Kodak Retina 1B folding 35mm rangefinder camera with Schneider-Kreuznach Retina-Xenar lens

The Kodak Retina 1B was manufactured in Germany by Kodak AG between 1954 and 1957. It represented an evolution of Kodak's successful Retina line of folding 35mm cameras, which were known for their compact design and high-quality German optics. The camera featured a coupled rangefinder and was equipped with a Schneider-Kreuznach Retina-Xenar 50mm f/2.8 lens, renowned for its sharpness and optical quality. The Retina 1B appeals to vintage camera collectors, photography enthusiasts, and users of analog film cameras who appreciate German engineering and craftsmanship. These cameras are valued for their mechanical precision, compact folding design, and the quality of images they can still produce today. Collectors particularly seek well-preserved examples with original leather cases, as they represent an important chapter in mid-century photographic technology and Kodak's European manufacturing heritage.