Superb! 1934 Zeiss-Ikon Super Nettel (236/24) Freshly serviced!

Cleaned, Lubricated & Adjusted. Ready for immediate use

This is a Zeiss-Ikon Super Nettle which was produced in Germany in 1934. It is a high quality, 35mm rangefinder camera. This camera was Zeiss-Ikon's first attempt to directly compete with the specifications of the Leitz Leica II. The lovely Super Nettel offered a coupled rangefinder which made focusing quick and easy, an advanced focal plane shutter with metal curtains which were impervious to developing leaks or holes, a wider range of shutter speed settings (B, 1/5th -1/1000th ) and very convenient controls. All of these advanced features were integrated into a very solid die cast alloy body, wrapped in top quality Moroccan leather and finished off in Art Deco inspired and black lacquer and nickel plated trim. It was, and is, a handsome camera and it was quite expensive when it was new. Unlike other Art Deco cameras from this period (such as the Kodak Bantam special which uses obsolete 828 film), this Super Nettle uses normal 35mm film. This of course means that it is more than a beautiful design to be kept behind glass, it’s a camera which can still be used and enjoyed today.

The controls are especially sophisticated and it features one knob to advance the film, cock the shutter and it can also be used to select the shutter speeds. (This arrangement was later used in the Contax II.) The shutter of the Super Nettle is a work of art with lovely brass gears and utilized two metal shutter curtains, which means that there will never be a problem with torn, wrinkled or pin holed curtains.

It was a brilliant design but unfortunately the camera was offered for sale at the height of the 1930’s depression. Sales were down and it languished due to its high price, completion from other manufactures, as well as being upstaged by its larger sister the Zeiss Ikon Contax I. In 1937, after only some 12,000 units were produced, the Super Nettel production was halted.

Today the Super Nettel is popular with collectors, photographers with a historical interest & WWII reenactors. It’s capable of excellent performance and gives an excellent insight as to what it was like to work with very early 35mm cameras in the 1930's. The limited production run of the Super Nettel and the fact that it’s been some 80 years since they were built means that they will always be very desirable. Clean, presentable and fully functional cameras are cherished and difficult to find.

In order to insure that this camera will continue to give you many many years of enjoyment, it has been carefully cleaned, lubricated and adjusted. It has also been fitted with new curtain ribbons. Everything works as it should. The shutter fires smoothly and all shutter speeds are appropriate. The coupled rangefinder is easy to use and makes focusing quick and easy. The viewfinder is clean and clear. The bellows are in excellent condition and are completely light tight.

The lens is a top of the line Carl Zeiss 2.8/50mm Zeiss Tessar lens. This was the most expensive option for this camera. The Tessar is a superb design with four elements in three groups. This lens is exceptionally clean. There are no scratches, no cleaning marks. There are no separated elements, crystallization or other problems and it’s capable of producing lovely photos with modern and black & white films.

An important detail is that the serial number of the camera body (Y60230) and the removable back match. This of course indicates that the camera is still complete with its original back.

The camera comes complete with a Zeiss-Ikon film take up spool and an original brown leather camera case.

All in all, a very lovey, significant and enjoyable prewar classic camera. Perfect for photographers with a historical interest (or WWII reenactors.) Load it with your favorite film and share this 82 year old camera your 21st century world.