Zeiss Ikonta, anyone?

R

ray_g

Guest
OK, I had a sudden GAS attack at 2am this morning. A Zeiss Ikonta 515/2 6x9 folder will be coming my way next week from a PNet classic forum member next week. I have never used this type of camera but thought it would be fun to try, for a few bucks--- anyone have any experience?
 
Not with the exact camera, Ray, but with a similar one (530/16). I really enjoy it whenever I think to use it -- it's really nice to travel with. Congratulations, I think you will enjoy it!!!
 
I had a non-super Ikonta of 6x9, i think it was 523/2, a bit newer version than yours. The build quality of that folder was amazing.
I'm sure you will like using it. But it's not a pocketable folder, be aware.

What lens do you get with it?
 
Ray, checking the book on Zeiss cameras by D.B. Tubbs, I found the following information: The Model 515 Nettar (not Ikonta) was introduced in 1937 taking 16 exposures on 120 film with a Novar f/4.5 lens and a Klio shutter.

The Model 515/2 in 6x9 format followed in 1938 and is described as "Ikontas with cheaper equipment, but complete with new shutter button." The shutter button was an improvement over earlier cameras (introduced in 1937) because it placed the release on the camera body as opposed to the front release at the shutter. (The f/6.3 lens retained the front shutter release only.) The "cheaper equipment" would be found in a shutter with less speeds available and a slower lens with fewer elements in it's design.

However, it gets a bit confusing because the Nettar could be had with a Compur shutter and Tessar lens which pretty much made it an - you guessed it - Ikonta!

Production of the Nettars ended with 1939. I suppose the war may have had a lot to do with that.

I'd be interested in knowing the details of your new Zeiss folder when you've had a chance to handle it. Regardless, it should take a fine picture.

Walker
 
Hi,

I recently got a Ikonta III (524/16?)with a Novar lens.
I havent had that much fun taking pictures in a while. Fun learning the 6x6 format, enjoying a 50 year old camera and being amazed at the Novar lens capabilities when stopped down.
Enjoy your camera!!!

Ciao Joerg
 
Yes, that's the one, Walker. It has the Novar f/4.5 with Klio shutter. I see that I will need to learn a whole new set of "names." :) I need to get my Nettars and Ikontas straight.

I look forward to using it.
 
I have a Ikonta with a 75mm/f3.5 Novar lens. It works wonders for such a simple little camera :) The lens is VERY sharp too. I havnt put colour film though it yet, but that will be my next film to go though it. After I find out how many other speeds dont work :p I wonder if its possible to get it CLA'ed? ;)
 
chug said:
I have a Ikonta with a 75mm/f3.5 Novar lens. It works wonders for such a simple little camera :) The lens is VERY sharp too. I havnt put colour film though it yet, but that will be my next film to go though it. After I find out how many other speeds dont work :p I wonder if its possible to get it CLA'ed? ;)
Click to expand...

This gentleman came recommended to me; I've hung onto his contact info but have not sent mine in yet:
Jurgen Kreckel
13 Ridgeview Ct.
Saylorsburg, Pa. 18353
certo6@epix.net
​
 
I have used him for an Ansco Speedex Special R. It needed a full CLA and new bellows - he did an excellent job for me. http://www.certo6.com for more information.

William
 
Hi Ray-g

Jan here, the camera will take incredible shots, think horizontal format (ie panorama) for a 6x9 transparency! You have so much film there that you will be blown away with the image when it is blown up. You will see stuff you didn't think could come up in a photograph because my guess is that you are used to 35 mm.

I have a couple of Zeiss folders, one 6x6 the other 6x4.5 , I love them both. They define the term 'rugged camera' you could defend yourself with one and then go take some pictures.

Jurgen Kreckel is a great guy and I have purchased several cameras from him. He will be your best bet if you want to get a CLA . Most people don't see as many folders as he does. I bet he could clean them in his sleep.

Post some shots when they are available.

regards, Jan
 
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Thanks for the info for the bloke that does the CLA :) The only problem is.. Im in Australia and he is not ;) So I will try a local guy first :) Cheers :)
 
Moreover, I had a (rusty rotten) Ikomat too, called 515/2, which had a working Compur shutter (1-1/250, B, T) and a 105/4.5 Tessar lens! I still have the shutter and the lens. Is anybody interested? The lens is uncoated of course, and it has very light traces of fungus that did not clean up (but they are dead, the bastards!)
The Compur is a bit sticky, tried to clean it up but at slow speeds it's still too slow, probably the 70 y old spring should retire.

I always wondered if a lens swap with this tessar and an Ikonta w 105mm Novar lens could work. The focal lengths and lens diameters should be ok, just I don't know if the fitting of a novar is the same. I would expect so - three groups both, and the shutter/diaphragm is between the second and third element in both cases...
 
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Honu-Hugger said:
This gentleman came recommended to me; I've hung onto his contact info but have not sent mine in yet:
Jurgen Kreckel
13 Ridgeview Ct.
Saylorsburg, Pa. 18353
certo6@epix.net
​
Click to expand...

I just bought my first ZI folder from Jurgen today, and can't wait for it to arrive. He came highly recommended and my email correspondence with him was very helpful. I'll post after the camera arrives.
 
That is a fun camera to play with, 515/2 I believe is a Nettar, i.e. viewfinder/zone focusing
Be prepared to find huge negatives, sharp and with a very special llook, also be aware of FLARE, it is pretty bad.

I bought one of those, restored it and then gave it away to my father in law, who is very happy showing it off ;)

Does it have a Novar or a Tessar lens?
Also the shutter is it a Telma or Compur?

I also think I have the manual in pdf if ou need it


ray_g said:
OK, I had a sudden GAS attack at 2am this morning. A Zeiss Ikonta 515/2 6x9 folder will be coming my way next week from a PNet classic forum member next week. I have never used this type of camera but thought it would be fun to try, for a few bucks--- anyone have any experience?
Click to expand...
 
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