SUPERB! 1937 Zeiss Ikon Super Ikonta 6x9, Tessar lens, CLA'd, FRESHLY SERVICED!

Did I hear you say you were looking for an exceptionally fine classic medium format camera with a coupled rangefinder? One that you can easily slip into an unused corner of your camera bag or back pack? A camera that will increase in value as the years go by? And most important of all, a camera that can produce lovely photos....? 

This week we have a freshly serviced 1937 Super Ikonta (serial number D86676). It has a built in coupled rangefinder that never leaves you guessing about the distance or the focus. It’s a lovely vintage camera that easily slips into a jacket pocket or a back pack and yet folds out to take 8 beautiful 6x9 exposures on normal 120 roll film. Bright exposures alive with all the details and lovely colors that only medium format or larger can provide. When it comes to photography, bigger is better and with this camera you can create a negative that’s about 6 times larger than the average 35mm snap shot. So whether you’re interested in large prints, fine grain, rich tonal gradations or lovely colors, this camera will do all of that and may just become your favorite photographic companion.

This camera is the hard to find transitional model and was only produced for a very short period. It was one of the most expensive cameras in Zeiss-Ikon’s production line at the time. Everything about it exudes exclusivity and quality, and so naturally it also equipped with the very best shutter available at the time, the Compur-Rapid and was fitted with Zeiss’s new lens for this format, the fast 3.8/105mm Tessar. In 1937 it was simply the best 6x9 camera that money could buy.

This is my favorite prewar version of the classic 6x9 Super Ikonta. If I didn’t already have one in my personal collection, I’d probably keep it! This model features an exposure interlock housed in a black lacquered cover located under the film advance knob (later versions had the usual chrome plated housings) and a more elaborate shutter release linkage below the shutter. Additionally there is a lovely machined black and chrome decorative disk next to the rangefinder that echo’s the look of the film advance knob. The opposite side of the camera has these same disks (which have a much finer finish than later versions) in chrome. Over all, the camera sports the expensive professional look of the period which favored a black design with chrome accents. (Please see photos.) It’s the perfect camera for an artist, a landscape photographer or WWII reenactor interested in historical photography.

Additionally this camera is also capable of producing 6x4.5 negatives if you have a suitable reduction mask in your collection. (Mask not included.)

This 81 year old camera is in wonderful condition. It has been carefully cleaned, lubricated and adjusted. The quality Compur-Rapid shutter was top of the line and it works smoothly, all speeds (B & 1 sec - 1/400th) are appropriate. The slow speeds buzz along smoothly and the faster ones are clean and snappy. Unusual for this era, the shutter is synchronized for flash. It’s been re-adjusted & tested and now works with a normal electronic flash. (Rather than flash bulbs.) Your flash will fire correctly at any desired shutter speed. This is of course a very convenient feature for flash fill.

The coupled rangefinder array has been cleaned and it’s clean, accurate and easy to use. The Albada bight-line viewfinder on this camera is all original. (As usual it’s a bit hazy, which is normal for a classic Super Ikonta however if you prefer, we can disassemble the finder, remove the silver coating and convert it into a clear optical viewfinder at no additional charge.) The fine Moroccan leather covering is lovely. The Zeiss-Ikon logo on the rear is clean and clear. The bellows are soft, supple and completely light tight.

The lens is a top of the line Carl Zeiss f3.5/10,5 cm (105mm) Tessar ,which was the expensive option. (The more common 4.5/105 Tessar was a bit slower and of course less expensive.) The Tessar is a superb design with four elements in three groups. This lens is very clean. There are no separated elements, crystallization or other problems. There are no scratches, just a few light cleaning wisps (but you’ll need a magnifier to see them) and it’s capable of producing lovely photos with modern color and B&W films.

All in all, a wonderful 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 you had a classic medium format camera with you.