Kodak Retina Close Range Viewfinder Kit

Kodak Retina Close Range Viewfinder Kit Overview:

1. Purpose:

   • The Close Range Viewfinder Kit is designed to improve the accuracy of framing and focusing when shooting at close distances with Kodak Retina cameras, which were primarily rangefinder cameras.
   • It compensates for parallax error, which occurs because the viewfinder and the lens do not see from the same viewpoint, especially noticeable at close ranges.

2. Components:

   • Close-Up Lenses: These are auxiliary lenses that attach to the primary lens of the camera, allowing for closer focusing distances.
   • Viewfinder Attachment: This is a secondary viewfinder that mounts onto the camera, providing a corrected view that accounts for the parallax at close ranges.

3. Compatibility:

   • The kit is designed to be used with Kodak Retina cameras, a popular series of 35mm rangefinder and later SLR cameras produced from the 1930s to the 1960s.
   • Commonly compatible models include the Retina II and Retina III series, among others.

4. Usage:

   • Attaching the Lenses: The close-up lenses are screwed onto the front of the camera's taking lens. Different strengths of close-up lenses allow for varying degrees of close focusing.
   • Using the Viewfinder: The viewfinder attachment is typically mounted on the camera’s accessory shoe. This viewfinder shows the corrected composition, ensuring the subject is properly framed despite the camera’s inherent parallax.

5. Benefits:

   • Improved Accuracy: By providing a corrected view, the kit allows photographers to compose shots more precisely at close distances.
   • Enhanced Creativity: Enables close-up photography, which can be particularly useful for portraiture, product photography, and detailed studies of small objects.
   • Versatility: Expands the capabilities of the Kodak Retina cameras, making them more versatile tools for various photographic situations.