Old Zeiss TLR camera

[lcd]

<p>I believe it is an Ikoflex 1. I plan to purchase the camera and send it to be serviced. I am now trying to understand the actual conditions of it. Does anybody know:</p>

<ol>

<li>Do you know if this camera needs to have film loaded for the shutter to operate at all speeds?</li>

<li>Do you know if the viewfinder needs to be open for the shutter to click?</li>

<li>Is this camera supposed to have a double exposure prevention mechanism? </li>

<li>On the left side of the camera there is only one large winding nob plus something that looks like a connection for the flash further down. Does this seems right or something is missing on this side?</li>

</ol>

<p>I would apreciate any help on this and any comment from Ikoflex Cameras users.<br>

Thank you.</p>

 

[fred_haeseker]

<p>Mike Butkus' site has scans of the original manuals for the Ikoflex I and II series:<br>

<a href="http://www.butkus.org/chinon/zeiss_ikon.htm">http://www.butkus.org/chinon/zeiss_ikon.htm</a><br>

I haven't used an Ikoflex, but the instruction manuals should answer most of your questions.</p>

[lcd]

<p>Thanks Fred, very good link. Unfortunately they don't seem to have the Manual for the Ikoflex 1 that is an earlier model. Thanks anyway.</p>

[dave_g1]

<p>You might want to take a look here: <a href="http://www.tlr-cameras.com/German/Ikoflex.html">http://www.tlr-cameras.com/German/Ikoflex.html</a><br>

The original Ikoflex 1 from the 30s is a very simple camera, I haven't seen one in person but I do not believe they have any of the features you're asking about. The later "1" from the 40s on has an exposure lock, and double exposure prevention. <br>

The large knob on the left of the camera (as you are holding the camera) is the focussing knob, the knob on the right is the advance.<br>

Also Butkus has manuals, but the above link didn't work for me, maybe this one will: <a href="http://www.butkus.org/chinon/zeiss_ikon/zeiss_ikon_ikoflex_ia_iia_ic/zeiss_ikon_ikoflex.htm">http://www.butkus.org/chinon/zeiss_ikon/zeiss_ikon_ikoflex_ia_iia_ic/zeiss_ikon_ikoflex.htm</a></p>

[lcd]

<p>Thanks Dave. You're right, it actually looks more similar to the Ikoflex II but without exposure counter and a knob for focusing instead of a lever. What I found interesting about the camera was the Tessar 3.5 lens that seemed clean and possibly very good. I am going to read the Ikoflex II manual and see if I find the additional info I need. Thanks.</p>

[david_l3]

<p>Mark Hansen at zeissikonrolleirepair.com is very knowledgeable about Ikoflex cameras. </p>

[dave_s]

<p>A camera remembered <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JESFMO1Hl4M">in song</a> . . .</p>

[lcd]

<p>I contacted Mark Hansen, and he was able to answer my questions (as David L suggested).<br>

Thanks everyone.</p>

[profhlynnjones]

<p>I used a Zeiss Ikoflex 1a with 3.5 Tessar and it was one of the great photo experiences of my career (1950's). Then I bought a Hasselblad 1600F the worst PIG of a camera in my 6 decades. I screamed at Paillard (importer) and they finally gave me my money back if I would buy 2 1000F Hasselblad cameras. Now I had 2 worthless cameras. A bit over 1 year later my friend Joe Ehrenreich told me aboute the brand new Mamiya TLR he would be impoorting, I bought 2 of them with 3 lenses (early 1958) and have never been without a Mamiya TLR since then, it is one of quite a few professional cameras, film and digital, but is still great.<br>

Lynn </p>

[lcd]

<p>Lynn, I hope my experience with the Ikoflex 1 will be as good as yours with the 1A. The ikoflex 1 is probably a more simple version but the lens should be similar. I am surprise about your comments on the Hasselbled camera. I have never used one but it has many dedicated fans. The Mamiya TLR cameras look very interesting. I might look into trying a C220 sooner or later. My only concern is the size: they look a little less portable. Thanks.</p>