Through the Lens: Zeiss Ikonta 523/2 Reviewed

Background
Folding cameras made by Zeiss Ikon, the camera division of Carl Zeiss, were generally branded Ikonta, Super Ikonta, and Nettar. There are too many models to explain, but each one came in 6x4.5, 6x6, and 6x9 format, and mostly used 120 film. Nettar was the lowest end, then Ikonta, and then Super Ikonta. Super Ikontas had integrated rangefinders. The build construction of the 3 different models were roughly equal, but the lenses and shutters were different. The high end shutter was a Synchro-Compur shutter with a Zeiss Tessar f/3.5 (the focal length varied between 6x6 and 6x9 formats). The low end may be a 4-speed Vario shutter with a Novar f/6.3 lens.

Generally, more speeds on the shutter indicate a better shutter. The wider aperture lens is generally indicative of a better lens, even within the same model. So a f/3.5 Novar is better than the a f/6.3 Novar. Time is also a factor in which model is better. Postwar models had coated lenses and generally the post war lenses were f/4.5 at the most.

This Model
The Zeiss Ikonta 523/2 produces 6x9 (cm) negatives on 120 film. Film is wound by viewing a little number in a red window on the back of the camera. There is no automatic stop which is common for these types of cameras. There is an interlock which prevents double exposure. It folds up nicely and I can fit it into a large pocket without any hassle.

This particular camera has a 105mm f/3.5 Novar lenses. Novar lenses were 3-element lenses made by quality German lens manufacturers such as Rodenstock or Steinheil for Zeiss. Some examples of this model had a higher quality, 4-element, Zeiss Tessar 105 f/3.5 lens. The difference in performance is said to be at wider apertures in the corners. Of course, examples with the Tessar are going to cost about 4 times the price, due to collector interest.

This model lacks a rangefinder, which means I have to focus by guessing. Since I primarily got this camera to take landscapes or cityscapes on vacation, I'd likely keep the focus set at infinity anyway. Since this model has a accessory shoe, I can add an accessory rangefinder.

The Zeiss Ikonta 523/2:

Performance: While it is only 3-element, lens, overall it produces nice photos. It has very sharp centers, but a little blurry in the edges. These samples were taken at f/8 or f/11.

Even a so-so medium format camera is going to likely beat the best a 35mm can offer. The 6x9 negative is about 8 times as big as a 35mm negative. The larger negative is the primary reason to get a folding 6x9 camera. It's the largest negative you'll be able to get without having to hassle with 4x5 sheet film.

Sample photo #1: Tri-X scanned on a Epson V-500.