Kodak Retina IIIc
SECTION TWO
Points for good pictures: Distance, Depth
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Depth of field Suppose you have set the aperture to f/8 and the distance to about 5 1/2 feet (see also page 28). This is how you read off the depth. To the left of the distance index the line marked with the figure 8 is opposite 4 1/2 feet. |
Zone focusing for action
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To the right of the index another line with the figure 8 points to 8 feet. This tells you that with a setting of about 5 1/2 feet at f/8 You have a depth of field zone extending from 4 1/2 to 8 feet Within this zone everything will be sharp.4www.butkus.org |
Zone focusing
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Technically good exposures depend largely on the skilled combination of appropriate distance, shutter-speed, and aperture settings. However, you may come across subjects where you just haven't the time to work out the ideal setting or to use the rangefinder if you don't want to miss the picture (as in sports and action shots, children at play, etc.). For such occasions your RETINA carries two zone focus settings: one for near and one far distant subjects. a) For near subjects set the distance to the small circle near the 10 feet mark, and the aperture to f;8. This gives you a depth of field from about 6,5 to 20 feet b) For more distant subjects use the small circle near the 15 feet mark and an aperture of f/8. This gives a depth of field from about 9.5 feet to inf. c) With these settings you must, however, have adequate light, the painter of the exposure meter with the cover closed - should indicate a light value of at least 12.4www.butkus.org |
live shots with flash
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Your RETINA has a speed-synchronized Synchro-Compur shutter. That means that you can take flash shots at any shutter speed up to the fastest setting of 1/500 second with all available flash bulbs and electronic flash units, The holder Of the flash socket (21) carries three letters engraved an it M, X and V. M and X are synchronizing settings for flash. V is the self-timer setting. The three settings are adjusted by means of the green synchronizing lever (22). The flash is fired on releasing the camera shutter. The table (right) shows the suitable shutter speeds and the required setting of the synchronizing lever for the different types of flash. The aperture to be used can be Obtained from the so called guide numbers which are included with each package of flash bulbs. Divide this guide number by the distance; that gives you the aperture number to use. For instance, if the guide number is 120 and you are 15 feet from the subject 120/15 = 8. In other words you set the aperture lever to f/8. |
the built-in self-timer
If you want to include yourself in a shot, set the synchronization lever (22) to V. But first operate the rapid-winding lever. Start the
self timer mechanism by pressing the release button. The shutter will go off after about 10 seconds; you therefore have sufficient
time to take your place in the picture. Once the self-timer is tensioned, the lever (22) cannot be moved away from V.
If you use the self-timer for flash shots, the camera works with the X-synchronization. As the self-timer runs dawn, the
synchronizing lever automatically moves to X. Be sure to use the appropriate shutter-speed setting far
X-synchronization, (see
table).4www.butkus.org
Wider scope the L RETINA RETINA lenses
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The standard lens of the RETINA is a 6-element 2 inch RETINA Xenon C f/2 or RETINA Heligon C f/2 The interchangeable part of the standard lens can be removed from the shutter by turning the mount to the left as far as it will go. Far easy removal and safe storage we strongly recommend the special container designed for the standard lens. In place of the standard lens removed, two alternative units can be inserted as required: |
a) A telephoto lens, the 3 1/8 inch (80 mm)
RETINA Longor-Xenon C f/4 or RETINA Heligon C f/4; or
b) A wide-angle lens, the 13/a inch (35 mm)
RETINA Curtar-Xenon C f/5.6 or RETINA Heligon C f 5.6.
Preferably avoid changing lenses in brilliant sunshine.
Telephoto shots
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Before inserting the lens place it in position over the mount so that the red dot (18) on the lens rim is exactly opposite the red dot on the bayonet ring (17). To lack the lens securely and correctly in place, turn it clockwise as far as it will go, until the red dot is opposite the white dot on the bayonet ring. Before exposing with the telephoto lens measure the distance] of the subject with the rangefinder of your RETINA, and read off the distance against the index (9) on the focusing scale (10). Then turn the camera towards you and transfer the measured value to the focusing scale for the telephoto lens (25) marked in white figures on block. To do this turn the focusing knob until the appropriate distance on the telephoto scale is opposite T-index mark (23). Do not, however, use the black ring (25a) on the telephoto lens itself for setting the distances. This ring is part of the depth-of-field indicator and serves only to show the depth of field available.4www.butkus.org |
The telephoto lens focuses from infinity down to 6 1/2 feet. With the T l supplementary lens fitted over the front, the focusing range
extends from 3 1/2 to 6 1/2 feet. In this case transfer the distance reading of the rangefinder to the scale (24) marked with yellow
figures on black.
When reading off distances, you will find the scale marked with subdivisions which are repeated on the focusing score for the
telephoto lens. This facilitates more accurate transfer of the readings to the telephoto focusing scales (25 and 24).
