Superb! 1948 Zeiss Ikon Super Ikonta, CLA’d, FRESHLY SERVICED!

Cleaned, Lubricated & Adjusted. Ready for immediate use

Imagine for a moment that you could one own only two cameras, one classic 35mm camera and one classic 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 and allows you to work easily, quickly and instinctively.

A classic 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 incredible 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 vintage medium format camera then this would probably be it, the Zeiss-Ikon Super Ikonta A which is small enough to always have with me. Considerably smaller than even most 35mm cameras, it fits easily into a jacket pocket, yet it folds out to take 16 beautiful 6x4.5 exposures on a 120 roll film. Each exposure alive with all the 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 fine grained, high detail prints and amazing enlargements.

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 convenient size and excellent performance.

The camera has been carefully cleaned, lubricated and adjusted. Everything works as it should. 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. The bellows are supple and light tight. The excellent Schneider Xenar 3.5/75mm lens (a superb four element design) looks like new. The glass is exceptionally clean and clear. There are no scratches or polishing marks and it’s capable of producing lovely photos with modern color and B&W films.

All in all, a very fine classic camera that not only looks great, it deserves to be used regularly. Whatever you do, 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...