Lens: Zeiss Tessar 4.5 / 10.5cm
Camera Serial Nr.: F23627
Lens Serial Nr.: 2203535
Shutter Speeds: B, 1s, 1/2s, 1/4s, 1/10s, 1/25s, 1/50s, 1/60s, 1/100s, 1/250s
Aperture Values: f/4.5, 5.6, 8, 11, 16, 22, 32 (tested and fully functional)
Accessories:
- Yellow Filter from 1938 (Carl Zeiss Jena) with original bakelite box
- 6x9 viewfinder Zeiss 437/2
- Zeiss Ikon 10” shutter release cable (thumb-activated design with screw lock)
Short Youtube Video
There’s something truly special about holding a piece of history in your hands, especially one that has seen nearly a century of craftsmanship. I’m talking about my Zeiss Ikon Ikonta 521, a medium-format camera built in 1938, adorned with the renowned Zeiss Tessar 4.5 / 10.5cm lens. As a lover of classic cameras, I couldn’t resist sharing the story of this gem and what makes it so captivating to shoot with today.
- The F-camera body production is documented here.
- The lens serial number production is shown as 1937 and can be found here.
A Piece of History
The Zeiss Ikon Ikonta 521/2 I own is more than just a vintage camera. Manufactured in Germany just before World War II, it comes from an era when cameras were built with the utmost precision and durability. Zeiss, already famed for its exceptional optics, incorporated the Tessar lens into the Ikonta 521, making it a desirable camera for both amateur and professional photographers of its time.
This particular camera was produced in 1938, as determined by its serial number, which adds a personal connection to the pre-war period. To think that it survived all those turbulent years and is still in working condition speaks volumes about Zeiss Ikon’s dedication to quality.
The Zeiss Tessar Lens: The “Eagle’s Eye”
The Zeiss Tessar 4.5 / 10.5cm lens is often referred to as the “Eagle’s Eye” due to its sharpness and clarity. Developed in 1902 by Paul Rudolph, the Tessar was revolutionary because it provided crisp, sharp images while being compact enough to fit into foldable cameras like the Ikonta. The 4.5 aperture, while not as fast as more modern lenses, strikes a perfect balance between depth of field and clarity, making it ideal for portraits and landscape photography. The Tessar lens consists of four lens elements in three groups.
When you look through this camera’s viewfinder, the world takes on a different character. The Tessar lens delivers an image quality that’s both sharp and dreamlike, with a characteristic timeless look, depending on the film you use (I will probably write another blog about films I have used and the results and lessons I have learned).
Craftsmanship: Built to Last
One of the first things you notice when handling the Ikonta 521 is its solid construction. It’s a testament to German engineering—every part, from the fold-out bellows to the metal housing, was crafted to last. Despite being over 80 years old, this camera feels sturdy, with all its mechanical parts operating smoothly.
The Ikonta 521 is a medium format camera, which means it uses 120 film, producing large negatives (6x9 cm). The larger negatives allow for incredible detail and a dynamic range that is hard to replicate with smaller formats. There’s also something wonderfully tactile about manually winding the film and composing a shot through a viewfinder that, while rudimentary by today’s standards, forces you to slow down and think carefully about every exposure.
Shooting with the Ikonta 521: A Different Kind of Photography
In a world dominated by digital photography, shooting with the Zeiss Ikon Ikonta 521 is a refreshing change of pace. It’s a more deliberate process—there’s no instant feedback, no rapid-fire bursts of shots. You have to trust your settings and your knowledge of light to capture the image you want. It forces you to slow down and appreciate the act of photography itself.
The Ikonta 521 doesn’t have the modern conveniences we’re used to, like built-in meters or autofocus. Instead, it’s an entirely manual experience, from setting the aperture and shutter speed to guessing the right focus distance. Additionally, a 6x9 viewfinder Zeiss 437/2 can be inserted into a slot on the camera’s side. There’s no rangefinder, but that’s part of the charm. You count steps for distance, adjust settings, and trust the moment.
The Legacy Continues
Owning a camera like the Zeiss Ikon Ikonta 521 is not just about nostalgia—it’s about connecting with a long tradition of photography. This camera has likely captured countless moments over the decades, and using it today allows me to add to its legacy. In an age of megapixels and instant gratification, my Ikonta 521 reminds me that great photography isn’t about the latest technology but about understanding your tools, embracing imperfections, and appreciating the journey.
Zeiss Ikon Ikonta 521/2 Gallery
Returning to My Roots
As I immerse myself in analog photography again, the nostalgia of working with the Ikonta is almost tangible. Its fold-out bellows, solid metal body, and viewfinder feel familiar, like reconnecting with an old friend. I even use accessories like a yellow filter from Carl Zeiss and a cable remote trigger, which add to the experience of capturing the world through this lens. The Ikonta doesn’t rush you; it makes you slow down and consider the light, the framing, and the moment you’re capturing.
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