Zeiss Ikonta C 532/16 Where to start film?

[DaveW]

Hi,

About to use the 532/16 for the first time (6x9, beautiful condition!) but am embarassed to say I am not sure about where to start the roll. I am used to a red dot or something to line up the arrow on the paper with before closing the back. And where do you place the frame counter during all of this? :bang:

I was going to just take a guess and waste a roll of film but thought I would check with you folks first.

Any advice appreciated!

Dave

 

[dnk512]

Does it have a red window in the middle of the back door? Roll the film till you see the number 1 through the red window. Depending on the film you use, there are warning markings as you aproach a number. For example, a small circle, then a medium circle then a large circle, then the number. And to further guess, I would say you manualy set the counter to 1 once you have rolled the film there. Hope this helps!

 

[DaveW]

Okay, that sounds fine, but isn't modern film sensitive to the light (or is the paper backing enough to block it?). I know the paper has a nice black layer to it. The film is HP5 Plus. I am use to the Pentax 6x7, C330 and Autocord, but thought this would be an interesting diversion.

I don't see any screw threads for filters - are there push-on filters available? I always shoot with at least a yellow filter.

Dave

 

[dnk512]

The plate on the back door should have a light trap around the red window (between the door and presure plate). If it does not, then you should make one. Use some thick, soft black fabric from around the house. The paper will not let light go through it self, but light may bounce arount the presure plate, so make a good round trap. Good luck, do let us know how it worked out!

 

[dnk512]

Oh, yeah, there are push filters, but good luck finding the right size and all. Better luck to simply hold, an oversized one, in frond of the lens for the shots that need it.

 

[Limpovitj]

About to use the 532/16 for the first time (6x9, beautiful condition!) but am embarassed to say I am not sure about where to start the roll. I am used to a red dot or something to line up the arrow on the paper with before closing the back. And where do you place the frame counter during all of this?

Uhm..? My 532/16 is the 6x6 model (Super Ikonta B) and not 6x9 (Super Ikonta C). As far as I can remember - could very well be wrong, though - the Super Ikonta C doesn't have a frame counter. You just wind on till you see 1 (on the backing paper) in the red window in the back, shoot, wind to 2, and so on.
The Super Ikonta B does have a frame counter. Wind on till you see 1 in the red window, and then you can close the cover. Push down on the frame counter, and turn it till it stops at 1. (You might have to turn the wind knob slightly after this to really make it stop at 1.) Shoot, wind, and it will stop at 2, shoot, and so on.
Remember, winding does not cock the shutter - you do.

No red dots or arrows to line up, but once you know how to do it it's quite straightforward. I wouldn't worry about light leaks through the red window.

Hope this helps, whatever model you have!

 

[Limpovitj]

By the way, I think the Super Ikonta B takes 37mm push-on filters, sometimes reffered to as A37. Have a look at eBay to get an idea of what you're looking for.

Oh well, I did a quick search for you:

I think THIS is what you'd be looking for.

 

[Limpovitj]

A second by the way! Yes, the B does indeed take 37mm push-on, and the C, it seems takes 42mm push-on.

You should find a manual HERE.

Again, hope this helps, and good luck!

 

[ZeissFan]

The Super Ikonta 532/16 is a "B" camera -- 6x6.


If it's a 6x9 camera, it's not the 532/16.

A = 6x4.5

B = 6x6

C = 6x9

The film advance must be to the point where you rotate it and it doesn't stop at any of the numbers. If that happens, you need to dry fire until you've gotten to 11.

Then load the film, advance it until "1" shows up in the red window. Close the window. Use your thumb to turn the frame counter to "1."

For subsequent frames, simply use the film advance and turn until it stops, which should be at each number (approximately) on the frame counter.

With the 530/16 and 532/16, you only got 11 frames per roll.

 

[ChrisN]

Here's a quick scan of the backing from the last roll of HP5 I shot:



You can see three sets of numbers placed across the backing, with different spacing for different size negatives: 6x6 in the middle, 6x4.5 on top and 6x9 on the bottom. There are little marks that appear in the window to indicate when you are approaching the number - when the little number is in the red window - stop!

 

[ZeissFan]

If you miss aligning Frame No. 1 by a millimeter or two, it won't make much difference. There is plenty of slack at the end of the roll to compensate for a minor miss.

