Friday, October 20, I loaded a roll of Konica Minolta VX 200 print film into my Kodak Retina Reflex S (type 034). I have a reasonably fine example, functions well in all regards.
This camera was made circa 1959.
35mm Single Lens Reflex.
Non-auto-returning mirror, mirror is set in place on wind stroke (this is perhaps the one "feature" that I found to be annoying in usage, since the viewfinder is blacked out and you cannot compose a frame until you wind on).
Leaf shutter, B and 1 -> 500, behind the lens mount.
Coupled selenium-celled metering system (mine is still accurate after all these years, seems dead-on correct. I keep the cell in the dark when not in use).
Fully interchangable lens system, lenses made by Schneider-Kreutznach under contract.
I shot with the absolutely SUPERB f:1.9 / 50mm Zenon. I consider this to be one of the finest lenses ever made, by anyone.
I set out with this precision outfit, trying again to catch a little Fall Color.
My first stop was Mini Ha Ha Beach Park, maintained by the City of Sunset Hills, Missouri, in St.Louis County on the banks of the lower Meramec River.
The Meramec Basin is a major system coming out of the Eastern Ozarks region. This local stretch of the Meramec is a few miles above where it enters the Mississippi River.)
I walked the trails in the park, and noted that the color change seems to be delayed down in the valley along the river.
From there I took a quick drive to the Museum of Transport on Barrett Station Road, up on the bluffs above the Meramec Valley. More color to be seen up there. I finished off the roll of film from the outer parking area, then returned home.
All images are ©2006 E.J.Kowalski.