Okay, thanks guys. Maybe my expecations are too high. Here's a video of the Retina opening, compared with the Fujica, Super Regent, And Speedex. Maybe these all open as nicely as they do based more on packing of the bellows? Dunno. The Retina seems golden beyond that (I'm scanning the first roll as I post this). Just want it as good-to-go as possible.
Will be posting images from this (and the Fujica, and the Brownie Reflex) hopefully later today. Stay tuned!
Re: Restoring smooth opening on a Retina II?
Posted: Fri May 02, 2025 11:27 am
by titrisol
I' dont own one but it seems like one of the springs that pushes the door is faulty.
I think those should be flat springs?
At least it opens and closes smoothly
Re: Restoring smooth opening on a Retina II?
Posted: Fri May 02, 2025 9:32 pm
by Julio1fer
My two Retina II’s have never snapped out, either the first one that I used as a boy, or the one I have now. They just open a bit when the bottom button is pressed. I found no spring linked to any part of the bellows or the folding mechanism. On the other hand, every 6x6 folder that I can remember has snapped open, as Scott mentioned.
Maybe the Retina II was not designed to snap, just to release the front door for a careful amateur to open fully until the mechanism clicks. From the instructions in the manual It looks that is the case (thanks Butkus!!)
Re: Restoring smooth opening on a Retina II?
Posted: Mon May 05, 2025 10:26 am
by scott
Well, hell - that seems pretty conclusive. Exactly how mine works. I feel better - thank you for posting this!
