Ikoflex Ib

1b with 1:3.5 Novar-Anastigmat Lens image by Hans Kerensky (Image rights)

The "Ikoflex 1b" is a model in a long line of Ikoflexes which started in 1934 and ended in 1960. It was produced by Zeiss Ikon in Germany from 1956 till 1958 as type number 856/16.

It is a medium format TLR for 120 type Rollfilm.

The taking lens is either a Zeiss Tessar or Novar-Anastigmat. Both having an aperture of 1:3.5 and focal length of 75mm and are coated. The viewing lens is a Teronar-Anastigmat with the same aperture and focal length as the taking lens.

The shutter is a Prontor-SVS. A leafshutter with a rim-set speedrange (in steps) from 1 till 1/300 second + B. The shutter has to be manually cocked before every exposure.
It has a V-X-M switch for self-timer (V) and X or M Flash synchronisation.
The shutter is released by a knob on the rightside of the body which can be swiveled inwards for protection during transport. Right next to the hood there is also a provision for a cable release.
The diaphragma can be set from 3.5 till 16 with a lever on the side of the shutter.

Focusing is done by moving the whole lensboard. The focusknob is on the leftside of the camera. Focus range is from 1 meter till infinity. The focusknob also has a DOF scale.

The waist-level viewing hood opens and closes in a single action. The image from the taking lens is reflected by a mirror onto a ground glass screen. The hood has a foldable magnifying-glass and also an eye-level sportsfinder.

Ikoflex 1b Viewing Hood image by Hans Kerensky (Image rights)

Zeiss Ikon sold an optional prismatic viewfinder which can be clamped on the opened hood for an unmirrored eye-level view.

Ikoflex Prismatic Viewfinder image by Hans Kerensky (Image rights)

Filmtransport is done by first advancing the film till the framenumber 1 is visible through the red window in the bottom of the Ikoflex. After that the counter has to be reset by pressing and rotating a pushbutton, on the right side of the camera, till the nr 1 appears in the counterwindow above it. Only then the shutter release can be activated (double exposure prevention). After each exposure the film has to be transported by a winderknob on the right side till the transport blocks again.
The image format is 6x6cm giving a total of 12 exposures on a type 120 rollfilm. The filmtransportknob sports a film memo disc.

The Ikoflex 1b has an all metal, black painted body with black leatherette coverings. The tripod mount thread is 1/4 inch. The camera has a weight (without film) of approx. 1035 grams.

More images

Zeiss Ikon Ikoflex 1b, Zeiss Novar-Anastigmat f3.5/75mm lens. Images by Hans Kerensky. (Image rights)