Chris's camera pages

This information appears courtesy of Retina camera specialist David L. Jentz

Kodak Retina folding camera identified serial number series (1945 -1977)

This list does not include any rigid-bodied Retina cameras, Retina Reflex models, or Retinettes.

These serial numbers are not taken from the factory records, those records were dumped decades ago. These are numbers that have been compiled from cameras seen in the 'wild'.

Please note that the number on the lens is the lens serial number, not the camera serial number.

The serial numbers for the Retina I types 010 & 013, and the Retina II types 011 & 014, will be found on the inside of the camera back. All other models listed on this page will have the serial number on the top plate near the accessory shoe, or in the case of some Retina Ia and IIa cameras, actually on the shoe itself. In the case of a Retina Ia or IIa with no number, this indicates that the original shoe has been lost.

Sometimes a camera will be seen that has had the top cover replaced during a repair, sometimes the original serial number will be engraved on the new top, sometimes not.

Cameras imported by Eastman Kodak for sale in the USA typically had an 'EK' prefix to their serial number. The numbers themselves were typically just part of the main sequence.

Do not attempt to use the serial number list to 'identify' your camera, the serial number ranges often overlap.

model and type number
Serial numbers
Retina I (type 010)

50007 - 99795, 150257 - 228646

Retina I (type 013) 229470 - 237970, 258283 - 361805, 400052 - 404949
Retina Ia (type 015) 400093 - 400402, 405049 - 893831
Retina Ib (type 018) 50001 - 199894, 450629 - 460320
Retina IB (type 019/1) 462034 - 481599
Retina IB (type 019/2) 481600 - 503099, 50219 - 82687
Retina II (type 011) 100224 - 149133, 250160 - 258313
Retina II (type 014) 258283 - 361805, 400052 - 404949
Retina IIa (type 016) 400093 - 400402, 405049 - 893831
Retina IIc (type 020) 200032 -299762, 510241 - 753513
Retina IIC (type 029) 759812 - 761362, 76653 - 767011, 50001 - 63324
Retina IIIc (type 021) 200032 - 299762, 510241 - 722683
Retina IIIC (type 028) 753845 - 755529, EK756296 - EK758715, 761694 - 763835,
as above continued.. 50001 - 103032, EK800009 - EK806823
Retina IIIC (type 028/N) 997xxx or 998xxx embossed on camera back leatherette
 

Back to first serial number info.

Home