First Foray in Nettar World

[direwolf101]

I just got back my first roll through my newly acquired Zeiss Ikon Nettar 518/2 with coated Novar 105mm f4.5 lens (from fellower RFFer Dave Wilkinson -- thanks Dave!) and am happy to report that it is a terrific camera. It's basic, it's very portable, and best of all, it takes great pictures! Here's a sample using Ilford XP2 Super 400. Cheers.

 

[Solinar]

Awesome isn't it? Such a simple tool and yet so capable.

 

[oftheherd]

Those Novar lenses can be surprisingly sharp can't they. That's a nice photo.

 

[charjohncarter]

No question, these are the best deal going (6x6 or 6x6+ folders). They have character (lens character), ease of use, quality within normal limits, easy to carry, and another unknown fact; if you ask someone for a photo, they will let you. This does not, in my humble opinion, happen with a DSLR.

 

[fidget]

Looks great, hope that you enjoy it and post a few choice pics from it.

I agree that a folder is a great way to engage with your subjects, it's quite a job to capture some without a grin on their face.

 

[Windscale]

The Novar lens is OK and the large size 6x9 will make up for most short-comings. When you started blowing things up to 24x36 inch you will begin to distant yourself from 35mm. Your Nettar will be even better if somehow you can fit a rangefinder on it so as do away with the guestimation.

Edit: do check your bellows everytime before going out with it. Zeiss bellows are normally quite strong. But nevertheless, it is better to be safe.

 

[oftheherd]

The Novar lens is OK and the large size 6x9 will make up for most short-comings. When you started blowing things up to 24x36 inch you will begin to distant yourself from 35mm. Your Nettar will be even better if somehow you can fit a rangefinder on it so as do away with the guestimation.

Edit: do check your bellows everytime before going out with it. Zeiss bellows are normally quite strong. But nevertheless, it is better to be safe.

I haven't given up on 35mm, but I certainly do love big negatives. It is why I love 6x6 folders on up, to include by Super Press 23. I particularly love the Zeiss Nettar with that 6x9 negative. Such a nice amount of real estate.

 

[Windscale]

I haven't given up on 35mm, but I certainly do love big negatives. It is why I love 6x6 folders on up, to include by Super Press 23. I particularly love the Zeiss Nettar with that 6x9 negative. Such a nice amount of real estate.

I haven't given up on my 35mm either. But when going on holidays, the most important shots would be taken in 120. The 35mm mainly used for entertaining family and friends and for taking fast pics. And my digital P&S is slowly and gently encroaching on the territories of my 35mm cameras. I have done quite a few 24x36 or 30x30 blow-ups. Relying on 35mm would be pushing it a bit, even for a Leica system. Digital would be out of the question when it comes to smoothness and shadow details.

The Nettar 6x9 is really excellent value for money. When stopped down, and especially for sceneries and infinity landscapes, the Novar would give any top lens a good run for its money.