ZEISS SUPER IKONTA B FOLDER MF CAMERA
Photo Courtesy of Pete - [email protected]
Related Links:
Medium Format Camera List Page
Medium Format Home Page
See above links for more information and links to Zeiss historical
society and related Zeiss folder camera resources.
RE: Photo above - courtesy of Pete ([email protected]):
This Super Ikonta B is pre 1948 because the lens/shutter housing is in
black enamel.
This is an excellent collector or user camera. It is in excellent
condition, perfect
working order. It was used so it does have some normal wear and I
wouldn't call it
mint. It is fitted with a filter ring (40.5mm) probably factory done
and it comes with
a federal flash bulb unit, a few flash bulbs, and an original case
in great condition
rec.photo.equipment.medium-format
From: [email protected] (Joe Berenbaum)
[1] Re: Super Ikonta
Date: Sun Feb 15 20:44:31 CST 1998
[email protected] (Warren Wilson) wrote:
Can anyone give me info about Zeiss Ikon Super Ikonta
Cameras.
Warren Wilson
They were pre- and post-war coupled rangefinder medium format folders.
There were three types with different formats that will still take
currently available film (120); the A type (6 x 4.5 format), the B
type (6 x 6 format) and the C type (6 x 9 format). If not damaged
these can make very nice cameras to use today. The A type is pretty
amazingly small for a medium format camera. But really you need to ask
some specific questions.
Joe B. (Please remove the ".com" from my address for email)
From: Keith Nichols [email protected]
Subject: Response to Help evaluating Zeiss 6x9 folder
Date: 1998-05-01
Well, I wanted to respond after getting a few test rolls through the Ikonta. After using my Rapid-Omega for a few months and now the Super Ikonta, I must say that I'm slightly stunned. Going from mediocre 35mm to medium format and these lenses is amazing. I'll admit that I'm now covetous of flash sync on the 6x9, which I may look around for, but I doubt that I would give up the Tessar lens for anything less than comparable. Of course my first non-test roll WOULD be shooting a 2 year-old in the park, but at least I learned to shoot on an SRT 201. The only thing new is cocking the shutter.
A few people responded by email, which I appreciate, but I would encourage everyone to post responses when appropriate. For instance, I learned that the stiffness at 1/400 is due to an added spring. Also, even given my limited experience so far with the uncoated Tessar, I would say that the warnings I've read about color correction and contrast are misplaced. Robert Monaghan addresses these at http://www.smu.edu/~rmonagha/bronfaults.html, Non Problems and Myths. The color and contrast on my chromes are quite good. I also shot the roll of the 2 year-old on a walkway out in shallow water on a bright, sunny day and had no flare problem.
Thanks again for all your help.
Date: Wed, 26 Aug 1998
From: Richard Knoppow [email protected]
To: [email protected]
Subject: Re: [Rollei] Recomputed Tessar Lens
At 12:12 AM 8/26/98 -0400, you wrote:
>Marc, > >Is the Tessar on the Rolleiflex T the same lens that was used on the Zeiss >Super Ikonta IV? > >Bob Meier
No, the Tessars used on the Super Ikonta cameras are
front-element-focusing. Lenses for this application must be especially
computed for it and are somewhat different than lenses which are focused by
moving the entire lens. Front-element-focusing lenses are inherantly
inferior to conventional lenses since the corrections are to some extent
compromised. Nonetheless, the lens on the Super Ikonta has a good
reputation for sharpness. I think this may be partially due to the
excellent range-finder on this camera.
----
Richard Knoppow
Los Angeles,Ca.
[email protected]
Newsgroups: rec.photo.equipment.medium-format
From: Dante Stella [email protected]
Subject: Re: Super Ikonta A 530 question
Date: Fri, 29 Jan 1999
On Wed, 27 Jan 1999, Gene Laughter wrote:
> I have just gotten an old Zeiss Super Ikonta A (530) and am not certain > how to use the two rear round windows for film numbers. As these two > windows are on the same plane, only 8 numbers pass by. I assume one must > place each number in both windows? As #1 first in left window for an > exposure and then # 1 in the right window for a second exposure? Thanks > in advance! > > Gene
Because 645 was invented after the Super Ikonta A, you track the 8 numbers
corresponding to the 6x9 format.For example, wind until the 1 reaches the
first window. Then shoot. Then wind until the 1 is in the 2nd window. Then
2 in the first window. You'll get used to it.
