Zeiss Super Ikonta 534/16 Review - Compact 6x6 Medium Format Camera
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- čas přidán 9. 07. 2020
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My first few rolls of film through the legendary Zeiss Super Ikonta 534/16 medium format camera.
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DISCLAIMER
Some of the links above are affiliate links, where I earn a small commission if you click on the link and purchase an item. The money I earn helps me make this type of content consistently.
I have a Zeiss Ikon which I purchased on eBay last year - it is from 1929 - a 6x9 folder. I am absolutely amazed that the bellows is still in good shape! I had to disassemble the lens to clean it, once I did (with much trepidation!) the images are great, As you say, they can fit in your back pocket, and for me, a camera like this is as much about taking a step back in time as anything else. I didn't expect much more quality than a Holga, but was very pleasantly surprised by this 90 year old camera.
I have an Ikonta 520/16 from 1938, grandfather used it a lot. It's in a VG++ Shape and I love it!
Just when I thought I couldn’t get more! I binge listened to every episode of the contact sheet today while I worked. Great work on the podcast and channel!
Thanks man!
Coming back to this video just to thank you, Kyle! Bought a Zeiss Super Ikonta 532/16 today, and i'm really anxious to shoot with it! Without your video i probably would've not given a folder camera a shot, but being compact, having a nice rangefinder and being medium format just sold it for me.
Thanks again, and keep up the aweasome work!
Awesome to hear. Cheers!
Oi, You took a picture of my House. Hah!
I’ve been wanting one of these forever for hiking trips. Thanks for walking through the pros & cons.
Beware of the terror of revews writeers.
Great video. I just bought the 645 version of the Super Ikonta with the Tessar lens. What a fun little camera to walk around town with.
I love working with 50s era cameras. i just stumbled on a Retina 2A at an estate sale on Friday. Occasionally I find 6X6 TLRs or 6x9 Folder.
It's not for everybody, I love the thrill of the hunt and then using these beautiful cameras.
Even if its not a camera I like to use , I rescue them from the trash pile and trade with other collectors.
the automatic film stop is an old feature, which appears in their 533 and 532 models. Coupled range finder exists in even early 531 models, which could be dated back in the early 30s. What makes me like 534 is its built-in light meter and its compact size.(Compares to 533)
All of the Super Ikonta models prior to the IIi/IV models used a very complex, heavy and expensive rangefinder system with front element focusing of the lens. These last two versions are a complete redesign with a rangefinder design conventional to cameras of the era. I believe (not certain) that the lens is unit focusing, which is optically superior if so. Frankly, the Fuji GS645, which he had crap out on him, is optically and in most other ways a much superior camera of similar overall design, but it has the benefit of 20 years of advancements over these Ikontas. If you have to acquire a MF folder of this vintage, look for the Super Isolette. It is in every way a superior camera and easier to use, but collectors have made it wickedly expensive, thus hard to justify as a user.
I have this one in my collection, beautiful piece of equipment.
Glad you did that review to exhibit what that lens can deliver. I have the 531/16 with the Tessar lens (version just before yours which differs only for the pretty useless meter I believe) and I get similar results with the lens. I would describe that camera as the perfect travel pre-Instagram analog camera 🙂
When I realised you where in the UK it made me happy, good to see a Canadian surfing these grounds making some magic on the English streets
:)
Never knew about this camera, it's nice to see smaller medium format cameras for travel.
I do love the folder-design, too.
Own a Super Isolette with the Solinar, just a superb lens in sharpness and contrast.
But I do miss the paralax-compensation...
I did missalined few shoots.
As a attachable finder I can recommend a Voigtländer Kontur 6x6 Finder, does its job well and the rangefinder of the camera only to focus the frame.
awesome, i ve got the 532/16 for a year now, excellent camera
I have a 531 that I got from my grandparents and just got back my first film roll of it. Wish I knew I had to check on the back window where the next film is... Most of the shots on the film were unusable, but glad that some turned out okay. :D
Nice and honest review Kyle! Almost mere coincidence I recently got one of these from a dealer, mysteriously nobody else bid and I got it for the equivalent of 170€.