 

[Stanton]

Dave -- If you search for the "Guide to Classic Cameras," and look at the index under medium format, you will find a guide to the Super Ikonta IV. The guide very helpfully illustrates how to load and start the film counter. Incidentally, that is a very helpful site for a number of cameras. Dave

 

[ZeissFan]

He has the Super Ikonta 532/16. That's a different camera than the Super Ikonta III and IV and loading film also is different.

I have a PDF of the Super Ikonta B manual here.

 

[DaveW]

I would think the numbering system for these cameras could be more clear. My assumption that this was a C is based on the wording inside the film cavity of the camera, which says:

Zeiss Ikon Film
B2 - 6 x 9
2 1/4 x 3 1/4 in


Here is a link that shows the camera, including the inside:


http://www.flickr.com/photos/17331038@N00/


So I guess it is a B2, which means it is not a 6 x 9, so why the imprint of 6 x 9 inside of the camera?! I am confused. Anyone have a good explanation?

In any event, I will shoot some frames and we shall see tonight!



Dave

 

[jan normandale]

Dave , Zeiss has been "known to use"parts that belong to other cameras from their line up. Typically back covers and pressure plates. Sometimes they even used lenses 'differently' than one would expect to see in a specific Zeiss camera.

If the camera looks like a 6x9 then that is what you've got. Don't fuss over the interior 'naming' its all very arcane. Go with Chris' comments, it should work.

Edit: Dave if you camera looks exactly like this one on the interior behind the lens ; you will see the image will be square ie 6x6 not 6x9 now you should be able to tell if yours is or isn't 6x9
http://www.flickr.com/photos/17331038@N00/540499176/

 

[DaveW]

Jan

I'm leaning towards it being a 6x6 as the opening from the bellows to the film is approximately square.

The other reason I thought this to be a C is that it is much larger than the 521/16 I have, but I suppose that is due to the rangefinder alone.

The loading and spooling of the film makes sense - I think I have that down now. Thanks to everyone who clarified that problem.

Everyday is an education!

Dave

 

[DaveW]

Jan,

As to your edited comment, that is my camera! Yeah, I had the same thought as you before I read your comment, that is, if the interior opening is square, the picture has to be square! I suppose they used a back from a 6x9? So is this camera really a Super Ikonta 532/16? I suppose it is, that is, the leatherette is added at the factory onto the metal back, the interior imprinting was ignored but the leatherette is correct?

My current best guess!

Dave

 

[rbiemer]

Dave,
Lovely camera! You might want to look here:
http://www.butkus.org/chinon/#z
There are several Ikonta manuals there. The one for the "Super Iknota B and BX" seems like it is for your camera. And there is info about accessories and filter size for that camera.
The manual at Mr. Butkus' site looks like a slightly different version(updated with the addition of info for the BX model, I guess) than the one at ZeissFan's site but they both look to me like they are for the same camera.
The only downside to this discussion is that now I want one!
Looking forward to some photos from this one!
Rob

I would think the numbering system for these cameras could be more clear. My assumption that this was a C is based on the wording inside the film cavity of the camera, which says:
Zeiss Ikon Film
B2 - 6 x 9
2 1/4 x 3 1/4 in
Here is a link that shows the camera, including the inside:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/17331038@N00/
So I guess it is a B2, which means it is not a 6 x 9, so why the imprint of 6 x 9 inside of the camera?! I am confused. Anyone have a good explanation?
In any event, I will shoot some frames and we shall see tonight!
Dave

 

[Stanton]

DaveW -- Your comments on the numbering system are well taken. I have a Super Ikonta B numbered 530/16, but the body is a 532/16. Since the number is embossed on the body, it seems unlikely that this discrepancy is the result of repairs. And the back of my camera says, as yours does, in the same words that it is a 2 1/4 x 3 1/4. I assumed that the back might have been replaced, but I now wonder. My serial number on the body is C21666. The shutter is a Compur Rapid with X sync.

I purchased it on the auction site and the seller was nice enough to give me some provenance after I bought it. He bought it in 1953 at Olden Camera in New York. He said he had never dropped it nor had it been damaged. Since I had all ready bought and paid for the camera, he had no reason to avoid the truth.

I have always been curious about these anomolies.

In any case, it works very well, so I have never been concerned.

Dave

 

[DaveW]

Okay, after a little googling, here is what my current thought is on the markings in the film chamber:

It seems that when 120 mm film was in its infancy, Zeiss marketed it as
B2 or 6 x 9 film. So the markings in the film chamber are just an advertisement, not a re-used part from another line of cameras.

See this thread:

http://www.rangefinderforum.com/forums/archive/index.php/t-9244.html

Dave