Kodak Retinette (type 022)

The Kodak Retinette (type 022) is a 35mm viewfinder camera made between 1954-1958 by the German branch of Kodak. Throughout the years of production, it came in variations. Here we have one of the earliest models. The Retinette series were introduced in 1939 and were cheaper versions of the Retina series.

This small camera is fully manual and offers all the basic creative options to the photographer (including double exposures), making it an excellent starting point for those wanting to learn the basics of manual film photography. The lens has a focusing scale to help you figure which parts of the image will be in focus. It also has a self-timer and support accessories such as flash and cable release.

While the lens is not the best (not very sharp and low contrast) it can produce nice results. The camera overall is very nicely and solidly built and it doesn't give the feeling of a cheap toy camera.