Aaaand... First roll from the Retina II

[scott]

Hi, all -

Finally finished the inaugural roll in the Retina II (014). Had forgotten it actually started in Manhattan sometime late last summer. Also ended up in Delaware, some shots in Lancaster, PA, and finally finished up in Birdsboro where my wife went strolling with me to burn film for the first time, like, ever. A learning from this roll, and pretty much all the others I have/had in process: I need to label cameras with what's inside. Was positive this had FP4+ in it; was actually Arista 200. Ended up pilling the developing just a bit in case the Arista (which I've never shot in 135) was wonky with latitude. It was fine, but the roll of Ektar in the Fujica was actually HP5. I'm thinking a piece of painter's tape and a sharpie...

Anyway, here are some highlights from that roll:





















Overall, the camera's great. A few focus issues that are on me, not the camera. Rangefinder is spot on, and bright. The Retina-Xenon 50/2 is lovely, and mechanically the camera works wonderfully. I think that's okay for $40.

I've got a roll of Gold 200 that's going in next..

Thanks for looking.
Scott

[Julio1fer]

Not bad at all! That last picture seems a good example of “not in my backyard”.

You got an excellent bargain for $40 and some work. The lens is indeed great, and you got the mechanisms in shape. The Retina II is a pretty serious camera once you master its operation. Very convenient for travel photography.

As for what film in which camera, maybe a small notebook would help to keep track if you have a large herd. My rule is having only one loaded film camera in each format at a given time; however, tracking is vastly simplified by sticking to B&W and a single film type in each format.

[titrisol]

Those look great!!!