dating a Zeiss Ikon Ikonta 521 ?
- Thread starter M.Hilo
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btgc
Veteran
Haven't checked info in details, but first hit of search returns this:
Around 1938, the 520 series gave way to the 521 series which added a shutter release on the body and a double exposure prevention. Only the A, B, & C models continued.
yes, it's quite small with serious sensor size. I have to clean shutter on mine.
Around 1938, the 520 series gave way to the 521 series which added a shutter release on the body and a double exposure prevention. Only the A, B, & C models continued.
yes, it's quite small with serious sensor size. I have to clean shutter on mine.
View Range
Well-known
I believe the Zeiss Opton engraving on the lens means it can't be any older than 1947.
VictorM.
Well-known
Serial number on lens: http://camera-wiki.org/wiki/Carl_Zeiss_serial_numbers Looks like 1951-1952. It's unlikely to be 1929!
Solinar
Analog Preferred
Definitely 1952 or 53 -
#1 Zeiss started using the Opton label around 1950.
#2 The older Compur Rapid shutter was still in use 1950 - 51, * this camera has the newer Synchro Compur.
What you have is a very nice 16 on 120 film shooter, which has a very nice coated lens and a full range of shutter speeds, should they all still work.
Best Regards,
M.Hilo
Established
Thank you all, for your input! Very appreciated. Do we know when production stopped?
On the back of the camera Made in Germany - Stuttgart is mentioned, there's nothing on the leather case. The serial number of the camera is W 49221 - does that tell anything?
Now I have shot three films with the camera, I have used almost all the shutter speeds and everything came out well exposed. The camera was serviced before the sale. I will make some prints soon
I need to get used to it, still make the mistake (when exposing) to press the button that opens viewfinder and lens 🙂 . . . it's a little strange to have the exposure button on the left.
It must be one of the smallest 4.5X6 camera around, it fits in the smallish front pocket of my coat.
On the back of the camera Made in Germany - Stuttgart is mentioned, there's nothing on the leather case. The serial number of the camera is W 49221 - does that tell anything?
Now I have shot three films with the camera, I have used almost all the shutter speeds and everything came out well exposed. The camera was serviced before the sale. I will make some prints soon
I need to get used to it, still make the mistake (when exposing) to press the button that opens viewfinder and lens 🙂 . . . it's a little strange to have the exposure button on the left.
It must be one of the smallest 4.5X6 camera around, it fits in the smallish front pocket of my coat.
nparsons13
Well-known
Check with the Zeiss Ikon Collectors' Group in Yahoo Groups. There I learned that my 521 A, which has the serial number prefix F, was made in 1938, the first year of 521 production. As others have said, the Opton lens (as well as the serial no. prefix W) indicate early '50s production. The lens serial number will give you a general date, but Zeiss often stocked up on lenses and then used that stock over a fairly broad timespan, so dating by lens SN usually isn't very precise.
hanskerensky
Well-known
The Ikonta 521 was produced from 1938 till 1954.
See also : http://camera-wiki.org/wiki/Ikonta_521
The Zeiss Ikon Collectors group has only reliable production year information from the years preceding ww2.
My guess would also be 1952 or 1953.
A nice little folder. Enjoy !
See also : http://camera-wiki.org/wiki/Ikonta_521
The Zeiss Ikon Collectors group has only reliable production year information from the years preceding ww2.
My guess would also be 1952 or 1953.
A nice little folder. Enjoy !
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