market value felt like a stroke of luck. When the camera arrived, it was pristine, with all components functioning as described. The Retina IIc’s Exposure Value (EV) system, which couples shutter speed and aperture based on a light meter reading, proved intuitive and accessible, particularly for someone with visual limitations.
On Father’s Day, I tested the Retina IIc during an outing to Show Low and Pinetop, Arizona, with a stop at the Mogollon Rim overlook in Payson. The camera’s bottom-mounted film advance lever required some adjustment, but the rangefinder made focusing effortless. Shooting at sunset, I captured images of the valley and winding road below, and the results were striking—sharp, contrasty, and well-exposed across various settings. The Retina’s optical quality and design exceeded my expectations.
The Retina IIc has reshaped my view of Kodak cameras, revealing a level of craftsmanship made in Germany I had not associated with the brand. Its compact design, rangefinder precision, and reliable performance make it an excellent choice for photographers, especially those with visual impairments. I highly recommend exploring Chris Sherlock’s Retina Rescue for anyone interested in vintage cameras. For collectors and enthusiasts, the Retina series offers a unique blend of history and functionality.
I’d love to hear from fellow photographers: Do you collect Kodak Retinas? What are your experiences with these cameras? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
Grandiose Majesty
Taken in May of 2025, this striking black and white photograph captures the awe-inspiring grandiose majesty of the Grand Canyon in a way that feels both timeless and haunting. The image centers on a solitary, gnarled tree standing defiantly on the canyon's edge, its twisted branches reaching out to the harsh Arizona sun against the vast, rugged landscape. The tree, weathered by years of harsh desert conditions, serves as a poignant symbol of resilience amidst the canyon's unrelenting expanse.
The Grand Canyon itself is the true star of this composition, its layered rock formations stretching into the distance, carved over millions of years by the relentless force of the Colorado River. The photograph's perspective highlights the dramatic depth and scale of the canyon, with sheer cliffs dropping away into shadowy depths, revealing the geological history etched into every stratum. This natural wonder is a testament to the power of erosion and time, drawing millions of visitors each year to marvel at its breathtaking vistas. I know that I stood there in awe.
This image evokes a sense of solitude and contemplation, inviting viewers to reflect on the vastness of nature and humanity's small place within it. The Grand Canyon's iconic status is reinforced here, not just as a scenic marvel but as a living record of Earth's ancient past. Whether you're a seasoned photographer or simply an admirer of natural beauty, this photograph encapsulates the raw, untamed spirit of one of the world's most remarkable landmarks. #GrandCanyon #Photography #Nature #BlackAndWhite #Landscape
Enduring Landscape
This black and white photograph captures a timeless scene of resilience and simplicity. An old, weathered grain drill stands proudly in the foreground, its large wheels and sturdy frame a testament to the hard work of generations past. Beyond it, the rugged landscape unfolds—rolling hills and a dramatic, rocky bluff rise against a vast sky, where clouds drift lazily, casting soft shadows over the earth.
There is a quiet strength in this image, a reminder of the enduring connection between humanity and the land. The grain drill, though aged, symbolizes the determination to cultivate and create, even in the harshest conditions. The landscape, with its untamed beauty, whispers of perseverance—nature’s unyielding spirit mirrored in the tools we have built to work alongside it.
This black and white photograph captures a timeless scene of resilience and simplicity. An old, weathered grain drill stands proudly in the foreground, its large wheels and sturdy frame a testament to the hard work of generations past. Beyond it, the rugged landscape unfolds—rolling hills and a dramatic, rocky bluff rise against a vast sky, where clouds drift lazily, casting soft shadows over the earth.
There is a quiet strength in this image, a reminder of the enduring connection between humanity and the land. The grain drill, though aged, symbolizes the determination to cultivate and create, even in the harshest conditions. The landscape, with its untamed beauty, whispers of perseverance—nature’s unyielding spirit mirrored in the tools we have built to work alongside it.
Over the years, I have captured several photographs that I aspire to display on my wall. While not all of my photographs, whether film or digital, resonate with me, this particular one stands out. It exudes a profound sense of endurance and an unwavering determination to never give up.
The camera, akin to the antiquated grain drill depicted in the photograph, exhibits simplicity yet functionality. Contrary to the notion that substantial investment in specialized equipment is prerequisite for capturing photographs that resonate with an audience, this image was captured using a Proud Chrome Six, an inexpensive camera I acquired from a camera lot a few months ago and captured on Kentmere100, a somewhat inexpensive medium format film.
