@@AndrewZolnai How does that work? My Ikonta A 530, just like in the video, has the dual windows, but there isn’t space between the spindles for 6x9. The mask is for 6x4.5 as in the video. There are other models like the 530/2 that is a 6x9 camera. So maybe that is the confusing part…
your correct it "takes" 6x9 film, but it only shoots 6x4.5 format. you are right that each window gets to see each fame number once, thus as you say it is a half frame 6x9.
Beautiful introduction and filming. I love folder cameras. If they could speak, I am sure they would have both wonderful and sad memories to share. I own 3 of them myself.
Thank you Teng. You are so right. Especially these cameras from the World Wars eras. Who knows who's camera this was? Sometimes I look at my cameras and wonder, could this have belonged to a historical figure like, say, Winston Churchill? Or his uncle? :)
Right, the stories they could tell would be amazing! My 1936 Ikonta A 530 from 1936 probably didn't make it to the Berlin Nazi Olympics because it was probably sold in Japan, that's where I bought it. My friend's Leica IIIc saw action in China during the Japanese campaign there. Her Grandfather was a surgeon for the Japanese Imperial Army. So she knows the history of the camera.
Just ordered one of these on eBay looking forward to test it, will arrive next week, it is the Super Ikonta 530/16 with 6x6 and the Tessar 80mm f/2.8 lens.
Thank you. I really enjoyed making the video haha. You think I should make more like this one? I was told people don't like too much 'fluff' in the beginning these days. haha.
Old Cameras I cant speak for anyone else but the old style editing and non rushed educational talk is refreshing to me. most people dont know much about these cameras so a proper presentation is very important, someday someone will type this camera in YT looking for info and your vid may be the best and only good demo. just do what comes naturally bro, make vids how you feel for the moment, that means they may not all be alike but they will be true to you. Respect on this one.
I popped by to see what I've missed. Look forward to your next one, it'll be great so get it out there so we can see it. (yes I'll take my own advice too.)
+Shazin Hahaha! Thanks for the encouragement :) I got burgled and they thieves apparently had a taste for vintage cameras. I'm shooting one veeeeery soon though.. just waiting for some good light :) And, ahem! yeah, I'm going to watch your videos too :D
+Old Cameras I'm sorry to hear that. Hope you had insurance. If not I hope you can replace them soon. Be sure to mention your burglary in your next video and keep it moving. Ps my video is come very soon :)
Came across your channel by accident.. really cool! one camera that i think is rather similar to this 530. which is the Zeiss Ikon Super Ikonta 532/533 . the different is it got the automatic film locking mechanism. which can drive lot of user crazy. the way it lock and unlock the shutter/winder ..
+Kirk Lau That's interesting. I think maybe the 530 could use that. I wasted a lot of film winding it right past the frame number and double-exposing all over the place :)
+Old Cameras I have a love and hate feeling about the auto film locking mechanism...u have to remember the sequence otherwise u will want bang your head at the camera trying to unlock it. so unless u shoot with it alot and that become muscle memory... everytime after a few months not using it.. it's googling the instruction pdf all over again.
Brilliant camera. I've always liked the idea of a truly portable high quality MF camera. I almost got one once but couldn't quite fit the crowbar into my wallet. It's on my "too purchase" list when the price comes down to my liking. Hope your burglary wasn't too bad. Window bars aren't pretty but quite effective at keeping out the riff-raff.
They got away with a sweeeeet lens. Canon F-mount 1.2 lens. And also my only full-frame digital camera Nikon D700. I think maybe the thieves were enthusiast photographers because they left all the rubbish stuff behind :) The Ikonta is very expensive right now. I think people realise how good they are. I hope I haven't added to the price hike with this video hehe.
hello Ade , I watch this great tutorial a second time and realized I don't think you mentioned the focusing procedure fully or maybe I just don't understand. Since the range finder is uncoupled how do you set focus on the lens I don't remember a focus ring.
