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Zeiss Ikon
IKOFLEX Ia 1965
6x6 Twin Lens Reflex
75mm f/3.5 Novar-Anastigmat
MX Synchronized Prontor-SV Shutter
Bulb, 1sec.-1/300sec.
3mm Coaxial Flash Connection |
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The Zeiss Ikon Ikoflex a product of postwar Germany with classic styling and precision engineering. My Ikoflex is a late model Ia from 1965, the last year they made the Ia. It was replaced by the Ikoflex II. The Ikoflex is a Twin Lens Reflex (TLR) camera. It has a picture taking lens on the bottom aligned with the film and a viewing lens on top aligned with a reflex mirror which projects the view on ground glass for focusing. The Ikoflex Ia was available with either the 80mm Tessar or 75mm Novar. In my case it is the Novar, a single coated lens made in house by Zeiss Ikon. Like many of the German cameras I have used it is a shear joy to operate and photograph with this camera. The Ikoflex lacks the automation present in today's wonder cameras and this is part of the joy of using this camera. |
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The Ikoflex is not a quick camera you can point and shoot but rather you must take your time. The Ikoflex and other manual cameras force you to be deliberate and thoughtful with your shots. This process helps you stay fully involved and often results in a much better photograph than you would get with today's automation. The process for taking photos with the Ikoflex is as follows: Determine the correct exposure. This is done on the Ikoflex by consulting a detailed chart on the right side of the focusing hood. The proper shutter speed and lens aperture are then set via dials on either side of the taking lens. Focusing is achieved with a dial on the left side of the camera. A Depth of Field (DOF) scale is located on the dial since the viewing lens cannot be changed to preview the DOF. The dial sets focus by moving the front of the camera in and out. Focus is viewed on a beautiful Fresnel ground glass screen on the top of the camera with a pop up hood. Focusing in this manner is quite simple and fun. For detailed pinpoint focus a flip-out magnifying glass gives a close-up view of the center of the screen. Since there is no prism to correct the mirror image action shots can be tricky. To see something to the right of the glass frame you have to move the camera left since you are looking at a mirror image. For fast action shots a Sports Finder is available by partially closing the hood and simply lining up two square cutouts. When using the Sports Finder you can set focus via a scale on the focus knob. |
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Zeiss Ikon IKOFLEX Ia By Christopher Cox |
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The Zeiss Ikon, Ikoflex were direct competitors with F&H’s Rolleicord and Rolleiflex TLR cameras. Eventually F&H Rollei won out. I have used Rolleiflex and Rolleicords from the same era as the Ikoflex and while they share many similarities and both take superb photos, the Ikoflex has some nice design features that the Rollei’s lacked. The Ikoflex has a system for protecting from double exposure. It also will not fire the shutter with the hood closed or after it has reached the 12th and final shot. I can really appreciate these features after nearly always losing or ruining a couple of frames on the Rollei’s |
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The Ikoflex makes a beautiful 6x6 cm. square negative on 120 film. This is one of the larger sizes possible on 120 film. The square frame means you never have to change the cameras orientation while shooting. One possible drawback is the need for some to crop to a rectangular frame. Special masks are available if you wish to frame this way in camera. Loading the camera is simple and the 120 film is easy to load and align. Much easier than 35mm film in fact. To ensure proper loading there is a red window on the bottom so you can check the status of the film. Another feature not available on the Rollei’s. 120 film is backed with paper printed with loading guides and frame numbers, this paper shields the film when viewing through the red window. The red window on the Ikoflex has a built in sliding cover to protect the red window from stray bright light rays. 6x6 slide projectors are quite common, modern ones are expensive but the images far exceed 35mm slides.
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Some of my favorite pictures have been taken with this camera, and I would highly recommend the Ikoflex or the Rollei TLR’s Many of the better examples of these TLR’s are owned by collectors, and this has kept the pricing up. This is especially true of the Rolleiflex TLR’s. However with a little searching good user quality examples of the Ikoflex and Rolleicord (an economy Rolleiflex) can be had at reasonable prices.
Ikoflex Links:
Online User Guide Karen’s Ikoflex Ikoflex Ad Alfred's Zeiss Ikoflex Pacific Rim Camera Ikoflex Matt's Ikoflex Ziess Ikon Company Website
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