Superb! 1936 Zeiss-Ikon Ikonta 6x9, CLA'd, Freshly Serviced!

Cleaned, Lubricated & Adjusted. Ready for immediate use!

This is a quality Zeiss-Ikon Ikonta camera in exceptionally fine condition. I uses normal 120 film to produce lovely 6x9 photos. The lens serial number (1716588) indicates that it was produced in Germany in 1936 at a time and place when the world looked very different than it does now. Produced on the same assembly line as the legendary Super Ikonta, this camera shares many of its features. It became a very popular camera of the prewar era and it was well respected for its ability to produce very lovely photos. Its excellent performance was due to its old-world quality build and of course the superb Carl Zeiss lens and Compur shutter.  

The camera in this listing is an exceptionally fine example. I think you’d be hard pressed to find a finer one. Additionally, everything has been carefully cleaned, lubricated and adjusted. This one is a high spec version and it’s fitted with the more expensive Compur-Rapid.  The shutter works smoothly and all speeds (B & 1 sec - 1/400th) are appropriate. The slow speeds buzz along smoothly and the faster ones are clean and snappy. The lens has been cleaned inside and out and focus is smooth and accurate. As is often the case with these cameras the viewfinder is hazy but certainly useable.

When it comes to photography, bigger is better and this camera produces a negative that’s nearly 6 times larger than the average 35mm snapshot. So, whether you’re interested in very large prints, very fine grain, rich tonal gradations or lovely colors, this camera will do all of that and may just become your favorite photographic companion. In addition to all this, this Ikonta is a dual format version, which means if you have a suitable reduction mask in your collection, it can also produce 6x4.5 negatives. (Mask not included.)

The lens is a Carl Zeiss 4.5/10,5cm (105mm) Tessar. The Tessar is a classic design with four elements in three groups. This lens is in exceptionally fine condition and looks virtually new. There are no scratches, no cleaning marks. The glass is clean and clear. There are no separated elements, crystallization, haze or other problems and it’s capable of producing lovely photos with modern color and B&W films.

It comes complete win a lovely original Zeiss-Ikon brown leather case.

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 camera with you to capture the view.

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Here are some sample photos to give you an idea of what this camera is capable of. They were produced with a Super Ikonta, which was equipped with the same lens & shutter. (The Super Ikonta featured a coupled rangefinder that made focusing easier.)  

https://www.petrakla.com/pages/1934-super-ikonta-c

https://www.petrakla.com/pages/1935-zeiss-ikon-super-ikonta-c-1

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