Hi there! Thanks for the kind words. You're right I didn't say much about how the rangefinder actually works. If you pause the video around 5:17 you can see the two gear wheels - one is the lens and the other is the rangefinder's front-facing part. The two gears are engaged so moving turning the rangefinder wheel also moves the lens focus wheel. I guess you could call that 'coupled' not 'uncoupled' or semi-coupled. I probably confused a lot of people by calling it 'uncoupled' because of the design. Does that make sense?
Hey OC it makes sense now bro thanks. you know what it is, Ive never had a chance to play with old cameras let alone folding medium format with the shutter in the lens. theres alot to learn and understand. what theows me is Id like to know how back then they measured exposure quickly. Ive seen so many epic spontaeneous photos from Viviane Maier with the rolleiflex and am amazed how well she did with a mechanical camera. really makes us realize its not the gear but knowing the fundamentals. sorry about the lab messing up your roll. will you shoot this again to show results or do you have a Flickr account?
I've always wanted to shoot on film, I can't wait for Kodak to come out with their Super 8 camera so I can shoot on film with it! By the way I make movies and recently filmed one about chasing the dreams we have, I'd like to share what I make with you :)
When you open up the back of the camera in this video, it would appear that this would be a 6x4.5 format. Can someone confirm this? I was looking into buying a similar model, and while it says 6x9 on the inside pressure plate, I do not believe this is correct.
you are correct. The Ikonta line of cameras eventually came in formats 6x4.5, 6x6, and 6x9, all on 120 roll film. Pre-war were Ikonta; post-war were Super Ikonta with some improvements like coated lenses. Ended in 1958, being replaced with the Super Ikonta III and IV, which were completely different designs.
The Ikonta cameras, whether pre-war or post-war were scale focus cameras, meaning you guessed your distance and set the lens accordingly. Super Ikonta cameras were available both pre- and post-war (my current Super Ikonta is a 531 made in 1939) and had a coupled rangefinder for focusing. There was also a Mess-Ikonta that had an uncoupled rangefinder. The 6x9 indication on the pressure plate reminds the user to use Zeiss 6x9 film, which was their own brand of roll film. The 6x9 format and 120 film were so closely associated that saying "6x9 film" meant 120. You will probably also see B2 in there, which was what 120 film was called (B1 was 117 film).
Super Ikontas III and IV were not completely different. Still 120 folders, but 6x6 and automatic stop/spacing, plus a mechanically coupled - not prism coupled - rangefinder. Syncro Compur and coated lenses were thoroughly modern stuff back then. I bought my Super Ikonta III new in Switzerland. It is a very friendly and refined design capable of yielding great images.
I am just figuring this out myself. I have the model in the video. It’s defiantly a 4.5x6 camera. I just loaded it up with film and shot my first shot using the number 1 mark in the left window. This mark is on the top edge of the roll instead of the bottom where the 4.5 frame marks are printed. Upon careful consideration, I just realized that putting the number in the left window for the first shot and then in the right window for the second shot should give the correct spacing. Next the following number will go in the left window repeating the cycle for each frame.
Hi. I have shot it a few times yes. It's a little tricky at first, but it handles beautifully once you get the flow. I used it in the first One_Film meet I went to but I couldn't get my film developed in time.
Amazing camera. I feel tempted to compare that camera with the first Iphone. It is amazing a medium format camera to fit in nowadays jeans' pocket. And the lens and exposure mechanism is truly fantastic engineering. I really enjoyed the fact that you can set everything and put the lens away. I don't think I would purchase one with the intent of using it even occasionally, but I can appreciate the design and enginering behind the camera. Your review was spot on, covering the essentials. It made me very curious to see a few photographs taken with this camera. My only criticism would be for the volume of the music. I found myself having to lower a bit when the music came and then bring the volume back up when you spoke. Again, thank for sharing and keep up the good work.
