Ikonta 521

Ikonta 521 (postwar) image by Daniel Wirgård (Image rights)

The 521 is a small Ikonta folding camera produced by the German company Zeiss Ikon.
It makes sixteen 4.5x6cm images on 120 type rollfilm and comes equipped with a variety of lenses and shutters.

Specifications

• Production period: 1938 to 1954
• Format: 4.5x6cm on 120 type rollfilm
• Known Lens/Shutter combinations (prewar):
  Novar 3.5/7.5cm lens in a Compur shutter
  Tessar 3.5/7.5cm lens in a Compur or Compur-Rapid shutter
• Known Lens/Shutter combinations (postwar):
  Novar 4.5/75mm lens in a Klio or Prontor-S or Prontor-SV shutter
  Novar 3.5/75mm lens in a Klio or Prontor-S or Prontor-SV shutter
  Tessar 3.5/75mm lens in a Compur-Rapid or Synchro-Compur shutter
• Filter Size: 32mm push-on
• Flash synchronisation (only postwar): Socket on shutter, X-synchronisation. Socket on shutter, X-synchronisation. Prontor-SV and Synchro-Compur also M-synchronisation
• Lightmeter system: none
• Double exposure prevention: Yes
• Color Finish: Black with chrome ornaments
• Color Leatherette: Black
• Dimensions WxDxH: Folded 113x38x78mm
• Weight: 460 grams

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 pricelist "Preise für Cameras und Zubehör" from July 1948, page 1
• Zeiss Ikon brochure "Erfüllbare Wünschträume - Zeiss Ikon Cameras" from 1953, page 5

Links

• Ikonta 521 video review by YouTuber Alex Luyckx