Yes, there was a range of Retina Reflex series cameras including folding models IIc and IIIc with coupled range finders.

For an interesting trip down memory lane, or into history for younger folk, Ivor Matanle’s ‘Collecting and Using Classic SLRs’ is a most rewarding book. You will find some info on Retinas in there.

I always found the SRT101 with its CLC meter very reliable when used with a little nouse. As with any camera mounted meter the trick was to point the camera slightly down to get a reading and set at that. Then adjust by adding or subtracting 1/2 – 1 stop according to sun position if bright. On overcast days there were few issues. I founf Kodachrome II on dull days accentuated the reds something amazing, which could depend on lens in use. This down to red and blue being in sharp focus at different points and thus reds could spread a little.

In 1968 it was really something to have such a reliable meter in the camera and with an auto (stop-down as shutter is pressed) diaphragm lens with a bayonet-fit. This was about as good as it got. Unlike Nikons of the day there was no need to reset the meter as a lens was changed.

Metering, auto-diaphragm and rapid lens changing were the reasons I went for the SRT101 (also it felt good and solid in the hand – today picking one up sans lens one cannot but be impressed by its weight). Canons of the day had not settled into a homogenous design. Pentax had that slow change 42mm thread lens mount and were lightly constructed.

Focusing using a fresnel screen became more difficult as my eyes aged and a split focusing would have helped which to be fair was available in some Minolta X700s.

I recall trying out an uncle’s Edixa Prismat with pre-set lenses. An innovation on that was an accessory which cable connected the shutter button to the lens allowing the lens to be stopped down quickly, but it was a clumsy arrangement.

I used to collect old cameras avidly (and still have some tucked away) and i had a quick trawl thru after my last post – cannot find the camera with the weather symbols as described, but still have both a Retinette and a Retina reflex amongst others…

Best cameras that i ever had, in order of appearance were: an Olympus Pen D half-frame (small and suprisingly good results – cheap to run as well as it was my first ever camera), a Nikon EM (bit simple and limited as i recall, but good results) a Hassablad 500CM (via work – fantastic, but a pain to use) and later a Nikon FM2 (lovely,lovely,lovely – built like a tank – the perfect SLR)

I have just been given a fairly immaculate Pentax ME-Super and lens set by a rel who no longer needs it and it appears to work perfectly once i had fitted a new battery.

Michael

PS appols for wandering off the forum topic of “Tutorial” – i realise i am getting a bit misty-eyed here… 🙂