zeiss ikon folding camera lenses

<p>hey there,</p>

<p>i am thinking of buying a zeiss folding camera, but with so many different types its hard to know which will have the nicer lenses.</p>

<p>could someone please tell me the difference between the nettar, tessar, and novar lenses and if any ARENT worth buying?</p>

<p>thanks for your help guys :)</p>

<p> </p>

<p>The better lenses are the 4-element Tessars. But as always with vintage cameras: Condition is everything. A recently CLA'd folder with a "lesser" lens is very likely to produce much better images than a 50-70 year old folding camera with the many, very common aging issues. Then again, the CLA is so expensive, that you can find a more "modern", non-folding medium format camera that performs better and is more user-friendly than a classic folder.</p>

<p>I have ZI with 105mm f/3.5 Opton Tessar. Although it is not multicoated, I am very happy with it. The condition of my camera is excellent.<br>

I suggest you consult the ZICG (Zeiss Ikon Collector's Group) at yahoo groups for this...</p>

<p>Suggest you look for one with a Zeiss Opton Red "T" f2.8 Tessar. eg. a Super Ikonta.</p>

<p>I have two little 6x4.5 Ikonta A's, one is older with an uncoated 7cm f/3.5 Tessar and the other has a coated 75mm f/3.5 Opton Tessar. Both are superb picture takers. Both of mine have the sliding red window covers which I believe are a necessary feature these days unless you like tape on the back of your cameras. Both cost me around $40. I would stick with the Tessars.</p>