Zeiss Ikon Super Ikonta 531/2 with Tessar 105mm f/3.8 in Compur Rapid

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Zeiss Ikon Super Ikonta 531/2 with Tessar 105mm f/3.8 in Compur Rapid

The lens serial number indicates that this was probably made in 1936, the firstproduction year of this model. It’s showing its age, but still appears to bein working order, indeed, I took some photographs with it last year (see lastphoto). For more information, see the Camera-Wiki page here:

Super Ikonta531/2

Lens
Carl Zeiss Jena Tessar 10.5cm f/3.8 Looks to be uncoated, and may have alittle haze and possibly fungus, but this doesn’t seem to have too much effecton the images, apart from perhaps a slight reduction in contrast – see lastphoto. No scratches or other damage. The aperture iris is smooth, and theblades appear clean and in good condition, and the focus is also smooth.

Shutter
Compur Rapid 9 speed (1s – 1/400s + Brief). The Brief (B) setting sometimessticks open (though this seems to be getting better with use), and the slowspeeds (1s – 1/25s) are a bit sluggish, but the faster speeds look and soundabout right (though I haven’t precision tested them). The delayed action timeis very hesitant, not really usable. The release button sometimes sticks down,though again this seems to be improving with use. The double exposureprevention interlock is working, but the indicator flag isn’t.

Body
Showing its age, with the leatherette covering worn, and a number of Zeissbumps. Still, it’s all securely attached. The black paintwork looks like itmay have been retouched at some point, though it looks to be worn away inplaces on the shutter housing. The chrome doesn’t look too bad, though thereare signs of wear in places.

Bellows
Look very good for their age, folds nicely formed, and no light leaks. Thefolding mechanism is a bit sticky, and needs some manual assistance to open allthe way, but once locked in place, the lens standard is very rigid.

Rangefinder
The rangefinder is working well, seems fairly accurate, but the coincidence spotis perhaps a little dim. The viewfinder snaps open well, but is a bit dirtyand hazy to look through.

Film Chamber
The back catch is a little tricky to open, but inside is clean and tidy, withsome signs of wear. The film guide rollers are bright and clean, and movefreely. There is an empty plastic film spool present. The transport isworking well, including the double exposure prevention lock, apart from theindicator flag. The red windows are fairly clear, with a little dust / dirt,but few scratches, and the cover moves OK, though perhaps a bit stiff.

Case
Sorry, there is no case with this camera.

Overall
Quite a usable example of the early production of this historic camera series,one of the first to include a coupled rangefinder to enable accurate focus.

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Category: Cameras and Photography:Vintage Photography:Vintage Cameras:Folding Cameras
Location: Exeter, Devon