Photographers, including myself, often prioritize acquiring the most advanced equipment. However, the true essence of photography lies not in the gear itself, but in the subjective experience of the photographer. It is the unique perspective, emotions, and composition that transform a simple image into an extraordinary capture. This realization holds profound significance for individuals with visual impairments, as it emphasizes the power of perception and the human spirit in creating remarkable art.
The Vermillion Cliffs
The Vermilion Cliffs, located in northern Arizona near the Utah border, are a geological masterpiece that captivate with their vibrant colors and dramatic landscapes. Stretching across the Colorado Plateau, the second step of five, this 294,000-acre national monument, established in 2000, showcases towering sandstone formations, deep canyons, and intricate rock patterns that have been sculpted by millions of years of erosion and geological activity.
The Vermilion Cliffs, located in northern Arizona near the Utah border, are a geological masterpiece that captivate with their vibrant colors and dramatic landscapes. Stretching across the Colorado Plateau, the second step of five, this 294,000-acre national monument, established in 2000, showcases towering sandstone formations, deep canyons, and intricate rock patterns that have been sculpted by millions of years of erosion and geological activity.
The Cliffs embody raw, untamed beauty, blending geological grandeur with a serene, almost spiritual calm. Their vibrant colors, sculpted forms, and vast scale remind visitors of nature’s power and artistry. Whether viewed from a distance or explored up close, the cliffs leave an indelible impression—a testament to the timeless beauty of Arizona’s wild heart.
I’m sure my beautiful wife could talk extensively about it in scientific terms, diving into the geological forces that shaped these wonders, but for me, it’s all about capturing nature’s beauty. The cliffs do not disappoint! Standing before these towering formations, you feel the weight of time in every curve and hue—reds that blaze at sunrise, purples that deepen at dusk, and textures that beg to be framed. Every angle is a new story, a new moment of awe.
This shot was taken with the legendary #Zeiss #Ikon #SuperIkonta 531/2 on #Kentmere100 #blackandwhite #film, developed in #510Pyro. The monochromatic tones bring out the cliffs’ raw textures, from the smooth undulations of The Wave to the jagged edges of Paria Canyon. There’s something magical about shooting film here—it forces you to slow down, to truly see the landscape, to wait for that perfect interplay of light and shadow. The Vermilion Cliffs demand patience, but they reward it tenfold with views that feel like they belong to another world.
If you’ve ever been to the cliffs or dreamed of visiting, share your stories! What’s your favorite way to capture nature’s beauty? #VermilionCliffs #ArizonaAdventures #FilmPhotography #NatureLovers
Zeiss Ikon Super Ikonta 531/2
It is rare these days to find a gem for the price of a rock on eBay. About a month ago, I put in a low bid for a Super Ikonta more for a laugh than anything else. The starting bid was $10 for this beautiful piece of German engineering. I threw out a small bid of $20 just to see what happened. About a week went by and I forgot about it, but by a sheer miracle, I won this beautiful camera that was manufactured in West Germany between 1949 and 1950, according to the serial number.
When the camera arrived, a Zeiss Ikon Super Ikonta 531/2, it was in amazing condition. The 105mm f/3.5 Tessar lens was clean. The Compur-Rapid shutter operated smoothly and the times were perfect. And amazingly, the focusing lens travelled buttery smooth with the right amount of friction as to be just a tiny bit stiff. I have dreamt for years about having a Super Ikonta. Even though I prefer 6x6 or 6x4.5 frame sizes, I do like the 6x9 format, even though it does eat up a ton of film! One roll of 120 film in this camera will get you 8 shots! With today’s prices on film, that is not a lot. These cameras originally came with a 6x4.5cm mask. If any of you know where I can get one of these for a decent price, please let me know.
Due to this camera arriving so clean, I did some minimal cleaning and took it out for a test shoot. I took it out on the Peach Orchard Loop Trail that I’ve discussed before. It performed flawlessly. It was not the best time of day or season, but the detail captured in the large 6x9cm photograph blew my mind. I had a small issue with an old batch of 510Pyro during development, but the photographs still turned out well.
I look forward to using it again in the future. However, the use case for a wide format medium format camera is limited. I do landscapes, but as expensive as film is, I will have to be picky about when I use it. I still can’t believe I actually have one of these cameras. This model sells regularly on eBay for $249.
Below, you’ll discover photographs of the camera and the photographs it took. When I use it in the future, I will update this blog post.
