Zeiss Ikon Ikoflex IA, trouble operating

<p>Attached are two photos of my recent purchase, an Ikoflex model 1A with Novar-Anastigmat lens (viewing lens is marked Teronar). The camera appears to have had little use. The lenses are clear and free of any noticeable scratches. The shutter sounds correct above 1/50th. Below that it will not fire. The focusing knob is quite stiff, but has loosened some with exercise. </p>

<p>I downloaded a copy of the owners manual, but it is does not show step by step instructions for loading film. I have gotten it to load and fire with a film wrapper (no film), but after a couple of frames, it will not allow you to cock the shutter and fire. Also, the film counter is confusing. I am having trouble trying to get it to start at #1. Can someone advise if the camera is malfunctioning, or am I missing a step or two in loading the film?</p>

<p>Viewing with the Ikoflex is very dark and difficult to focus. My favorite camera is a Rolleicord IV of the same vintage. I improved the operation of this significantly by installing a much brighter screen from a Mamiya RB67. Does anyone have any experience brightening up the viewing? Also, will this camera be a good user if I spend some money on servicing it? I shoot B&W. Any comments will be appreciated. </p><div></div>

<p>I have never owned one, but as with any camera of this vintage, a CLA will make it a great user.</p>

<p>Another photo, side view</p><div></div>

<p>Loren, congratulations on your acquisition of a fine TLR.<br>

I've owned several Ikoflexes over the years (Ia, IIa, Favorit..) and I've come to love their optics (Zeiss Opton Tessar is tops!), and their build quality.<br>

What can be annoying are some of the failsafes built into these cameras. Shutter won't fire unless there's film in it ( you know that), or if the hood is down.....</p>

<p>Loading can be a pain if you goof up the sequence. You have the manual, so........ line up #1 in the red window, close the window, you should be good-to-go. <br>

Trouble comes when you're done with a roll ( or dummy roll) and then you have to make sure the frame counter is past 12.</p>

<p>As far as the shutter not firing at below 1/50th : Are the blades not moving at all, or do they open and not close, or are really sluggish ? <br>

Well, if you think the camera works above 1/50th, and the working speeds sound/look decent, load up some fresh film and test it. Only way to know for sure if you can at least do some decent daylight shots with "normal" range of shutter speeds.</p>

<p>Now, for the dimness in viewing - unscrew the hood, gently clean the groundglass and blow off any dust from the mirror - do not wipe the mirror.</p>

 

<p>Verify the state of the mirror, if the silvering has deteriorated then changing the mirror will improve it a lot. I have one Ikoflex like yours and is a great camera.</p>

<p>I used to own an Ikoflex 1B with Opton Tessar (a very sharp lens indeed). The shutter sounds as though the slow speed train is sticky and needs a CLA though usually the slow speeds start at 1/10th..As Gabor says - give it a try and see how you get on.</p>

<p>I think my old Ikoflex had a fresnel lens on the finder which brightened it up quite a bit.</p>

<p>A cheap source for mirrors is any plastic Polaroid that took Time Zero or 600 film. You should be proficient in cutting glass. Be careful with not touching the fragile front surface mirror material.</p>

<p>I have a 1c and they are tricky to load until you get the hang of it.<br>

Try taking the film and empty spool out. Spin the frame counter finger wheel around a couple of times, mine goes counter clockwise. Spin it slightly past "12."</p>

<p>Put the film in and close the back, and looking through the red window advance to #1. Now, spin the frame counter wheel until in clicks in at "1."</p>

<p>Open hood, cock shutter, it should be ready to go. Once it has been loaded properly, the second time you load it the frame counter should be in the correct position and not so fussy.</p>