Dating a Ikonta A 521

[Jonwotnxt]

Hi,

This is my first post so firstly "hello everyone".
I have a Ikonta A 521 Novar f3.5 75mm,
serial no. F51120.
Any ideas when it was made?
All the best,
John

 

[Jack Conrad]

According to McKeown's, it was made in the 1940's... it didn't get more specific.

 

[VictorM.]

You may be able to date it from the lens number: http://camera-wiki.org/wiki/Carl_Zeiss_serial_numbers

Edit (a little later): Looking at my 521 w/Novar, I see the Novar doesn't have a Serial Number.

 

[Steve M.]

The lens appears to be uncoated, so that makes it pre war. I'm guessing 1940-1942? These are notorilously hard to date w/ the Novars because unlike the Tessars, they didn't put serial numbers on them. I'll bet it takes nice photos. Always been a fan of 3 element lenses.

 

[Jonwotnxt]

Ikonta 521

Ikonta 521

Thanks everyone for your replies.
The Novar is uncoated and marked 7.5cm not 75mm, which I believe points to pre - war?
I have not put film through yet (it`s raining but i`m ready and waiting!) 😉
The shutter is working great and accurate, I guess it`s been CLA`d.
I can`t get over it`s "dinky" size.

John

 

[Jonwotnxt]

Oop`s, serial number is F51120 not L51120.

 

[JPD]

I would guess 1937-41, because of the chromed parts instead of nickel, uncoated lens and two red windows for frame numbers.

You may be able to date it from the lens number: http://camera-wiki.org/wiki/Carl_Zeiss_serial_numbers

Edit (a little later): Looking at my 521 w/Novar, I see the Novar doesn't have a Serial Number.

The Novar weren't made by Carl Zeiss. Zeiss Ikon bought in the lenses from different manufacturers and gave them the brand-name Novar (Previously owned by ICA. and before that by Hüttig). That's why they don't have serial numbers.