1938 Zeiss Ikon Super Ikonta 532/16 - Reala 100

Nesster · Expire: 2014-02-20

I bought this camera at a camera show something like 9 months ago... what with the house move and other things I only got around to getting the Reala 100 developed now.

1938 Zeiss Ikon Super Ikonta 532/16 by Nesster, on Flickr

Overall the camera is in good shape. Unfortunately I decided to clean a slight bit of fungus off the back of the front element... and had a hard time getting everything lined up properly when putting things back. Turns out I'm still off: the rangefinder is long, and the focus is some bit closer than what I think I'm focusing on.

The frame counter also doesn't work well - and looking about, I think it's too complex for me to not botch a repair, so I'll probably get this camera professionally adjusted. Either Essex Camera near where we live, or Mark Hansen who seems to specialize in these.

First a couple of samples of the focus issue... check out the details on the railing in both pics... a somewhat artistic result Wink

cupcake by Nesster, on Flickr

Albania to New Jersey by Nesster, on Flickr

Here's a couple that came out better focused:

Priscilla of Boston by Nesster, on Flickr

One legged mortar by Nesster, on Flickr

mmelvis · Expire: 2015-05-09

Will be a gem when you get all the problems resolved

Attila · Expire: 2025-11-18

I had this cam in past I sold due I didn't like it much, I like much more Moskva-2 , image rendering are same , but Moskva-2 is works better to me , more sharp, more detailed.

x.z. · Joined: 22 Nov 2011 Posts: 27 Location: Beijing

Nice old cam but I guess you mean 532/16?

I have a post war super ikonta 533/16, the one with light meter and coated T lens.

Nesster · Expire: 2014-02-20

Yes, thank you - I don't know how I missed that, I think I may have ruined the 532 bit when I added Reala 100. Anyway, thanks, I fixed the title.

Attila, I see what you mean, and in general about the prewar Germans vs postwar Russians... Also, though I have a few, I sometimes think the square format folder is less interesting than either of the rectangular ones.

But here's the Zeiss thing: depending on original purchase price, these cameras can hold some reasonable repair costs, where the costs would likely be out the window with a Russian. So if I spend $150 on a repair/CLA, I should get a good bit of that back when selling.

Or that's my theory and I'm sticking with it Laughing

x.z. · Joined: 22 Nov 2011 Posts: 27 Location: Beijing

It seems focus problem is quite common on Zeiss folders. My 533/16 has a worst problem than your 532, it can can hardly make focus to any distance other than infinity.

Did you ever try to fix it? By searching I found this page: http://photo.net/medium-format-photography-forum/0059jP
This Bruce Varner has posted his repair procedure however the link he posted many years ago is no longer valid.

greg · Expire: 2012-12-03

RE: bridal shop and the 'dead end' sign - nice juxtraposition.

Nesster · Expire: 2014-02-20