Zeiss Ikon Ikonta C (520/2)

Zeiss Ikon Ikonta C (520/2) | S/N: 1216044

Zeiss Ikon Ikonta C 6x9 Medium Format Folding Film Camera with Novar-Anastigmat 105mm f/6.3 Lens - Good Condition | Vintage 1930s Pre-War German Folding Masterpiece Featuring Massive 6x9 Negative Format, Derval/Vario Mechanical Shutter, and Compact Vest-Pocket Architectural Silhouette

Introductory Paragraph The Zeiss Ikon Ikonta C (Model 520/2) is a legendary pre-war medium format folding roll-film camera masterfully engineered by Zeiss Ikon in Dresden, Germany. Standing out as one of the very first highly successful compact medium format instruments created after the historic merger of Germany's top optical houses, this model shoots massive $6\times 9\text{cm}$ panoramic-style frames on highly accessible standard 120 roll film. Built around a classic three-element Zeiss Novar-Anastigmat 105mm f/6.3 prime lens mounted inside a fully mechanical variable Leaf Shutter assembly, this scannable Zeiss Ikon camera utilizes a precision-engineered self-erecting strut structure that snaps the bellows instantly into alignment at the press of a single button. It stands out as an exceptionally satisfying, historically rich choice for fine-art landscape purists, vintage display collectors, and slow-paced analog enthusiasts seeking to pocket giant medium format resolution capability in a sleek, cigarette-case-sized form factor.

Key Features

• Expansive 6x9cm medium format negative layout, yielding eight highly detailed, sweeping cinematic frames per standard roll of 120 film.

• Premium Novar-Anastigmat 105mm f/6.3 triplet lens configuration, rendering standard-perspective images characterized by smooth vintage contrast and a gorgeous classic signature look.

• Innovative self-erecting spring-loaded bellows mechanism, deploying the front lens standard into absolute geometric alignment instantly with a single button press.

• Fully mechanical leaf shutter iris platform, providing reliable, battery-independent exposure timing controls alongside classic Bulb and Time setting modes.

• Ultra-compact all-metal vest-pocket folding chassis design, wrapping a large-format image capability inside a streamlined, leatherette-bound travel profile.

• Manual zone-focusing front element barrel mechanics, featuring clearly engraved metric/feet index numbers for hyperfocal scale-focusing workflows.

• Authentic rear rubin red window frame-counter window design, allowing photographers to track raw backing paper numbers safely with zero light-leak risks.

Condition Report Good condition. Body: Standard light signs of historical past handling across its near-century of existence, showing typical minor cosmetic edge wear on the black lacquered metal trim panels and faint rub lines on the leatherette wrap inserts. The folding struts are straight, stiff, and lock smoothly, and the genuine leather bellows are flexible and completely light-tight. Sensor/Optics: The interior film bay is exceptionally clean with flat pressure rails. The simple flip-up framing viewfinders are clear. The 105mm Novar prime glass elements are bright and free from internal fungus, heavy separation, or deep glass scratches. As is typical for true pre-war optics, faint internal micro-dust particles and a minor layer of light vintage internal coating haze can be detected under close inspection, which does not disrupt day-to-day vintage contrast output. Mechanics/Electronics: Fully operational. The mechanical shutter trips reliably across all native speed increments, the focus ring adjusts uniformly with firm manual resistance, the aperture dial glides smoothly, and the film tensioning spools rotate correctly.

Specialist Note "The Ikonta C 520/2 is an absolute triumph of pre-war German engineering and a masterclass in spatial design. It is staggering to realize that a camera capable of capturing a massive 6x9 centimeter negative—nearly five times the size of a standard 35mm frame—can fold down flat enough to slip right into a tweed coat pocket. The 105mm f/6.3 Novar lens is a wonderful triplet design; when you stop it down to f/11 or f/16 for landscapes, it delivers amazing central resolution with a lovely, nostalgic European character and soft edge roll-off that digital systems can't emulate. Because it operates with zero electronics or batteries, it offers a completely transparent, deeply meditative analog process that forces you to slow down, meter your scene, guess your distance, and capture photographic art. It is a highly satisfying, robust classic piece of history."

What's Included

• Zeiss Ikon Ikonta C (520/2) 6x9 Medium Format Folding Camera (S/N: 1216044)

• Integrated Zeiss Novar-Anastigmat 105mm f/6.3 Lens

• Integrated Protective Folding Metal Front Shell Cover Panel
  

Technical Specifications

• Brand: Zeiss Ikon

• Model: Ikonta C (Model 520/2)

• Camera Type: Medium Format Camera

• Film Format: 120 Roll Film (6x9cm Frames)

• Lens Type: Integrated Folding Prime Lens

• Focal Length: 105mm (Equivalent to ~45mm on 35mm Full-Frame Format)

• Maximum Aperture: f/6.3

• Minimum Aperture: f/32

• Shutter System: Fully Mechanical Leaf Shutter (Speeds vary by variant up to 1/100s or 1/200s, plus B/T)

• Focus Type: Manual Scale / Zone Focus Only

• Category: 1. Cameras ▸ Medium Format Camera

• Battery Type: None Required (Fully Mechanical)