"In some ways, this camera represents the ultimate expression of the Retina design. The line continued on for some time, but the addition of light meters and other features seem more like responses to the competition rather than a logical continuation of the Retina traditon."
"The Ia was a great little pocket camera, ready for anything, and ideal for the traveler. The Schneider Xenar lens, a Tessar design, was capable of recording very fine detail and nuances of tonality. Though the camera lacked the precision rangefinder of the IIa model, the focus by estimation was perfectly adequate to the requirements of the photograper wishing to record the highpoints of a European vacation or a family gathering, and accessory rangefinders were available."
The 1a dates from 1950 -1954; it continues the "small size" tradition of the early Retinas. It folds into a relatively heavy pocketful with everything one needs to make a fine photo: good lens & shutter (Compur Rapid or Synchro Compur depending when the model was made), smooth scale focus, and convenient lever advance which also cocks the shutter. Nearly 70 years after the date of manufacture, the two examples I own operate smoothly and efficiently (I did have to patch the bellows on the one with the Kodak f/3.5). It's the little details of operation that could easily put off a user more familiar with later cameras: squinty viewfinder (though it seems to me to be pretty accurate if you place your eye correctly), a tiny and sometimes recalcitrant aperture setting, and, of course, scale focussing (in 1950 many people would willingly spend money to get something other than fixed focus). It does take some time and patience to operate; but, I find that it often comes up with an acceptable photo even when I use it hastily or in marginal conditions-- like the "Hail Mary pass" in football. I really can't explain why that might be so; I will post a couple of pictures that I hope will show what I mean."The Ia was a great little pocket camera, ready for anything, and ideal for the traveler. The Schneider Xenar lens, a Tessar design, was capable of recording very fine detail and nuances of tonality. Though the camera lacked the precision rangefinder of the IIa model, the focus by estimation was perfectly adequate to the requirements of the photograper wishing to record the highpoints of a European vacation or a family gathering, and accessory rangefinders were available."
This picture of a memorial structure was made when light from the sky was dying and I was using slow film (APX 100). I took the picture with little hope or expectation. I suppose that it was easier to process the negative digitally (scanner & Inkjet); but, I think a patient printer could dodge and burn to make an acceptable darkroom print. Maybe there's something in this photo of the "nuances of tonality" that Connealy mentioned.
In another case of failing light, this photo of buds and blossoms on Bridal Wreath also had to contend with gusts of wind. It was made with the f/3.5 Kodak lens on my first 1a. Both of these photos took more fiddling with lighting adjustment in PS Elements than I normally do; I don't have enough experience with color printing to know how hard it would be to handle this one in a darkroom.
Bill Delehanty
