Kodak Retina Ib - Schneider-Kreuznach Retina-Xenar 50mm f/2.8 Prime Lens

Kodak Retina Ib - Good Condition | 35mm Folding Rangefinder Camera | Schneider-Kreuznach Retina-Xenar 50mm f/2.8 Prime Lens

The Kodak Retina Ib  is a masterpiece of German precision engineering, representing the pinnacle of Kodak AG's folding camera design. This iconic 35mm viewfinder camera is renowned for its exceptional build quality and its unique folding mechanism that makes it remarkably pocketable when not in use. It is equipped with the legendary Schneider-Kreuznach Retina-Xenar 50mm f/2.8 prime lens (S/N: 4515665), a four-element Tessar-type design that delivers incredible sharpness, high contrast, and the classic "micro-contrast" prized by vintage enthusiasts. With its smooth Synchro-Compur leaf shutter and bright-line viewfinder, the Retina Ib offers a tactile and deliberate photographic experience that remains a favorite for street and travel photographers who value mechanical perfection.

Key Features

• Sharp Schneider-Kreuznach Retina-Xenar 50mm f/2.8 prime lens for professional-grade clarity

• Precision Synchro-Compur leaf shutter with speeds from 1s to 1/500s plus Bulb

• Unique folding "clamshell" design for maximum portability and lens protection

• Bright, clear viewfinder with parallax correction marks for accurate framing

• Full flash synchronization at all shutter speeds (X and M sync)

• Integrated film type reminder and rapid film advance lever located on the bottom

• Robust, all-metal West German construction with premium leatherette and chrome finish

Introductory Paragraph The Kodak Retina Ib is a camera for the true analog purist. This specific unit features the f/2.8 Retina-Xenar (S/N: 4515665), an optical formula that provides a natural 50mm perspective nearly identical to the human eye. Unlike many folding cameras that feel delicate, the Retina Ib is built like a tank, with a mechanical smoothness that has to be felt to be believed. Its leaf shutter is nearly silent, making it one of the most discreet 35mm cameras ever made for candid street photography. Housed in its original leather case, this Retina is a functional piece of art that bridges the gap between mid-century industrial design and high-performance optics.

Condition Report Good condition. The camera body shows normal signs of light use and minor cosmetic surface wear consistent with its vintage age. The folding mechanism is firm and locks into place perfectly. The Schneider-Kreuznach Retina-Xenar 50mm f/2.8 lens is optically clear, free from fungus, haze, or significant scratches. The Synchro-Compur shutter has been tested and fires accurately across the speed range. The viewfinder is clear, and the film advance and rewind mechanisms are fully operational. The leatherette is intact, and the camera comes with its original protective leather case.

Specialist Note "The Retina Ib is often overshadowed by its bigger brothers with meters, but for many, this is the 'purest' Retina to actually use. What I love about this S/N: 4515665 is the Xenar glass; it produces a very clean, modern-looking image for a lens of its era, with beautiful rendering of black and white tones. It’s the ultimate 'jacket pocket' 35mm camera—you get a full-frame image and professional Schneider optics in a package no larger than a modern smartphone when folded. It is an honest, mechanical companion that rewards the photographer who understands the relationship between light and aperture."

What's Included

• Kodak Retina Ib 35mm Folding Camera

• Integrated Schneider-Kreuznach Retina-Xenar 50mm f/2.8 Prime Lens (S/N: 4515665)

• Original Kodak Brown Leather Ever-Ready Case

• Original Take-up Spool

Technical Specifications

• Camera Type: 35mm Viewfinder / Rangefinder Style

• Film Format: 35mm (135)

• Lens: 50mm f/2.8 (Prime Lens)

• Shutter: Synchro-Compur Leaf Shutter (1s - 1/500s + B)

• Focus Type: Manual Scale Focus

• Category: 1. Cameras ▸ 35mm Rangefinder Camera

• Battery Type: None (Fully Mechanical)