Please help identifying Zeiss Ikonta camera. Eventually not a rangefinder. Any help appreciated.

<p>Hello, everybody.</p>

<p>I've missed out on this one,<br>

http://www.ebay.com/itm/281080635889?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1497.l2649<br>

but still have interest in this particular version. My guess is it's an early 520 Ikonta, which makes 16 6x4,5 exposures. Is it the same as Ikonta model A? Is there any reference in the net?<br>

What is the second window on the back for?<br>

I'd also like to hear something about owning one of these or which Ikonta, maybe of a Super ones, is the most desireable (maybe a wrong word) and why?<br>

Are these post-war east german units really so bad?<br>

And the last thing is - what kind of hood is applicable or lens doesn't flare much? Any dedicated accessories to be known? </p>

<p>Thank you all zeiss people in advance,<br>

cheers,<br>

EK</p>

<p>There are a rather large number of cameras sold over the years as Ikontas. Some are Super Ikontas, some are As, others Cs, etc. Camerapedia has a start on a listing of models at http://camerapedia.wikia.com/wiki/Zeiss_Ikon_Ikonta . There are also a huge range of different lenses, even on the same model. Some are superb, others are prehistoric "kit" lenses.</p>

<p>The two windows are usually on models which supported two formats, and -depending- you might put in a mask to a smaller image size and use one of the windows, or sometimes you put the same number on the film backing into first one red window, and then the next. With panchromatic films, it's not a bad idea to put some tape over the red windows that don't have covers, except when you're winding, of course.</p>

<p>There are enthusiasts for nearly every Ikonta. Most of them are very good folding cameras. Features such as rangefinders, etc. are important to some people.</p>

<p>The post-WWII East German versions are just fine. Who ever said they were "really bad" I'd like to know? If they are small, I will beat them up.</p>

<p>The later models will have coatings or even better coatings on the lenses. There are hoods, but they were rarely fitted to a specific lens in those days. You may do well to try making your own (e.g., http://www.lenshoods.co.uk/ ). Always check for vignetting with any hood you find.</p>

<p>As for being a "zeiss people" - I'm not exactly sure, but I think I have been excommunicated for heresy. ?</p>

<p>I've read somewhere over leica forums smth. like "leitz people" or "leica people". Thought zeiss people would be somewhat analogical. No heresy, I, guess.<br>

Language I use is somewhat russian, but written in english. Homegrown may be a fine word for this.<br>

About east german zeiss I've heard from a friend, who owns used camera shop in Sant-Petersburg, Russia.<br>

So if it's 520 model that makes 6x4,5 exposures and it has two windows, there's an additional format expected?<br>

Thanks for your answer</p>

<p>The two windows on this 6x4.5 Ikonta A don't mean two formats. Pre-WW II 120 film didn't have numbers for 16 exposures, so Ikonta 520s and earlier 521s had two windows and used the numbers for eight 6 X 9 exposures. You wound number 1 to the first window and took your picture, then wound no. 1 to the second window, and so on. Later Ikonta A 521 cameras only had one window since post-war film had the additional numbers for 16 exposures.</p>

<p>Evegniy, you should keep your eyes open for another one (yes, it's an Ikonta 520). I have one from 1938 I believe, in about that condition. They take 16 exposures at 6x4.5 format, hence the two red windows. You align the 1 w/ the window on the left and take your shot, then roll the film until it appears in the second window, then take your shot, roll till the 2 appears, etc. They are incredibly small and light. The uncoated Tessar needs a good hood, and a yellow filter gives excellent contrast w/ B&W film. I use a Kodak series push on adapter for a hood/filter holder. Mine is as sharp as any lens I've ever used, period. Rolleiflex, Hasselblad, it doesn't matter, mine is sharper. I have the negs from all the cameras I've owned over the years and except for some Heliar negs, which aren't as sharp but have that 3D look, it's the best of them all. Takes wonderful photos, you just have to deal w/ no meter and scale focusing. Wish I'd seen that one, as it would have been nice to have a backup. I did pick up a later one w/ what looks like a single coated Tessar in a shutter that runs to 1/500 vs the older's 1/300, and it has just one window on the back, in the middle. The first roll's waiting to be developed from that one, but in my mind I can't imagine that it's any sharper than the uncoated one I've been using. If you look on the site here you'll see some examples from these cameras. I am just dumbfounded that such an old, tiny camera can take such great photos. 6x6 is more my thing, but the 6x4.5 neg is big enough that it could be cropped to square and still give you big enlargements.</p>

<p>You could buy a similar version w/ a rangefinder (think they're 531), but it's just as quick to use the scale focusing cameras like the one you showed the link to. They're much cheaper, simpler, and lighter as well.</p>

<p>Thank you Steve.<br>

That's probably all I wanted to know. Great advice. I would definately find another one. I thinks it's absolutely my format as I'm pretty much used to 24x36. Scale focusing is just fine and sharpness is all I want from the neg. I wonder how to mind the parallax when composing on these ones?<br>

I usually do still life photography on my visoflex system, hence I look for something larger in format and sharp in details. My favourite lens by far is an uncoated hektor 13,5cm from late 30s.<br>

Thanks again,</p>

<p>I had one of these with a 7.5cm Tessar. It had bad bellows so I moved the lens and shutter onto a TLR body. The lens is wonderful! Prone to flare and veiling, but away from the light it is sharp and smooth.</p>

<p>Parallax is always a problem with anything other than through-the-lens viewing. If you are looking for precise framing and focus, this isn't the camera to get. Most of the 6x6 SLR systems have 6x4.5 backs available (in theory at least). Bronica, Pentax, Mamiya, Contax- all made native 6x4.5 format systems. </p>