Super Ikonta 531/2

Super Ikonta 531/2 (postwar) image by OZBOX (Image rights)

The 531/2 is a folding camera in the Ikonta line, produced by the German company Zeiss Ikon.
It takes 8 images size 6x9 cm on 120 type rollfilm. With an inlay mask it is possible to take 16 images size 4.5x6 cm on same rollfilm.
The Super Ikonta's are equiped with coupled rangefinders.
It was generally sold as the Super Ikonta II 6x9 and Super Ikonta II 21/4 x 31/4.

Specifications

• Production period : 1936 to 1953
• Format : 6 x 9 cm on 120 type rollfilm. With inlay mask also 4.5x6 cm.
• Known Lens/Shutter combinations (prewar):
  Novar 3.5/10.5 cm lens in a Compur shutter
  Tessar 4.5/10.5 cm lens in a Compur shutter
  Tessar 3.8/10.5 cm lens in a Compur-Rapid shutter
  Tessar 3.5/10.5 cm lens in a Compur-Rapid shutter
• Known Lens/Shutter combinations (postwar):
  Schneider Xenar 3.5/105 mm lens in a Compur-Rapid shutter
  Tessar 3.5/105 mm lens in a Compur or Compur-Rapid or Synchro-Compur shutter
• Filter Size : ?
• Flash synchronisation (only postwar) : Socket on shutter, X-synchronisation. Synchro-Compur also M-synchronisation
• Selftimer : Yes
• Lighmeter system : none
• Double exposure prevention : Yes
• Rangefinder : Coupled, rotating wedge. Window combined with viewfinder window.
• Viewfinder : reverse Galilean type, integrated in top cover
• Color Finish : Black with chrome ornaments
• Color Leatherette : Black
• Dimensions WxHxD : 155x81x50 mm (folded)
• Weight: 820 grams

images by John-Henry Collinson (Image rights)

Bibliography

• Bernd K.Otto, Article "Die Entwicklung der Ikonta/Super Ikonta (1)" in the German magazine Photo Deal Nr.46 III/2004
• Bernd K.Otto, Article "Die Entwicklung der Ikonta/Super Ikonta (2)" in the German magazine Photo Deal Nr.47 IV/2004
• Zeiss Ikon brochure (Swedish) "tusen och ett motiv" 1945-4, page 9
• Zeiss Ikon brochure "Zeiss Ikon" (Dutch) from 1950, page 5
• Photo Porst Catalog (German) 1952, page 87