------------
Dante Stella
From: Marv Soloff [email protected]
Newsgroups: rec.photo.equipment.medium-format
Subject: Re: Q:Zeis Super Ikonta Cameras
Date: Sun, 23 May 1999
Murray Crabb wrote:
> Could anyone please advise if this model camera is still serviceable and if > there are any difficulties should maintenance or repairs be necessary. Are > the shutters on this camera likely to still be in good mechanical condition > and are they repairable? Also, does the rangefinder mechanism retain its > accuracy and are they easy to re-align or service? Can the bellows be > replaced? > Any assistance or experiences with this camera would be very much > appreciated. > > Thankyou > > Murray C
Murray:
I just had a Zeiss Ikonta "B" (532/16) reconditioned and CLA'd.
The major problems with these cameras fall into two categories:
1 - The rangefinder mechanism (rotating prisms) has failed - the gears
have stripped out - or some klutz who did not know what he was doing
tried to align the rangefinder.
2 - The frame counter gear has stripped out (very, very common) making
it nearly impossible to accurately wind film.
There are several competent Zeiss repair technicians who can handle
these problems. One is Ken Ruth of Photography on Bald Mountain.
Fixing Ikonta cameras is expensive. But the cameras are great.
If you are going to buy an Ikonta, examine it very carefully. These
machines are 40-60 years old.
Regards,
Marv Soloff
From: "M. Bergman" [email protected]
Newsgroups: rec.photo.equipment.medium-format
Subject: Re: Q:Zeis Super Ikonta Cameras
Date: Sun, 23 May 1999
Super Ikontas are strongly built and, unless beaten, usually require no
service beyond a CLA on the shutter. Any competent repair person, esp.
those dealing with large format lenses, can clean adjust the shutter for
less than $50. Just make sure the glass is clean. I don't think I ever
seen one with a RF off but I think it would be easy to cure if it was. I
know I have never seen one with bad bellows. If you do find one with bad
bellows I'd pass it up (but I bet you can't find one). I always wondered
why 50 year old Ikontas have good bellows and 10 year old Fuji's don't?
...
Date: Sat, 08 Apr 2000
From: Jean Marc Becker [email protected]
Newsgroups: rec.photo.equipment.medium-format
Subject: Re: Best B&W film for uncoated lenses
> I have several uncoated lenses that are 80 to 90 years old (protars > and dagors) that I use for large format. I have never had a lack of > contrast in my B&W images.
I currently use a 6x9 Super Ikonta, whith an uncoated objective, a good
old 4.5 Tessar. I never saw that it lacked contrast or sharpness!
I can easily compare it whith my Mamya 645.
Comparison is largely favorable to the Tessar, as for contrast than
sharpness. Smoothness in shadows is too far better.
JMB
From: Jean Marc Becker [email protected]
Newsgroups: rec.photo.equipment.medium-format
Subject: Re: Four Formats
Date: Mon, 26 Jun 2000
> The big disadvantage I found in the fixed lens low end 6x9 folders is the > relatively modest cost optics quality and normal lens coverage. I often > prefer more wide angle options in a city or within buildings.
I recently made a comparison between a Zeiss super Ikonta, 6x9 with 105
mm lens, my Mamya 645 with 150mm objective, and Olympus with 100 mm.
The vintage Tessar admits elegantly comparison with the two other
objectives. And 6x9 wins.
But I like pinhole pictures on 18 x 24 cm enlarger paper!
JMB
From: [email protected] (Mark Langer)
Newsgroups: rec.photo.equipment.medium-format
Date: 26 Jun 2000
Subject: Re: 35mm vs. 645 when travelling on vacation
I'm flabberghasted at the amount of equipment people are willing to lug
around with them when they travel. Who wants to schlep a big medium
format system? There are certain factors that influence my decision on
what to take as a medium format camera for travel.
1) It has to be a camera that I can carry every minute of the time. If
I don't have the camera with me for those unexpected moments, I won't get
those unplanned photo opportunities that happen so frequently when one
travels. This means light -- not a medium format SLR outfit with lenses.
2) Travel leaves one prone to all sorts of mishaps, from theft to having
your boat tip over. Whatever camera I bring along cannot be really
expensive.
There really is only one kind of medium format camera that addresses these
conditions.