Ah, sorry. Thanks for pointing that out. This video was from a while ago and I've been (hopefully) improving the audio balance over the months. I moved to Finalcut ProX and the audio controls were a little different from iMovie :) -- I hardly use the Ikonta. It's proudly displayed on my shelf.
Not only is it ONLY 6 y 4.5 h rangefinder IS COUPLED .You turn the focus ring on the side which moves the lens backward or forward .Also there is a mount for a cable rlease on the shutter.You need to get your facts right before you post on U tube The other thing you failed to mention is the 2 windows and what they are for you put the empyty spool in the LEFT hand window ( film numbers go from right to left) .The right hand window is for each frame- wind until you see 1 take the photo , then wind again until you can see 2 in the right hand window.At the same time you should see 1 in the left hand window.If you don'y follow this process you will only get 8 frames and not 16.
Your comment regarding the location of the empty spool is very misleading and absolutely wrong. It might be true for larger Ikonta/Super Ikonta/Ikomat/Super Ikomat models, but for the Model A (Type 520, 521, 530, and 531-all no suffixes), which were the 4.5 × 6 (half frame) models, the empty spool goes on the RIGHT, where the winding knob is located.
I love mine, which I've had since 1977. It's still an excellent camera in working condition.
This camera is 6X4.5 only. The 6X9 models were much larger.
... it's 6x9 with a 6x4.5 option if it has dual counters in the back
@@AndrewZolnai How does that work? My Ikonta A 530, just like in the video, has the dual windows, but there isn’t space between the spindles for 6x9. The mask is for 6x4.5 as in the video. There are other models like the 530/2 that is a 6x9 camera. So maybe that is the confusing part…
your correct it "takes" 6x9 film, but it only shoots 6x4.5 format. you are right that each window gets to see each fame number once, thus as you say it is a half frame 6x9.
Excellent presentation about this camera Zeiss Ikonta 530. Thank you for your informations the old cameras.
Thank you for watching sir, and the nice comment :)
Beautiful introduction and filming. I love folder cameras. If they could speak, I am sure they would have both wonderful and sad memories to share. I own 3 of them myself.
Thank you Teng. You are so right. Especially these cameras from the World Wars eras. Who knows who's camera this was? Sometimes I look at my cameras and wonder, could this have belonged to a historical figure like, say, Winston Churchill? Or his uncle? :)
Right, the stories they could tell would be amazing! My 1936 Ikonta A 530 from 1936 probably didn't make it to the Berlin Nazi Olympics because it was probably sold in Japan, that's where I bought it.
My friend's Leica IIIc saw action in China during the Japanese campaign there. Her Grandfather was a surgeon for the Japanese Imperial Army. So she knows the history of the camera.
Just ordered one of these on eBay looking forward to test it, will arrive next week, it is the Super Ikonta 530/16 with 6x6 and the Tessar 80mm f/2.8 lens.
Outstanding review, your best yet. I sort of understand the focusing system. Real mechanical engineering that cam is
Thank you. I really enjoyed making the video haha. You think I should make more like this one? I was told people don't like too much 'fluff' in the beginning these days. haha.
Old Cameras I cant speak for anyone else but the old style editing and non rushed educational talk is refreshing to me. most people dont know much about these cameras so a proper presentation is very important, someday someone will type this camera in YT looking for info and your vid may be the best and only good demo. just do what comes naturally bro, make vids how you feel for the moment, that means they may not all be alike but they will be true to you. Respect on this one.
I popped by to see what I've missed. Look forward to your next one, it'll be great so get it out there so we can see it. (yes I'll take my own advice too.)
