Description
The Kodak Retina I (Type 126) is a classic pre-WWII 35mm folding viewfinder camera manufactured in Stuttgart, Germany by Kodak AG (formerly Nagel). Produced between 1936 and 1937, the Type 126 is distinguished by its distinct black lacquered body trim and nickel-plated top plate layout. Fitted with a sharp Kodak-Anastigmat Ektar 5cm (50mm) f/3.5 lens set in a Compur leaf shutter, it combines vintage pre-war West German craftsmanship with a compact, drop-bed folding bellows body structure.
Condition
Overall Condition: Very Good
Optics show minor haze with possible minor dust, free from fungus. Bellows fold smoothly and remain light-tight. Shutter speeds and light meter vary appropriately. Film advance and drop-bed locking mechanism function smoothly.
Included
Kodak Retina I Type 126 Camera Body
Kodak-Anastigmat Ektar 50mm f/3.5 Lens
Key Features
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Historic pre-WWII German folding body design (1936–1937)
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Sharp Kodak-Anastigmat Ektar 50mm f/3.5 prime optics
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German Compur leaf shutter mechanism
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Compact drop-bed folding bellows structure
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Built-in direct-vision optical viewfinder and top-mounted frame counter
Collector's Notes
Manufactured for only two years prior to World War II, the Type 126 represents a brief transitional period in Kodak AG's pre-war lineup before top-plate mounted shutter releases were introduced. Examples fitted with the highly respected Kodak Ektar lens remain strong display pieces for vintage Kodak and early 35mm camera collectors.
Keywords
Kodak Retina I Type 126, Pre War 35mm Film Camera, Kodak Ektar 50mm f35, German Folding Camera, Antique Bellows Camera, Compur Shutter Retina, Kodak AG Stuttgart