Wide-angle shots
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Set the distance in the same way as with the telephoto lens. Transfer the distance figure obtained with the rangefinder to the wide-angle distance scale (29) and read off from the mark (28). Always sure to set the distance on the correct focusing score when using the interchangeable lenses. You will find small circles on the focusing scales for the wide-angle lens (at 10 feet) and far the telephoto lens (at 15 feet and at about 50 feet). These are the markings for the zone focus settings. |
When the focus zone of the wide-angle lens is used and the aperture set at f/11, the depth of field will be from 5 feet to about inf.
With the telephoto lens, if the close-up (15 feet) focus zone is used and the lens set at f/11, the depth of field is from about 12
feet to about 21 feet. With the same lens aperture and the zone focus set far distance at about 50 feet, the depth of field is from
about 25 feet to inf.
Like the telephoto lens, the wide-angle lens carries a depth of field indicator (29a). Its rotating ring is engraved with a distance
scale in the same colors as the focusing scale corresponding to the lens in use. The depth of field scales on the interchangeable
lenses indicate only the depth of field. They are not to be used for setting exposures.4www.butkus.org
The interchangeable lenses use the same aperture and shutter speed as the standard lens. However You cannot set a larger
aperture than the largest stop of the appropriate lens (f/4 with the telephoto lens and f/5.6 with the wide-angle lens). Otherwise the
picture will be underexposed.
Finally, a few valuable hints
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Two ways of using the exposure meter The exposure meter of the RETINA III c can be used in two
different ways: for reflected light readings and for incident light readings. For incident light readings the camera is point ed from the subject towards the taking position. With this method the diffusing screen (5b) must always be fitted over the cell of the exposure meter irrespective of whether the cover is open or closed. Always let the direct light from the light source reach the screen. This method is particularly suitable far determining the light value in against-the-light shots and snow subjects, as well as close-tips. When not in use, the exposure meter incident light diffusing screen should be retained in the elastic strap which is provided in the cover of the ever ready case.4www.butkus.org |
We have thought of everything to make your camera a joy
to use
If you have carefully read the previous sections, you will surely agree that the RETINA III c is much easier to handle than you first
thought. However, if you should still hove any daubs an some point, please turn to your photo dealer or get in touch with us.
But, before you put down this instruction booklet, we would like to give you a few more hints.
The film release
If the rapid-winding lever should ever lock, pressing the film release button (8) will free it without wasting a frame or causing a
double exposure. There may be various reasons for this. For instance the winding lever will lack if you try out the camera with the
shutter set to 1 second and work the lever before the shutter has closed. Never use farce, but simply press the film release (8).
Alternatively, check whether the film counter has reached No. 1. In that case the film is finished and must be unloaded.4www.butkus.org
Easy film changing
If you want to unload a partly-exposed film (e. g. to change from black-and-white to KODACHROME), rewind the film into its
cassette as described an page 17. However, take care not to draw the trimmed film leader completely into the cassette; stop
rewinding immediately when the reversing button (37) ceases to rotate. Also remember to note on the beginning of the film leader
the number of the lost exposure read off the film counter.
When reloading the partly-exposed film, proceed as described on page 14. As before, set the film counter to the $ mark before
No. 20 or 36, according to the length of the film. Close the camera back and advance the film by alternately working the rapid
winder (36) and pressing the film release button (8). On no account press the shutter release (7)! Carry an until the film counter
indicates the-same number at which you originally unloaded the film. To be an the safe side, advance the film by an extra frame.
The line frame finder
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When you look correctly through the eyepiece of the finder, you will see a reflected line frame (34a). It outlines your picture area and is always plainly visible. This helps you to find the correct field of view and prevents faulty sighting. This is especially important with color shots, as you cannot easily trim a color transparency. |
Parallax
To compensate far parallax with close shots between 2~ and 6 feet you have to imagine two lines (dotted in the illustration)
between the pairs of opposite marks (34b) in the line frame. With shots at such. close range the subject must not go beyond
these imagined lines.
If you wear spectacles
The finder of the RETINA has been designed to give a complete view of the picture area, even if you are wearing spectacles.
Should your vision be faulty, however, and you do not wear spectacles (and thus cannot see the finder image sufficiently clearly)
we can supply a correction lens to special order. Just let us know your spectacle prescription. This
correction lens is screwed
into the mount of the eyepiece. How ever, no correction lenses are available far astigmatism.4www.butkus.org
Now you really know your RETINA
Aperture-shutter speed combinations
If you want to the aperture-shutter speed combination by turning the speed-setting ring towards the short exposure times, the
aperture lever may not go beyond a certain point. In that case the intended picture is not possible. However, if the aperture lever
comes up against the limit of its movement when you try to set a small aperture, you can still take the picture. Simply mount the
camera an a tripod and take a time exposure with the shutter set to B. The green figures on the meter setting ring show the
exposure required at the aperture setting wanted.4www.butkus.org
Exposure settings without light values
You can of course also set the exposure in the usual way without utilizing the light value scale. The only point to note is that the
shutter speed must be set first and the aperture afterwards. If you proceed in the reverse order, setting the shutter speed will also
change the aperture due to the aperture-speed coupling.
