Zeiss Ikon, Ikonta 521/2

This camera Iv'e had for many years but have not used. I would

like to start using it but have a few questions first. It is a 6x9

folder with a Zeiss opton Tessar ( there is a red T in the lens

berral ). Compur Rapid shutter. 105 mm lens. Questions:

 

1. The shutter is slow, where is a good place to get it Cleaned,

lubed and adjusted.

 

2. Are any of you using this camera, and if so how are your

results? I would like to shoot 6x9 slides.

 

3. How about film flatness? Any concernes ?

 

4. How can I date this camera ? Any info or web sites are

appreciated.

 

5. I think I would use this as a lightweight travel camera for use

on a tripod with cable release and makeshift hood and filters.

 

6. I have other equipment that I use now consisting of a 30 year

old Hasselblad with chrome 80mm lens, RB67 with non C

lenses, Rollei 2.8 E, and a yashica 124 (which i like alot ). All of

my equipment is quite old but in nice condition. Will this even

older camera with its larger negitives compare to or surpass any

of these.

 

All thoughts and inormation on this camera is appreciated.

 

Thanks !

 

Conrad

There are AMPLE sites dealing all Zeiss folders of ALL kinds.Compur shutters are still repaired, and yours may only need a CLA. The lens is a fairly good design, but probably not coated. Still, it should produce excellent images.

http://www.wctatel.net/web/crye/z-i120.htm

 

1947 according to the above.

If it has the red "T" it's coated.

Most of your questions have already been answered. The Tessar lens on the Ikonta will equal other Tessar lenses of similar vintage - but I think since this lens was manufactured prior to a major redesign of the Tessar concept it will not match modern lenses wide open. Concerning film flatness, I never had any problems on any of my 6x9 folders, even if I advance the film prior to unfolding them. However I would suggest to wind the film just before shooting. Any competent repairman should be able to fix the shutter and readjust the lens (the latter is necessary on most old folding cameras).

Let me add to what's already been said:

 

You won't regret spending the money to have the shutter serviced and put this camera back to work. I get incredible prints from even my Wirgin Auta 6.3, a low end consumer grade camera from about the same era as your Ikonta; my Moskva-5, an upgraded design originally copied from a prewar Super Ikonta with a coated knockoff copy of a prewar Tessar, is capable of blowing my socks off if I pay attention to exposure and hold the camera still (and the f/3.5 lens is much more convenient than the f/6.3 on the Wirgin).

 

If you're like me, you might find yourself using the TLRs less because your images are as good or better, with a smaller, lighter camera that shoots bigger chromes.

Conrad - I have two Ikonta 531/2 cameras. Images are sharp with a little different "look" to them. You may want to shoot a roll of a brick wall to test sharpness at different aperatures and to get a feel for how accurate your particular viewfinder is to what the camera shoots. The albada viewfinder markings are not accurate you may need to adjust them or remove them and make your own mask to put in the viewfinder. I have had WW Umbach service these and other Ikonta's along the way.

 

WW Umbach

Z-V Service

P.O. Box 754

Oriental, NC 28571

 

If you need any more info on the cameras send me an e-mail.