6x6 Super Ikonta B film loading tips.
model 532/16 (1937 -1956) and 530/16 (1935 -1937)
To load the camera correctly your Super Ikonta B camera, the camera’s film exposure counter pointer must be in the large un-numbered gap between #11 and #1.
This gap normally gives you enough time to finish winding up the exposed roll of film. And after that to wind a new roll into the correct starting position.
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- To load a fresh roll of film into the Super Ikonta B, load film onto the spools as you would for any other folding camera. No need to look for a starting stripe or anything else. Just make sure it all looks good and then close and lock the camera back.
- Wind the film advance knob slowly, while looking at the red counter window. When you see the number “1” appear in the window, stop winding. This is the correct starting position for the film. (You won’t need to use the red window again.)
- You must now set the exposure counter to coincide with this starting point. This important because the counter dial mechanism controls the camera and the shutter release lock.
- To set it, simply use a fingertip to push down on the knurled center of the counter dial and manually rotate it to the #1 position. (You can use partial turns if necessary or on long turn, whatever is most convenient.) When the dial gets to #1 it will lock there and you’re good to go.
- Prior to taking a photo you’ll have to cock the shutter for each exposure. (Unless you are using the “B” setting, in which case cocking is not required.)
- The shutter release button will only unlock for one exposure, after which it will lock again (to prevent an accidental double exposure).
- After an exposure you’ll have to wind the film until the wind knob locks, at which time the counter will stop at the following exposure number.
- After the 11th exposure the roll is full and the counter dial pointer will once again be in the un-numbered gap between #11 and #1.
- Continue winding until you believe that all the film backing paper has been wound up. You can now open the camera and reload if desired.
IMPORTANT: Do not try to force the wind to turn if it is locked. It is not “stuck” it’s locked and if you attempt to force it, you’ll strip the brass gears inside the camera. (Replacement gears are not available. They can only be had from a donor camera.)
TIP: If the counter dial is not at the correct starting position and you need to move it there… Set the shutter to “B”, depress and hold the shutter release button down and use a fingertip to push down on the knurled center of the counter dial and manually rotate it to the starting position. Release the shutter button and you’re good to begin.
Info: This camera was designed to only produce 11 exposures on a roll of 120 film. The reason is because this Zeiss-Ikon camera has rather wide spacings between the images on the film to eliminate any possibility of overlap. (Don’t bother trying to get a 12th image, it won’t work.) When new, this camera was very expensive. It was assumed that owners who could afford the camera, could certainly afford film… Kind of like a Rolls Royce, if you own one, odds are that you’re not concerned about its fuel consumption.
I hope this helps
Greetings
Peter