The Retinette series had begun before WW2 as a less expensive alternative to Kodak's Retina cameras. Although superficially similar to the Retina, folding Retinettes had a stamped body and its lenses were fairly slow triplets(unlike the Tessar-types found on Retinas of the time).

First rigid model Retinette, the body and film transport are the same as those used for the Retina. This early model does not yet have a light-value scale on the shuter.

This model is one of a limited batch made for the UK. It is identical to the standard 022, but the lens plate is the same as appears on the 030.

Kodak followed the trend of other manufacturers and added a brightline finder to the Retinette. Other than the finder the lens plate was changed to a new design.

A new model with a simplified shutter, and build quality has fallen off from earlier models. The chrome work is brighter, and some of the metal parts, such as the transport lever have been changed to plastic. Also gone is the marvellously complicated sprung cover for the back opening switch.

A return to the 45mm focal length, but a faster Reomar at f2.8.

Another small change to the IA specification with a faster top shutter speed, and hotshoe flash synchronisation.

Keeping up with trends a Retinette with a coupled exposure meter, giving a reading in the viewfinder.

An automatic Retinette. The camera lacks shutter speed markings, aperture markings are present but only for use with flash. The user sets the the ring around to lens to either sunlight or flashlight. If the former the camera works out the shutter speed and aperture to use.

My favourite Retinette, beautifully made and it handles wonderfully. The meter is uncoupled, giving readings that are transferred to the camera via the light-value scale on the lens. Like all the II models it has automatic DOF markings, red arrows that move to the appropriate distances as the aperture is changed.