Meter is dead but everything else works nicely, aside of a good condition, it seems CLAd. Loaded and just developed a roll of D3200. Haven't gotten to do critical tests but I like it and it's not as awkward as I imagined. Late season, so colour will have to wait till Spring and I hope to run through it some slide or Ektar.
My idea is to take in the near future a long trip bringing along medium format, my main machine is a Fuji 6x9 RF and a folder makes sense as a "B" camera. Unlike many, I never got so much GAS and accumulated cameras instead bought film and covered other costs.
Until the want of a backup camera, the 6x9 just does everything I want and sharply, except fuel -ahem- film consumption 😂I got a Nettar from an exchange. But with my non-existant focus estimation technique I also wanted more "critical sharp" results than a triplet that must be stopped down, and Tessar f8 and be there seems promising.
This is very nice and now I have the two original "Brownie" formats, 6x9 and 6x6. I Foresee using much more medium format now as the Super Ikonta is truly portable for what it is.
Heck yeah, I’ve been enjoying my Zeiss Ikon Nettar. It’s a good intro to medium format. I took it camping and the size was great.
Yes. For travel I would prefer the Nettar or Ikonta. The Super Ikonta is heavy. Most Super Ikontas have the features Kyle mentioned, but the meter is only on some models. Some rely on the red window, but most have counters.
Fair points. Can’t beat the portability and lens quality - maybe I’ll buy it from you 😀
Love the honest review. I tried the Mamiya 6 has many suggested and sold it and bought a Plaubel Makina 67. Best decision ever. You should give it a try.
Yeah, have always wanted to try out a Plaubel. One day!
Nice video, I need to add a Super Ikonta to the collection!
I'm on a hunt for a perfect small medium format camera for travel. Thank you for this review
Glad you enjoyed, Irene.
Take a look at the bronica etr series with a wlf, it's a great 645 that's easy to carry around.
Irene! Fuji has some 645 point and shoots too though they’re pricier than these older folder cameras.
There are a few of these model numbers. Go to Certo6 website there is good information. I bought mine from him on eBay. Very good repair person also, easy to communicate. I have a 524/16. Mine is not automictic, Lots of steps. Kyle does a great job with his version and explaining the features of the latest model. Did I mention these pock cameras are cool and take amazing photos.
This is the best folding medium format zeiss had to offer with a relatively fast lens of f3,5 and 70mm focal length.
The rangefinder format of the camera doesn't do much justice,the viewfinders overall in rangefinders can be the reason to buy a camera or a dealbreaker,this one goes the second route.
If i was to suggest anything is try to get yourself a fuji camera instead,they do have the chance to break but that's really up to the seller and the deal you had.I bought one with a warranty of six months in an old photographic store it was supposed to be refurbished,can't tell for sure but it had no issues so far.Fujica's glass is on the leica level definitely at the same league of zeiss,but for many it's better.The real reason you're bying a Fujica though is the ergonomics,even though the size doesn't compete with the super ikonta it is relatively compact compared to other cameras of this ratios.
“They are getting rare and expensive” I just got mine at a place that does not usually sell cameras for $50 lmfao
love the honest review. Quality video :)
Thank you.
Your review matches somewhat with my experience with a first gen Super Ikonta 530 "A" (6x4.5, 1934-1937, uncoated 75mm Tessar; my 1935 model has an Albada finder), except I love mine. Sharp, beautiful images, a simple, no-nonsense way of working, dead simple mechanics, and mine folds up even smaller to boot. I paid ~$115 for it and it's been perfectly capable both in black and white and even color (if you keep the lens out of direct sunlight and avoid extremely glare-ridden scenes). I love that it's a truly pocketable MF camera that turns heads with its unique and vintage styling, is whisper quiet, simple to use, beautifully built and engineered, and more economical than the 6x6, 6x7, or 6x9 ratios. You indeed will struggle to precisely frame your images, and sometimes even to just get them perfectly level in hand, but that's why you're shooting medium format! Just frame with a bit of extra margin, then crop in. losing 5% off the edges isn't a big deal at all (these tessars are pretty soft at the edges before f/11 or so anyway) and it lets you put together far more precise compositions than someone shooting with an SLR without cropping.
