Kodak Retina Automatic I User Manual

Kodak Retina Automatic I

posted 2-19-'04

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Dear Photo Fan!
In your RETINA automatic I you own a fully automatic miniature camera - a truly happy
combination of RETINA precision and RETINA progress.
Hold your RETINA automatic I to your eye, sight your subject and press the shutter release - that
is all. Your friends will be amazed at the results.
Your RETINA automatic I just will not allow you to make any mistakes in exposure. The
exposure release "thinks" for you, and locks itself when the light is too poor for taking a picture.
This is indicated by a "STOP" signal in the finder.
The distance setting is indicated in the finder by light signals. A radically new three-point system
tells you at a glance: close, medium or distant range.
And what you own is not just "any" automatic camera. It is the Kodak RETINA automatic I.
This means all that is best in camera design, and offers the utmost in precision, reliability and
beauty.

It is easy to take pictures with your RETINA automatic I
Sight your subject - The brilliant frame in the large-image viewfinder shows you the correct

field of view.

Check the distance - Check the light signals (dots in the finder to see whether the required

focusing range is set: • close range, in the finder • • medium range, • • • for range.

Shoot - Slowly depress the release button. See page 7 for information on the appearance of the

luminous STOP signal ,at the finder frame.

Sighting the camera

Hold the camera in the picture-taking position and look through the
eyepiece of the large image viewfinder. You will see the subject

outlined by the bright line frame.
Depending on the subject you may sight the picture with the camera
held in either the horizontal or vertical position. The two illustrations
on this page are meant as examples. When sighting a picture take
special care not to get your fingers in front of the honeycomb cell
window of the exposure meter.
The index finger should be lightly rested on the release button
without, however, depressing the button. Hold the camera steady
when sighting a picture. Also make sure that part of your ever-ready
case gets in front of the lens.

Checking the distance in the finder

The close, medium and
far ranges are in the
RETINA automatic I
indicated by light signals
in the large-image
viewfinder. Hold the
camera in front of your
eye, look through the
finder eyepiece, and turn
the lens focusing ring (a)
until the required light
signal appears:
signal identification:

• close range • • medium
range • • • far range

The individual zones are indicated by click stops when the lens focusing ring is turned. The
arrows engraved in the front of the shutter are the limits to the individual zones. In the illustration

below, the camera is, for instance, set to the medium range (••) - from 8 ft. to 16 ft. - The snapshot

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zone for each lens setting is at the same time automatically indicated in the finder by a light signal
(dots). You are thus always able to check the focusing You can, of course, also focus your subject
on the usual distance scale engraved in black zone in use. This is a special advantage for
snapshots.
or red and set opposite the I mark.

Releasing the shutter

When you have your subject nicely framed in the finder,
slowly press the release button (b). (Naturally, the rapid wind
lever has to be operated before the shutter can be released).

Be ready for action

Preventing under exposure

It is advisable to operate the rapid wind' lever (c)
immediately a picture has been taken. Your RETINA
automatic will then always be ready for action. It will not
harm the shutter if it remains set for even an extended period
of time.