Superb 1936 Zeiss-Ikon Super Ikonta, Freshly serviced! Tessar lens, Compur Rapid

Cleaned, Lubricated & Adjusted. Ready for immediate use!

It’s time to capture all the lovely autumn scenes with the classic camera you’ve always wanted.

Pentax NOT included

Imagine for a moment that you could one own only two cameras, one 35mm camera and one medium format. I imagine the 35mm camera would be a relatively easy choice, since you undoubtedly have one you use more than any other. It’s easy because your favorite 35mm camera, be it Nikon, Canon, Leica or even a humble Pentax Spotmatic, gives you distinctive lens qualities you like combined with a body that lets you work easily, quickly and instinctively.

A medium format camera on the other hand might pose a more difficult choice. The choices are varied and generally the cameras are large and heavy but the extra effort rewards you with an wonderful leap in picture quality. While others might debate the pros and cons of many fine cameras, the choice for me is simple. I like simple things. I want a camera that doesn’t fight me for artistic control. I don’t need an automated camera that second guesses my intentions and then gets it wrong. I also believe that the best camera is the one I have with me. There’s no point in owning the latest Hasselblad if it’s at home...

So, if I could only have one classic medium format camera, then this would probably be it, the model 531, Zeiss-Ikon Super Ikonta A. It’s considerably smaller than a 35mm SLR yet it folds out to take 16 beautiful 6x4.5 exposures on a 120 roll film. Each exposure alive with all the vivid details, the rich tonal gradations, the lovely colors, that only medium format can provide. When it comes to photography bigger is better and this camera will produce a negative that’s more than three times larger than the average 35mm snapshot. It’s a negative that will provide smooth fine grained, high detail prints and big enlargements.

This quality German camera has a built in coupled rangefinder that never leaves you guessing about the distance or the focus. These cameras are true classics and are popular with photographers as well as collectors because of their excellent quality. If you haven’t tried one I recommend you do so, I think you’ll be pleased.

The serial number on this camera, A62026, indicates it was produced in Germany in 1936. It is in exceptionally fine condition. This camera is the rather hard to find transitional model with an exposure interlock housed in a black lacquered cover located under the film advance knob, later versions had the usual chrome plated housings. Additionally are two decorative disks on the bottom of the camera which have a much finer finish than later versions. (These disks can be pulled, when the camera back is opened, to release the film spools.) Overall, the camera sports the expensive professional look of the 1930’s which favored a purposeful, black and chrome scientific look. (Please see photos.) It’s the perfect camera for people interested in historical photography or WWII period reenactments.

It has a built in coupled rangefinder that never leaves you guessing about the distance or the focus. These cameras are true classics and are popular with photographers as well as collectors because of their outstanding quality. Additionally this camera has been carefully cleaned, lubricated and adjusted. Everything works as it should.The bellows are supple and light tight. The coupled rangefinder image is easy to see and works well. The quality Compur Rapid shutter works smoothly and all speeds (B & 1 sec - 1/500th) are appropriate. The slow speeds buzz along smoothly and the fast speeds are clean and snappy. Unusual for a prewar camera, this shutter is synchronized for flash. It's been adjusted & tested and works with a normal electronic flash. This is of course a very convenient feature for flash fill.

The Zeiss Tessar lens (a superb four element design) is very clean and clear. There is no crystallization, separated elements or other problems. There are no scratches, no cleaning marks and it’s capable of producing lovely photos with modern color and B&W films.

All in all, a fine enjoyable classic camera. Load it with your favorite film and keep it handy for that perfect shot you’ve been looking for. You know the one... the one with the perfect Ansel Adams light breaking through the dark storm clouds that leaves you wishing that you had a classic medium format camera with you...

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