It's decidedly NOT a modern approach to MF shooting. You slow down. You stop down, generally to f/8 or more but rarely less than f/5.6. you're relatively unconcerned with critical framing or critical focus (you stopped down to the tessar's sharpest stop anyway, you've got plenty of depth of field to work with). I understand people not enjoying it but for people looking for an _alternative_ to the modern digital-driven workflow, not a continuation of it, it's a fantastic workflow, especially for b&w, especially if you darkroom print.
You make excellent points.
Wow, another well made video!
Thank you.
I like folding medium format cameras, I own a Zeiss Ikon Nettar 517/16 and from time to time I use it.
Really nice photos in the video, I like the image at 3:28 a lot. The house with that roof, the cables and the white stripes on the street make a great image.
Thanks Fabrizio!
In the 1960s professional photographers had a super Ikonta in their bag to back up their Rolleiflex camera
took a similar model backpacking with me a while back!! love how small they are!
For sure. Such a compact camera!
your humble and super talented
Thank you, Ryan.
I really love the aesthetic of that era, own several cameras in this vein (mostly voigtländers). There's definitely issues with aligning the shots, and they're not made for rapid fire shooting, but they still turn out quite nice shots. I enjoyed the images and great video as always!
Thanks Phil! Yeah, definitely a fun camera, and I would keep it if I knew it wasn't just going to sit most of the time.
Sweet video. Really enjoy the super-8 like b-roll shots. :)
Glad you enjoyed it
I have the zeiss ikon nettar which I found in my grandmothers attic which is the cheaper equivalent of the ikonta that doesn’t have a rangefinder or a light meter and a different lens so it is a bit smaller so I can fit it in a medium size shirt pocket and it takes really nice atmospheric photos especially on black and white film
Use a Zeiss KONTUR 6x6 finder, it is amazing and solves all your framing problems.
Roger Mayne used a Zeiss Super Ikonta camera for his street photography, in Southham Street London.
Nice honest review! You managed to make some nice shots with it, but having used a camera of similar vintage and a lot of the same quirks (Moskva-2, 6x9 folder rangefinder), I can relate. Sometimes it just feels like a bit too much work to get the shot.
Thanks Matias. And yeah, it's a fun camera, but not for me!
That carl zeiss lens is razor sharp!
One awesome camera is Nettar (Zeiss Ikon) 518/16 with a Novar, it's so sharp
I have gotten good results with an Agfa Isolette II. Looks to be the same size. No rangefinder. I just shoot Sunny 16.
I fixed up an old Robra by Josef Rodenstock, a 645 folder with uncoated trinar f3.5 lens. Very compact, but minimalist. You gauge distance by eye, and rely on your cell phone app for exposure (and memory tricks). My hand can cover it, and it fits in vest pockets. Not bad for Medium Format.
Interesting thing about this camera is that a small Japanese optics company called Zuiko chose it to copy (I know, racist stereotype) down to the smallest screw for their first camera, branded as Olympus.
So watching this and the pictures you were taking, I was like hmmm this looks like where I lived and worked (Reading) I was like hey these carparks and auto areas really look familiar. Then boom Magic Wok and it confirmed it was indeed Reading for me!
Hah, you got it. Definitely Reading!
the quality of the photos obtained by these old cameras is astonishing. We have been fooled with digital.
I laughed a lot when I found this video which brings back memories !! I had this exact same model and the 531/16 as well, which I personally preferred over 534/16 because of its lighter weight and ease of use. I used to have a Perkeo 3e also at that same time. But not impressed with the image quality of any of them, it was not worth spending money on films for these cameras. (+the development) .
I'd love to a review on the Linhof 220.
It may be that the bright lines were missing from the viewfinder. They were often on a transparent plastic insert in the viewfinder that reflected the parallax markings and framing area back not your eye. So far so good… except that the early plastic goes cloudy with age and makes it impossible to use the viewfinder. I tried a Super Ikonta 6/9 camera thinking it would be a great way to work. It wasn’t. I had the viewfinder problem, minimum focus was an astonishing 5 metres. Winding on was a faff. It was prone to making the film dusty. Hmm… the lens was really cool. Option Tessar lenses were great. Even better on a Rolleiflex, a much better proposition.