The right finder for the right lens
When taking pictures with the telephoto or wide-angle lenses, use the RETINA multiple finder specially designed far the
interchangeable lenses of the RETINA. This shows the correct field of view with each lens. If you use only the standard and
telephoto lenses, the frame finder model c is sufficient. Both finders provide for parallax correction.
When you buy extra lenses
When you acquire a wide-angle or telephoto lens, be sure that it is the same make (Xenon or Heligon) as the standard lens. Your
camera is designed in such a way that you can use only interchangeable Xenon lenses with the standard RETINA Xenon lens
and interchangeable Heligon lenses with the standard RETINA Heligan lens.
Also make sure that the standard lens supplied with the camera is not interchanged against the standard lens of another
RETINA. The serial number of the standard lens must therefore always correspond to the serial number engraved an the bayonet
ring.
More scope with accessories
The world-wide popularity of the RETI NA is based as much on its famous precision and unsurpassed performance as an its
versatility. The term RETINA Photography is not empty description; it covers the many applications of the wide range of
accessories.
The Kodoblitz. Be ready for action with your RETINA at any time and under any light conditions: get the handy KODABLITZ flash
gun with the grained soft-light reflector.. Its 22.5 volt anode battery will also operate two to three extension units without additional
power source.4www.butkus.org
The lens Hood and Filters. The new rectangular lens hood, suitable with a hood extension also for the wide-angle lens, and the
various color filters are indispensable aids to good pictures
The RETINA Frame Finder Model c. With it you can follow moving subjects and view them in natural size before they actually
enter the field of view. This frame finder is designed for the standard and telephoto lenses, and its parallax correction also makes
it suitable far close-ups with the supplementary N-lenses.
The Optical Multiple Finder. This indicates the exact field of view with the telephoto and wide-angle lenses.
The Close-Up Rangefinder. The RETINA close-up rangefinder with its two supplementary lenses opens up a whole new field of
small subjects. The close-up rangefinder and two N-lenses permit shots between 38 1/4 and 11 5/8 inches from the camera.4www.butkus.org
The Table Stand. The highly versatile table stand has been developed for close-ups of subjects which. require or permit long
exposure times, and far all shots where quick setting-up and absolute steadiness of the camera are important.
The Close-Up Attachment. The three it-lenses with the close-up attachment permit shots of live subjects or of rapid movement at
four fixed near distances, ranging from 11 to 6 inches.
The Stereo Attachment. If you are interested in three dimensional photography, the stereo attachment will give you true
stereoscopic pictures which look amazingly life-like in the stereo viewer.
The Ground Glass Focusing Adapter. This is a valuable aid far the accurate determination of depth of field and
distances for
shots requiring special arrangement, and for check ing of special effects before exposure.
The Micro Adopter. Doctors, biologists and all scientists and science students will find the micro adapter the ideal equipment for
making black-and-white or color records of their microscope investigations.
The Cowing Stand. If you want to copy documents, important letters, valuable prints and the like, use the copying stand, which also
incorporates its awn complete lighting unit.
LIGHT VALUE CORRECTION with the use of filters
| Kodak Filter |
Factor |
Reduce Light by Value Setting by |
| Light Yellow FI | 1 1/2 X | 1/2 |
| Medium Yellow FII | 2 X | 1 |
| Yellow-green FIII | 2 X | 1 |
| Orange F IV | 3 X | 1 1/2 |
| Red FV | 7 X | 3 |
| Blue F VI | 2 1/2 | 1 - 1 1/2 |
| KODACHROME Daylight Filter | 1 1/2 | 1/2 |
| KODACHROME photoflood Filter | 4 X | 2 |
| Polarizing Screen | 2 1/2 | 1 - 1/2 |
Infra-red shots
On the right side of the distance index mark (9) there is a small red dot. You use this red dot in place of the black index mark
when exposing infra-red film. In other wards, turn the focusing knob to bring the red dot opposite the figure for your subject
distance. For infra-red shots you must use a suitable infra-red filter in front of the lens.
Double Exposures
The double exposure lock of the RETINA prevents accidental double exposures. To make a deliberate double exposure for
special purposes, press the reversing button (37) after the first exposure and keep it depressed while tensioning the shutter with
the rapid-winding lever (36). The film remains in the same position for a second exposure.
Note that operating the rapid winder after the second exposure also advances the film counter, although you have actually saved
a frame by the double exposure.
A last tip
Protect your lens against damage and especially avoid touching the glass surface and the shutter blades when they are exposed
while you change the lens. The best means of cleaning the glass surfaces and finder windows, is a soft rag as used for cleaning
spectacle lenses.