+Shazin Hahaha! Thanks for the encouragement :) I got burgled and they thieves apparently had a taste for vintage cameras. I'm shooting one veeeeery soon though.. just waiting for some good light :)
And, ahem! yeah, I'm going to watch your videos too :D
+Old Cameras I'm sorry to hear that. Hope you had insurance. If not I hope you can replace them soon. Be sure to mention your burglary in your next video and keep it moving. Ps my video is come very soon :)
Came across your channel by accident.. really cool!
one camera that i think is rather similar to this 530.
which is the Zeiss Ikon Super Ikonta 532/533 . the different is it got the automatic film locking mechanism. which can drive lot of user crazy. the way it lock and unlock the shutter/winder ..
+Kirk Lau That's interesting. I think maybe the 530 could use that. I wasted a lot of film winding it right past the frame number and double-exposing all over the place :)
+Old Cameras I have a love and hate feeling about the auto film locking mechanism...u have to remember the sequence otherwise u will want bang your head at the camera trying to unlock it. so unless u shoot with it alot and that become muscle memory... everytime after a few months not using it.. it's googling the instruction pdf all over again.
Hi... great vid! You mention @ 2:00 a link in the notes to the history of the Ikonta, but I don't see it above: may we have it please?
Wonderful review, whimsical.
+Louis Sousa Thanks sir :)
Great review! I just bought one and this was a big help.
I'm happy to hear that!
+Ade Torrent you have excelled yourself on this one. Top stuff (nice camera too).
+oly 35mm hahahaha. Thank you so much man. I had so much fun doing it :)
Brilliant camera. I've always liked the idea of a truly portable high quality MF camera. I almost got one once but couldn't quite fit the crowbar into my wallet. It's on my "too purchase" list when the price comes down to my liking. Hope your burglary wasn't too bad. Window bars aren't pretty but quite effective at keeping out the riff-raff.
They got away with a sweeeeet lens. Canon F-mount 1.2 lens. And also my only full-frame digital camera Nikon D700. I think maybe the thieves were enthusiast photographers because they left all the rubbish stuff behind :)
The Ikonta is very expensive right now. I think people realise how good they are. I hope I haven't added to the price hike with this video hehe.
hello Ade , I watch this great tutorial a second time and realized I don't think you mentioned the focusing procedure fully or maybe I just don't understand. Since the range finder is uncoupled how do you set focus on the lens I don't remember a focus ring.
Hi there! Thanks for the kind words. You're right I didn't say much about how the rangefinder actually works. If you pause the video around 5:17 you can see the two gear wheels - one is the lens and the other is the rangefinder's front-facing part. The two gears are engaged so moving turning the rangefinder wheel also moves the lens focus wheel. I guess you could call that 'coupled' not 'uncoupled' or semi-coupled. I probably confused a lot of people by calling it 'uncoupled' because of the design. Does that make sense?
Hey OC it makes sense now bro thanks. you know what it is, Ive never had a chance to play with old cameras let alone folding medium format with the shutter in the lens. theres alot to learn and understand. what theows me is Id like to know how back then they measured exposure quickly. Ive seen so many epic spontaeneous photos from Viviane Maier with the rolleiflex and am amazed how well she did with a mechanical camera. really makes us realize its not the gear but knowing the fundamentals. sorry about the lab messing up your roll. will you shoot this again to show results or do you have a Flickr account?
I've always wanted to shoot on film, I can't wait for Kodak to come out with their Super 8 camera so I can shoot on film with it! By the way I make movies and recently filmed one about chasing the dreams we have, I'd like to share what I make with you :)
+Giovanni Montalvo Sounds VERY expensive :)
I've seen your channel before! Thanks for stopping by.
lovely
Seriously vintage. :)
I liked the video and music too. Good job.
When you open up the back of the camera in this video, it would appear that this would be a 6x4.5 format. Can someone confirm this? I was looking into buying a similar model, and while it says 6x9 on the inside pressure plate, I do not believe this is correct.
you are correct. The Ikonta line of cameras eventually came in formats 6x4.5, 6x6, and 6x9, all on 120 roll film. Pre-war were Ikonta; post-war were Super Ikonta with some improvements like coated lenses. Ended in 1958, being replaced with the Super Ikonta III and IV, which were completely different designs.
