Zeiss Super Ikonta C 531/2 2 1/4 X 3 1/4

[dakotah]

I've had the 531/2 in my collection for many years and had a CLA done recently. I'm about to shoot some B&W for the first time in this camera and wondering if I should leave the 645 mask in the camera or shoot 6x9? Which would give me the best representation on how this camera performs? The lens is a 10.5cm f3.5 CZ Jena Tessar and shutter is a Compur Rapid with speeds up to 1/400 sec and distance in meters. The lens does not appear to be coated. With that description, does any one know about when this camera was made? Lens Nr. 2173812, body 4229875.

 

[farlymac]

The Zeiss group over on Yahoo could give you a date range. But I think some other members are on here too, so maybe they'll see this post.

Shoot it in 6x9 first, but set up some of your shots as if you'll be cropping them down to 645 later. That way, you'll see what the lens does in the far reaches of the frame, and still be able to get an idea of what it's smaller framing will look like. And you'll only have to shoot eight frames before rushing back home to develope the film. 😀

PF

 

[dakotah]

Thanks for the advise, seems like a good plan.

 

[literiter]

The Super Ikonta 531/2 is a great camera.

The only problems I have, will have to be using a tripod horizontally with the protruding tripod mount which makes it a little wobbly, and the Albada finder.
( I guess we could complain about all sorts of stuff with a 70+ year old camera, like the lack of AF, no power winder, can't shoot video etc. )

Here is mine:

I use Ilford XP2 with it's great exposure latitude and try to hold the camera as steady as possible.
f8 to f11 gives acceptable focus from side to side at 6x9.

I found a lens hood from a guy on Ebay, which is designed for the 531/2 and improves exposure considerably.
The focus on my camera seems quite accurate, but don't count on it at f3.5. YMMV

 

[Robert Lai]

When testing minimum focus, try at the original RF indication, then try the subject 4cm closer. With many of my Zeiss Tessars, they commonly front focus by 4cm when shot at minimum focus.

With the 6 x 4.5cm mask in place, your 10.5cm lens becomes a bit of a portrait telephoto lens.

 

[GaryLH]

1937?

1937?

If u believe this site

http://motamedi.info/serial.htm

Your lens was made around 1937. I have no clue in terms of how accurate they are. I came across them on a google search a while back.

Gary

 

[hanskerensky]

Usually the body serial number should start with a letter, maybe something to check for again ?

Also the Compur-Rapid has no doubt a serial number, usually hidden somewhere on its side.

 

[dakotah]

Usually the body serial number should start with a letter, maybe something to check for again ?

Also the Compur-Rapid has no doubt a serial number, usually hidden somewhere on its side.

Yes, I made a mistake on the body serial number. #4229875 is the number on the side of the Compur-Rapid shutter housing. I can't seem to locate a body number. Looked inside and out.

 

[Vickko]

Same thing here, had one for years, and dithered on selling it. Then took it out and shot some closeup shots of my son, and WOW WOW WOW is that ever an amazing lens.

Sure, you have to make a bit more effort to use it (almost getting to LF territory) with having to remember to cock the shutter and so on.

I shot 6x9, which is another reason to use it - the huge negative just blows away 24x36mm.

 

[KoNickon]

I would look for a serial number (letter + 4-5 digits) stamped somewhere on the camera back, maybe toward the ends and in vertical orientation. Sometimes they're hard to see; they blend in with the pattern of the body covering.

Yes, I made a mistake on the body serial number. #4229875 is the number on the side of the Compur-Rapid shutter housing. I can't seem to locate a body number. Looked inside and out.

 

[hanskerensky]

Sometimes the Body serial number can be found on the leatherette on the top part of the back like with this 530/2. So you have to open the back to see it :

http://www.flickr.com/photos/29504544@N08/6097431201

 

[dakotah]

I would look for a serial number (letter + 4-5 digits) stamped somewhere on the camera back, maybe toward the ends and in vertical orientation. Sometimes they're hard to see; they blend in with the pattern of the body covering.

The only imprint on the area you mentioned is "Super Ikonta 531/2". Thanks for the reply.

 

[dakotah]

Zeiss Super Ikonta C 531/2 2 1/4 X 3 1/4

Sometimes the Body serial number can be found on the leatherette on the top part of the back like with this 530/2. So you have to open the back to see it :

http://www.flickr.com/photos/29504544@N08/6097431201

I checked where you advised me to look and it was as clean as a baby's butt. Thanks for the reply anyway.

 

[KoNickon]

A puzzlement. I certainly would expect a Super Ikonta to have a serial number.

 

[dakotah]

A puzzlement. I certainly would expect a Super Ikonta to have a serial number.

It certainly is. All the information I've found online consisting of charts, tables, and descriptions, ect . shows that a Super Ikonta 531/2 with the attributes that I have described, such as a CZ Jena f3.5 10.5cm uncoated lens, in a Compur-Rapid shutter with max speed of 1/400, doesn't seem to exist. I've searched everywhere on the body, inside & out, and can't seem to find a body serial number. I am curious as to the date of manufacturer.

 

[hanskerensky]

Just yesterday had a look in an older McKeowns and there was mentioned that the 531/2 with your lens (a 3.5) was available from 1938 onwards. Also the Compur-Rapid was mentioned as a possible shutter.

 

[dakotah]

Just yesterday had a look in an older McKeowns and there was mentioned that the 531/2 with your lens (a 3.5) was available from 1938 onwards. Also the Compur-Rapid was mentioned as a possible shutter.

I think you're right. I forgot I also have the McKeown's camera guide, 12th edition, and it does refer to this camera, and with the lens being 10.5cm f3.5 after 1938, with Compur-Rapid shutter to 1/400. I guess I rely too heavily on the internet for information, and forget that I have a bookshelf. Now if I can find the body serial number, I'll be closer to determining the date of manufacture.

hanskerensky, thanks for your input and research.

Jerry

 

[hanskerensky]

You're welcome Jerry.

On the leatherette on the back of your camera is the type-designation imprinted. That means that's very probably that the leatherette is genuine from Zeiss. On the hinge or backopener side of that leatherette should normally be imprinted the body serial number, vertically orientated and starting with a letter.

Maybe have a close look at those areas with a strong light. The imprint might be damaged or filled up with dirt.

 

[dakotah]

You're welcome Jerry.

On the leatherette on the back of your camera is the type-designation imprinted. That means that's very probably that the leatherette is genuine from Zeiss. On the hinge or backopener side of that leatherette should normally be imprinted the body serial number, vertically orientated and starting with a letter.

Maybe have a close look at those areas with a strong light. The imprint might be damaged or filled up with dirt.

Hans, I've looked everywhere for and still nothing. The camera is in immaculate condition and I felt it was worth getting a CLA. I plan to photograph with it in the week or so. I've decided to go with the 6X9 format. Thanks for your help.

 

[ZeissFan]

I also would recommend shooting 6x9. It's a very nice camera, and if you have one that is clean, all the better.

Some people have trouble coming to grips (pun intended) with holding the camera. I've found the best method is to form a "C" with your left hand. Now, lift your index finger.

And that's how to hold the camera. Index finger on the shutter release. Thumb supports the camera from below. And your other fingers wrap around the lens door so that you have a secure grip on the camera.