Zeiss Ikon | S/N: 841825 with Carl Zeiss Jena Tessar 120mm f/4.5

Zeiss Ikon | S/N: 841825 with Carl Zeiss Jena Tessar 120mm f/4.5

Good Condition | Medium Format Folding Camera | The Master of German Optical Precision

This Zeiss Ikon is a masterfully engineered folding camera, representing the pinnacle of pre-war and early post-war German craftsmanship. Featuring the legendary Carl Zeiss Jena Tessar 120mm f/4.5 lens (S/N: 841825), it is celebrated for the "Eagle Eye" sharpness that made the Tessar design world-famous. This unit captures expansive medium format negatives on 120 roll film, offering a level of detail and tonal graduation that far surpasses standard 35mm cameras. With its elegant bellows design and robust mechanical architecture, this Zeiss Ikon provides the mechanical soul and analog brilliance required for a truly classic, deliberate photography experience.

Key Features

• Iconic Carl Zeiss Jena Tessar 120mm f/4.5 lens—the gold standard for sharpness and contrast

• Large medium format negatives on 120 roll film for professional-grade resolution

• Classic folding "bellows" design for a compact, pocketable form factor when closed

• Fully mechanical operation, requiring no batteries for shutter or aperture

• High-quality German-engineered shutter system with a range of manual speeds

• Durable metal chassis with a premium textured leatherette finish

• Precision manual focusing and aperture control for absolute creative freedom

Introductory Paragraph The Zeiss Ikon folding camera is the definitive choice for the enthusiast who values the heritage and tactile precision of European medium format photography. This specific unit is a standout because it features the 120mm Tessar, a focal length and lens design prized for its ability to render textures and landscapes with remarkable clarity. The Carl Zeiss optics are famous for their "3D pop" and natural micro-contrast, making this camera an ideal tool for fine art landscapes and environmental portraiture. Because it folds into a sleek, flat profile, it serves as a remarkably portable medium format solution that can be carried where larger cameras cannot. Whether you are seeking the soul of traditional film photography or exploring the high-resolution world of 120 film, this Zeiss Ikon provides the optical brilliance and mechanical character that defined the standard of professional imaging for decades.

Condition Report Good condition. The Zeiss Ikon camera body shows normal signs of light use and minor cosmetic surface wear consistent with its age. The Carl Zeiss Jena lens (S/N: 841825) is optically clear for its vintage; free from fungus, major haze, or significant scratches. The bellows are light-tight and in good supple condition. The mechanical shutter fires across its speed range, and the folding mechanism opens and locks securely. The internal film chamber is clean.

Specialist Note "There is something magical about a Zeiss Ikon with a Tessar lens. What I love about this model is how it balances portability with massive negative size; it’s a rugged, honest piece of German engineering that feels like a precision instrument from a different era. The Tessar lens remains a favorite among film purists because of its 'bite' and character. For anyone looking to slow down and create high-quality 6x9 or 6x6 images with a camera that has true historical soul, this Zeiss is an exceptional choice."

What's Included

• Zeiss Ikon Folding Medium Format Camera

• Integrated Carl Zeiss Jena Tessar 120mm f/4.5 Lens (S/N: 841825)
  

Technical Specifications

• Brand: Zeiss Ikon

• Model: Folding Camera (Tessar Equipped)

• Camera Type: Medium Format Camera

• Film Format: 120 Roll Film

• Lens: Carl Zeiss Jena Tessar 120mm f/4.5

• Shutter: Manual Mechanical

• Category: 1. Cameras ▸ Medium Format Camera

• Battery Type: None (Fully Mechanical)