Ikoflex III

Ikoflex-III (853/16) image by rogal-hf (Image rights)

The Ikoflex III (853/16) is a 6x6 120 film TLR camera that was made by Zeiss Ikon from February 1939 till January 1940. In total about 8 500 units were manufactured. The camera was Zeiss Ikons attempt to equal and even surpass the Rolleiflex of Franke & Heidecke. It was priced significantly higher at 320 RM in 1939 vs. 240 RM for the Rolleiflex Automat Model 3, and had a large aperture 1:2.8 lens, two-thirds of a stop larger than the Rolleiflex and other competitors. The film transport and shutter cocking is carried out with a crank through a complicated patented mechanism (US Patent No. 2,301,956). It has a fancy Albada Sportsfinder. According to Larry Gubas, the camera was actually similar to the previous Ikoflex II (851/16) and Ikoflex II/III (852/16) cameras, with the basic body structure and hinged body being unchanged, while the mechanism for the lever wind and the viewfinder was added. Most accessories were compatible with those designed for the Super Ikonta 532/16.

Specifications

• Known lens/shutter combinations :
  853/16 Pcsr : Tessar 2.8/8 cm lens, in a Compur-Rapid shutter
• Viewing lens: Teronar-Anastigmat f/2.8
• Albada eye-level sportsfinder.
• Double-exposure prevention.
• Blank film frame prevention.
• Automatic shutter tensioning during transport stroke.

Bibliography

• Zeiss Ikon brochure 1939, Jetzt knipsen mit Cameras von Zeiss Ikon, C875 2904 5000 239, German, page 15.

Links

• Ikoflex III user manual (pdf) at Butkus.org, 23 - 24 pgs. missing
• Zeiss Ikon Ikoflex III at Pacific Rim Camera
• Zeiss Ikon US patent 2301956 for the crank combined film transport and shutter cocking mechanism at Google Patents.