I have the Zeiss Super Ikonta 532/16!! I have actually never used it but I would love to get it working at some point since I am not actually sure if it is currently functional. My grandfather got it when he helped someone paint their house and they gave it to him!
Definitely worth using it if you can, Elizabeth. If it seems like it's in good shape, it may be worth sending out to get CLA'd.
I found this camera from my late father's stuff. I was surprise that the price on ebay is about 699 USD!
I'm searching the manual book on how to close the hood lol.
where did you get that cool short ! i need one ion black with white
I would suggest a voigtlander Bessa II + Kontur viewfinder
Got myself an isolette II with solinar Lens. Don't regret it. It's cheaper than zeiss or super isolette with coupled rangefinder but performs exactly the same. I just changed the bellows and bought a vintage external rangefinder and it does the job for 150 euros.
Awesome. Sounds like a cool setup.
i have that Herzog book right in front of me! personal fav
Such a great book!
Same!
Incredible to get medium format in such a compact form factor. Don’t think it’s quite as capable of the Magic you get from Mamiya & Pentax, but those images were still solid.
The beauty of medium format is that even with not so sharp lenses the images still come out looking super sharp
Still very impressive performance for a camera of it's age!
Hello , great photos, I love to buy your camera!
Looks nice but I preffer the Mamiya 6K folding/rangefinder that allows 6x6 and 6x45. Nice video Kyle
Yeah, that's a really cool feature of the Mamiya. I was looking at the exact model before I found this one.
if you are on a tight budget, you can pick some of these Zeiss folders with a Novar lens for next to nothing. I picked one up for $26 dollars (US) and it came with a case, didn't have a scratch on it anywhere. Fresh, like new. viewfinder is a sportsfinder so it's really best for landscape photos, focused to infinity.. The craftsmanship is pretty remarkable given the price. Much better than those plastic lomo cameras at considerably higher prices.
Yeah, I've seen those around often, and have always wondered about them. Maybe I'll pick one up to try out!
I have depended on my Super Ikonta III with the f3.5 Novar lens for 15 years. I find it the perfect camera for backpacking--light, small, rugged. Note: the Novar is a Cooke triplet formula. As such, it must be stopped down at least to f8 for best resolution. This will produce negatives as fine as the vaunted Tessars. I shoot Tri X 400 exclusively so stopping down seldom creates a problem.
Appropriate tshirt !!
Ill have it!
Damn and I thought shooting with a tlr was compact. I kinda want one now.
Отличное видео!!! А Вы не пробовали снимать на советский фотоаппарат "Искра" ?
Love your film photos man. But I was thinking of buying a bmpcc4k, what lens do you use/recommend? Thanks
I use a few different ones. Sigma 18-35 on a Metabones speedbooster. Also a Contax 35-70, and a Lumix 12-35 for some vlog stuff.
Kyle McDougall thanks for responding Kyle. Your videos are awesome
Wow the lens and the Lomo looked digital to me. That’s a pretty sharp lens.
Hello Kyle! Thank for video, that zeiss looks great, also relatively cheap on ebay. Where did you get the Lomography CN400? On their site it's discontinued. It has an incredible dynamic range.
Hey Marek, I bought the film off of ebay.uk I think.
@@KyleMcDougall Thanks! I feel stupid I can only see the 110 format and some "metropolis" film rolls there. Is it called "Lomography CN400" ?
Nice man, nice. Would love to try one of these out. Where are you in the U.K. atm ? I'm from the south in Brighton :)
Thanks. I'm near Reading.
My grandfather just gave me this camera, what kind of film do I need to use, is it easy to find?
It is a good choice as a first step into medium format. Not being used to set up everything by hand it is quite challenging.
did you scan this negatives with ur new coolscan 9000?
Not these, no. These were from a lab.
The Mamiya 6 (old version) is another alternative.
Yea. and that's a really fun camera to use. I love it, but somehow mine was always a little fuzzy. But so great and pocket-able.
For sure. I was actually looking for one of those before I purchased this, but they seem hard to find in good condition.
@@KyleMcDougall at least it's much cheaper than the modern Mamiya 6 and Mamiya 7 from the 1990s.
