Ikonta 523/16

Ikonta 523/16 image by Daniel Wirgård (Image rights)

The 523/16 is a folding camera in the Ikonta line, produced by the German company Zeiss Ikon.
It makes 12 size 6x6 cm images on 120 type rollfilm and comes equipped with a variety of lenses and shutters.

In some countries it was also sold as the Ikonta II 21/4 x 21/4.

It is the follow up of the Ikonta 521/16. Now with a topcover instead of a folding viewfinder.

Specifications

• Production period : 1952 to 1953
• Format : 6 x 6 cm on 120 type rollfilm
• Known Lens/Shutter combinations :
  Novar 4.5/75 mm lens in a Prontor-S or Prontor-SV shutter
  Novar 3.5/75 mm lens in a Prontor-S or Prontor-SV shutter
  Tessar 3.5/75 mm lens in a Synchro-Compur shutter
• Filter Size : ?
• Flash synchronisation : Socket on shutter, X-synchronisation. Prontor-SV and Synchro-Compur also M-synchronisation
• Selftimer : Yes, except for the Prontor-S shutter
• Lighmeter system : none
• Double exposure prevention : Yes
• Color Finish : Black with chrome topcover and ornaments
• Color Leatherette : Black
• Dimensions WxHxD (folded) : 135x100x45 mm
• Weight: 640 grams

Ikonta B (523-16). Images by Vagn Sloth-Madsen. (Image rights)

Bibliography

• Bernd K.Otto, Article "Die Entwicklung der Ikonta/Super Ikonta (2)" in the German magazine Photo Deal Nr.47 IV/2004
• Zeiss Ikon brochure "Erfüllbare Wünschträume - Zeiss Ikon Cameras" from 1953, page 5

Links

• Ikonta 523/16 review at Photo Jottings