1931 ZEISS-IKON ICARETTE, 6x9 German folding camera with Carl Zeiss Tessar lens. Freshly Serviced, CLA’d

Cleaned, Lubricated & Adjusted. Ready for immediate use!

This is a Zeiss-Ikon Icarette produced in pre-war Germany in 1930. Originally produced by Ica, this camera was reintroduced as a Zeiss-Ikon product. Ica was one of the founding members of Zeiss-Ikon, that was formed when several German camera manufacturers merged in 1926. Ica had a well-earned reputation for the quality of its designs, as well as the fit and finish of its products. Unfortunately the Ica plant was not destined to survive WWII. The factory was destroyed in the intense bombing of Dresden in February of 1945.

This 88 year old camera is in excellent condition, fully functional and has a very attractive patina. It was a high-end 6x9 camera that was designed to use both plate film AND 120 roll film. It has a removable back that allows various accessories to be slid into place. (Accessories not included.)

The camera is covered with real leather and it’s complete with its lovely, original wire frame viewfinder. It has been carefully cleaned, lubricated and adjusted. The quality Compur rim set shutter works smoothly and all speeds (B, T, & 1 sec - 1/250th) are appropriate. The slow speeds buzz along smoothly and the fast speeds are clean and snappy.

The lens is a famous Carl Zeiss f4.5/10.5 cm (105mm) Tessar. This is a fine quality four element lens and was only found on expensive high end cameras. The Tessar would go on to be used on many cameras including the well-known Super Ikonta. The lens was always popular with artists and photographers because it delivers sharp results combined with a very attractive rendering, also referred to as bokeh.

The lens is in exceptionally fine condition. It’s clean and clear and looks virtually new. There are no separated elements, crystallization or other problems. There are no scratches or cleaning marks and it’s capable of producing lovely photos with modern color and black & white films.

All in all, a very lovely 88 year old camera, that’s ready to be used if you’re so inclined.