When I travel, I carry a vintage medium format folder. I recently
returned from a trip to the tropics and took with me a Voigtlander Perkeo
II 6x6 camera that is no bigger than a point and shoot 35. Wonderful
Color Skopar lens in a Synchro-Compur shutter. This particular folder
comes with automatic frame counting, so I didn't have to mess around with
lining up the number in the red window.
On other trips, I've taken a Super Ikonta A 4.5x6 rangefinder w. Xenar
lens, a Super Ikonta B 6x6 with Tessar in Compur-Rapid, etc. There are
all sorts of vintage folders that you can just slip in your pocket. They
may lack all the modern bells and whistles, like autofocus or built-in
meter, but those are just frills. Any classic folder with a 4 element
lens will give you wonderful results at a fraction of the cost of a more
modern outfit.
Mark
....
Date: Sun, 7 Jan 2001
From: "Austin Franklin" [email protected]
Newsgroups: rec.photo.equipment.medium-format
Subject: Re: Newbie looking for help with Zeiss Ikon Ikonta
"Dookie79" [email protected] wrote
> I am trying to start using a Zeiss Ikon Ikonta that I picked up at a flea > market and need help with the light meter which has a diamons and the numbers > 2, 5, 10, 20, 40 and a black dot. > > Is anyone familiar with how to interpret the numbers?
Set your ASA/DIN on the top of the dial. Open the meter cover. Turn the
dial until the needle matches the diamond...and read the exposure from the
dial. If there isn't enough light to match the needle to the diamond, you
can match the needle with one of the numbers. The numbers are
multiplication factors. If you match 2, and the exposure is 30/4...you
would use 15/4.
From rangefinder mailing list: Date: Tue, 16 Apr 2002 From: "[email protected]" [email protected] Subject: Re: [RF List] Super Ikonta Driving Lessons Needed Careful. TBOMR this is how to use the 532/16, which I believe has a similar winding mechanism. I don't have the camera in front of me, so if I am remembering wrong someone tell me. With the camera empty, advance, cock and shoot until the counter goes past the last number on the counter. The winding key (top) should now be able to advance freely. Put the film on the left side, takeup spool on the right. Put the tongue of the film in the slot on the takeup spool. Turn the advance until it is clear that the film is winding on. Close the back. Open the ruby window and advance until you see the "1". Close the window. If you are looking at the counter from the top (532/16 style), push down on the counter wheel and rotate until it hits one. If you are looking at the counter from the back (533/16 style), you pull up on the counter wheel and rotate to 1. Point the camera at the subject. Turn the thumbwheel (as you look at the front, it is near the stalk with the circular eye) while looking through the rangefinder window (530/16 only) to make the double image of the subject line up. Then compose through the viewfinder window (530/16). With a 532/16, these are the same window. Cock the shutter via the little lever on the shutter housing (where the lens is). Shoot the camera with the shutter release (top, right from the back). This will cause an interlock to engage, preventing you from shooting again until you (a) wind the film; (b) cock the shutter; and (c) shoot. repeat until it winds freely - after frame 11 or 12 (at which point you wind it until you look through the ruby window and see black. Good Luck! > I just picked up a Super Ikonta 530/16 which looks to be about late thirties > or just postwar. Will someone please contact me on how to load and use my > new example of late Paleozoic German technology! I don't even know if the > thing works correctly! (Your Ikonta pix inspired me, Dante!) > Heeeeeeeeeeeeelp! > > Thanks, > > Phil
From: [email protected] (RWatson767) Newsgroups: rec.photo.equipment.medium-format Date: 19 May 2001 Subject: Re: Thread size for mount of Zeiss Ikon 6x6 Dominic > Thread size for mount of Zeiss Ikon 6x6 The usual threading is �"-20 tpi. The Zeiss uses 3/8"-16 tpi. There are adapters. I have some. It will cost you postage to Sweden. I am sure the adapters are available where you live. Bob AZ
From: [email protected] Subject: Re: Thread size for mount of Zeiss Ikon 6x6 Newsgroups: rec.photo.equipment.medium-format Date: Sun, 20 May 2001 The 'normal' US tripod screw is 1/4"-20. Both 1/4-20 and 3/8-16 bolts are available at hardware stores here. The adapters to adapt the camera to use a 1/4-20 tripod are available in photo stores here. Ray