It would be a good alternative to my Mamiya RB67 , it's so heavy.
Kyle McDougall yea. Like so many old cameras, what you do find can be so hit or miss.
I assumed you were all about the Route 66 and other exotic locations, but recognise shots here from my home town! Are you in Reading?
Hey Paul, yeah, I'm in the process of moving to the UK. Just outside of Reading!
Can I ask where do you get your contax zeiss t-shirt? I'm a contax fan too
I made it online. :)
When the time comes to sell it, hit me up.
There was more than just folding 6x6 medium format cameras. There was also 645 and 6x9, among others.
Agfa isolette / Mamiya 6 are also nice options
Indeed!
Try Mamiya 6 Automat!
Even my post-war Super Ikonta 531/2 6x9 is not much bigger than this one. Great range finder style cameras. And getting more and more expensive. The rangefinder is not coupled but the viewfinder has bright frame lines for 6x9 and 6/4.5.
They are certainly getting harder to find and more expensive.
Where do you get the shirt?
Made this one.
Zeiss Ikon gang unite!
💪
looks great! searched on ebay & none there though..does it have a different name in US/Asian markets?
There are so many of these 6x6 folders that are all pretty similar, so don't feel you need to hunt down this cam in particular
Look for 521/16
Try Zeiss Super Ikonta IV
All great suggestions listed below. This was the final model of the Super Ikonta series, but they older ones are very popular as well. There's a ton of info out there on the differences. Enjoy!
If you are thinking of getting a camera of this ilk be cognizant of its quirks and limitations before hand. If you expect it to perform like a modern camera you will be disappointed. Accept it for what it is and you can get great enjoyment out of it. Spend some time getting good with the sunny 16 rule, get good at estimating distances, slow down and think about composition, allow extra room in the frame for cropping, relearn the skills that photographers employ to get good shots back in the era when these cameras were made. And most of all have fun with them.
I used to have a Hong Mei HM-1 from Changzhou, China. Unfortunately, there were some problems with the lens after I used it quite a lot. But the camera was super compact and perfect for the back pocket.
Made China ?
i love this T-shirt very much! How can i get one?
I made this one.
@@KyleMcDougall How about start selling them??? =)
Does the meter still work?
I haven't tested the accuracy of it, but it does function.
Sounds like you needed the rangefinder coupling adjusted. Shame.
What’s the difference between the 534/16 & the 524/16 anyone??
The 524/16 has an uncoupled rangefinder and was positioned as a lesser priced Zeiss Ikon model to the Super Ikonta. In theory the 524/16 is essentially just an Ikonta with an additional rangefinder optic. The standard version of the Ikonta does not have a built-in rangefinder. In short, the "Super" in Super Ikonta signifies the inclusion of a couple rangefinder.
Focusing an uncoupled rangefinder, as is found on the 524/16 is a slower two-step affair. The photographer must determine the distance with the rangefinder dial as a first step prior to the adjustment of the focus ring on the front of the lens. On the better spec'd Super Ikonta 534/16, the adjustment of the front focus ring automatically moves the rangefinder patch within the viewfinder.
Also note:
*The 524 utilizes two separate rear eye pieces, (one to ascertain the distance to the subject while adjusting the RF wheel and a second for framing the subject). The 534/16 Super uses a single rear eye piece for its combined RF and viewfinder optics.
* More importantly - the 524 does not automatically stop the winding of the film at the next frame when advancing forward. To wind the film to the next frame, one carefully looks into the red window on the rear film door and carefully watch for the next printed frame number to appear - while slowly advancing the film. Some modern 120 films make this a frustrating experience, because most film manufacturers no longer print warning dots before the actual printed frame number on the film's paper backing. Worse still the individual frame numbers may or may not be printed with enough contrast to be easily seen through the red window.
You might like the Bronica RF645
Yep, had my eye on that one for a long time now!
