1. Operate film transport lever.
2. Set light value.
3. Select aperture-speed combination.
4. Set distance.
5. Determine picture in viewfinder.
6. Release.
1. Swing the rapid winding lever through 180° to a definite stop. when it will automatically fly back into its
original position. On old Retinette models turn the transport knob until it locks (see page 16).
2. Determine the light value from an exposure meter (built-in on the Retinette IIB) or find it from an exposure
table or calculator. Set this on the light value scale of the shutter (see page 10). On the Retinette IB and IIA
use the meter as shown on page 51.
3. Select the aperture-speed combination you want to use by turning the shutter speed ring to a fast speed (for
action subjects) or to a small aperture (for greater depth of field). The aperture or speed respectively is
automatically adjusted to give correct exposure corresponding to the light value set.
On the Retinette II and IIB the depth of field indicator (page 37) automatically shows the available depth of
field as you move the speed ring; you don't have to worry about the aperture at all. The Retinette IB has a
pair of engraved arrows on the shutter front to indicate the depth of field at f5.6.
On Retinette models without light value scale you have to set the shutter speed and aperture separately. For
shutter speeds, see page 9. The aperture controls the effective opening of the lens. The smaller this opening
(e.g., when the lens is "stopped down") the greater the depth of field. However, as less light can pass through
the stopped down lens in a given time, the exposure must be longer.
To set the aperture move the aperture lever to the appropriate number. On models with light value scale,
adjusting the light value also sets the aperture at the same time.
4. Set the distance by turning the front of the lens mount until the distance figure engraved on the mount is
opposite the black arrowhead on the front of the shutter. On the Retinette II and IIB move the focusing lever
below the lens. The distance has to be estimated or can be measured with a separate rangefinder (see page
21) which may be attached to the camera accessory shoe. See also page 40.
5. The optical finder with bright-line frame of the Retinette I, IB, II, IIB shows the subject area outlined by a
brilliant frame reflected into the view. This automatically ensures that the eye sees the correct field at all
times. Outside the frame the surroundings of the subject are also visible. When taking photographs nearer
than 8 ft. the negative includes slightly less at the top of the horizontal picture. This reduction of the field is
indicated by two short lines for 3½ ft. At distances above 3½ ft. the limit moves upwards to coincide with the
bold top line at 8 ft. and over. The field lost on top is added on the bottom of the horizontal picture (see page
21).
The direct vision finder of the previous Retinette models should be held close to the eye. Do not attempt to
turn the camera to the right or left, away from the eye, nor must the eye be moved from the centre of the
eyepiece to find the limitation of the field of view. This "spying round the corner" is deceptive, as the film
records only that section seen in the finder, when you hold the eye close to the centre of the eyepiece while
looking straight ahead. The field of view given is exact for photographs taken at 9 to 12 ft. At infinity a trifle
more appears on the negative than is seen through the finder, and at 3 to 6ft. a shade less.
6. To release the shutter gently press the release lever. Speeds from 1/30 to 1500 sec. are instantaneous and
can be taken from the hand. It is, however, advisable to use 1/30 as sparingly as possible from the hand, as
there is some danger of jerking the camera, and even a slight jerk, six or eight times enlarged, results in
unsatisfactory definition.
THE RETINETTE I, IA, IB, II, IIA AND IIB FINDER
Left: The Retinette I, IA, IB, II, IIA and IIB finder shows the subject in
almost natural size, outline by a brilliant reflected line frame which appears
suspended in space.