The Ikonta cameras, whether pre-war or post-war were scale focus cameras, meaning you guessed your distance and set the lens accordingly. Super Ikonta cameras were available both pre- and post-war (my current Super Ikonta is a 531 made in 1939) and had a coupled rangefinder for focusing. There was also a Mess-Ikonta that had an uncoupled rangefinder. The 6x9 indication on the pressure plate reminds the user to use Zeiss 6x9 film, which was their own brand of roll film. The 6x9 format and 120 film were so closely associated that saying "6x9 film" meant 120. You will probably also see B2 in there, which was what 120 film was called (B1 was 117 film).
Super Ikontas III and IV were not completely different. Still 120 folders, but 6x6 and automatic stop/spacing, plus a mechanically coupled - not prism coupled - rangefinder. Syncro Compur and coated lenses were thoroughly modern stuff back then. I bought my Super Ikonta III new in Switzerland. It is a very friendly and refined design capable of yielding great images.
I am just figuring this out myself. I have the model in the video. It’s defiantly a 4.5x6 camera. I just loaded it up with film and shot my first shot using the number 1 mark in the left window. This mark is on the top edge of the roll instead of the bottom where the 4.5 frame marks are printed. Upon careful consideration, I just realized that putting the number in the left window for the first shot and then in the right window for the second shot should give the correct spacing. Next the following number will go in the left window repeating the cycle for each frame.
Are you going to shoot with this camera?
Hi. I have shot it a few times yes. It's a little tricky at first, but it handles beautifully once you get the flow. I used it in the first One_Film meet I went to but I couldn't get my film developed in time.
Cool..... Is there anywhere we can see your work?
Amazing camera. I feel tempted to compare that camera with the first Iphone. It is amazing a medium format camera to fit in nowadays jeans' pocket. And the lens and exposure mechanism is truly fantastic engineering.
I really enjoyed the fact that you can set everything and put the lens away.
I don't think I would purchase one with the intent of using it even occasionally, but I can appreciate the design and enginering behind the camera.
Your review was spot on, covering the essentials. It made me very curious to see a few photographs taken with this camera.
My only criticism would be for the volume of the music. I found myself having to lower a bit when the music came and then bring the volume back up when you spoke.
Again, thank for sharing and keep up the good work.
Ah, sorry. Thanks for pointing that out. This video was from a while ago and I've been (hopefully) improving the audio balance over the months. I moved to Finalcut ProX and the audio controls were a little different from iMovie :)
--
I hardly use the Ikonta. It's proudly displayed on my shelf.
How do I Fokus?
It's got a rangefinder with overlapping frames.
Hi, @ 2:28 "Karl Zeiss Jena" doesn't sound like: general, but: yeh-na upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/f/f8/Jena.ogg
Thank you I'll remember that.
Not only is it ONLY 6 y 4.5 h rangefinder IS COUPLED .You turn the focus ring on the side which moves the lens backward or forward .Also there is a mount for a cable rlease on the shutter.You need to get your facts right before you post on U tube
The other thing you failed to mention is the 2 windows and what they are for you put the empyty spool in the LEFT hand window ( film numbers go from right to left) .The right hand window is for each frame- wind until you see 1 take the photo , then wind again until you can see 2 in the right hand window.At the same time you should see 1 in the left hand window.If you don'y follow this process you will only get 8 frames and not 16.
Your comment regarding the location of the empty spool is very misleading and absolutely wrong. It might be true for larger Ikonta/Super Ikonta/Ikomat/Super Ikomat models, but for the Model A (Type 520, 521, 530, and 531-all no suffixes), which were the 4.5 × 6 (half frame) models, the empty spool goes on the RIGHT, where the winding knob is located.
ПРЕВОСХОДНАЯ ФОТОКАМЕРА, ДЛЯ СВОЕГО ВРЕМЕНИ!!!