@@KyleMcDougall Let your eye roam further. On paper. its a great camera, if somewhat bound by a very short range of lens focal lengths. Out in the world, the body suffers from several serious design issues which can develop and make the camera useless. Repairs are not practical for lack of parts. The longest lens is 100mm, because the 135mm proved too long for the rangefinder to focus properly. What got sold was really a prototype model which had not been debugged. Bronica was on the edge of financial failure when the RF645 was being developed. The company failed and was taken over by Tamron, which elected to rush to completion and put it on the market to try to salvage losses. If the camera had not been produced under such conditions and given a year or two to trial and shake out the bugs, it might have been something special, rather than a short-lived money pit.
Maybe I missed it, but how much did you pay for this camera?
Can't remember exactly, but I think around $350 US
Damn you and other CZcamsrs driving the demand/prices of these cameras up by inadvertently 'sellin' them :D :D :P
Sorry
Interested in buying if you haven’t sold it. Let me know!
Why do I prefer to carry my Zeiss in my backpack rather than my Leica? It comes down to economics: if I took a spill or faced extreme weather a ruined Ikonta would set me back $200. If it were my M3 with 35mm Summicron, I would be out $4,000. For this price difference I can happily put up with the foibles of the Ikonta.
How much for yours? 👀
Undecided yet.
Iskra 6x6
Bellows and red windows are a anathema to me. (means;- I hate them
I've got the 533/16 and don't recommend it for anything more than sitting on a shelf. It's a gorgeous camera, but meant for a much thicker film base than we have today. Modern film will expose overlapping frames. You can sort of fake a thicker film if you respool your film with a thicker paper backing but it seems like too much just to use this thing.
jesus these things are almost 1000 cad on ebay 😂😂😂
Also known as the Super Ikonta IV, fewer than other versions were made because interest in medium format folders was dying when it was made. It's not a great user because being the last Super ikonta produced it is priced by collectors, way too high. Also very hard to find in the US. A better choice for a user would be the Mamiya 6 (folder) , later version if possible, which is much cheaper and every bit the equal as to features and optical quality. Also probably easier to find. The Super Ikonta III is the same camera without the meter, which is pretty worthless, so take what you can find.
I am not willing to settle for all the shortcomings just for physical size. I do not shoot casually, so no random or surprise content, and I require optimum IQ at all times. I do not collect gear for variety just because it is different, choose a camera for fun , curiosity, something new, a journey thru the past or because it's Tuesday.
Where MF is concerned a Pentax 67 is not that so oppressive to life considering the superior functionality, the 67 aspect ratio and the options for available lenses, meter and viewfinders and of course the best auxiliary grip made for any camera. I have carried a kit from the North Shore to South Beach and up to 10,000 feet and down to Death Valley.
If I need a fast snap out of my pocket I have an iPhone. Chances are that is more than is required for that sort of content.
Sounds like this camera isn’t for you.
Not sure why you're reviewing this one. You're a SLR/ground glass kinda guy. :)
Have to dabble every now and then. :)
The music made me leave.
DON'T BUY THESE CAMERAS! I have had several Ikontas over the years. You have to modify them before you can use it with the modern film. This is because 120 film was thicker back in the day and the camera was adjusted to rewind the film according to the exact film thickness. If you use it with the modern film you will get frames overlap on your roll. The easiest way to fix that is to remove double exposure protection mech and rewind the film using the window at the back. The OP probably had a modified version (probably by me) or didn't mention this nuance.
Hey there, unsure if mine was modified or not. But I never had any issues at all with frame overlap.
Hi , is that observation for a specific camera? (or all folders in general?) Remember quite a few of these old 6x6 folder cameras were made to take 220 film also - and these were thinner than 120. In such cameras there was a setting to change the film pressure plate position and in some of these older cameras the lettering indicating the film type setting can be worn out. Then of course you could just have a camera where due to age the film pressure plate may no longer work with the correct pressure at the 120 setting. Either way, the best advise is to try out a roll of film, note the things off and have these serviced. Of course there may be modern films that are thinner... but with a properly working pressure plate the results should still be excellent - as the photos in these reviews prove. As always, it depends on how much you like these cameras, how much inconvenience (and cost!) you are willing to put up with and lastly, what your final output will be - if it is just the social media platforms and youtube then you can get excellent quality and convenience with an "old" XT-2.
Sticking a memo paper at the back of film / wrapping both end of spool with rubber tap will solve all the problem.