Film cameras
Zeiss Ikon Super Ikonta III User manual
User manual for Zeiss Ikon Super Ikonta III. 27 pages in English. Read the original PDF, download or print a copy without registration.
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Document details
- Brand
- Zeiss Ikon
- Model / document
- Zeiss Ikon Super Ikonta III
- Document type
- User manual
- Language
- English
- Pages
- 27
- File size
- 4.1 MB
- Category
- Film cameras
- Document date
- Not specified in catalog
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Page 3 · Read text
PARTS OF THE SUPER IKONTA
Button to open the 7 Single windorv
camera coupled rangefinder
2 Struts 8 Vindow of the
rangefinder3 Base-board 9 Eyepieceof the4 Distance scale rangefinder
5 Distance setting 10 Depth-of-f ield ring
mark . ll Diaphragm setting
Setting ring for ring
rangefinder 12 Diaphragm setting
(see fig. 6, page 9) mark
Numbersrefer partly to ba(k-uiewon Page26
www.orphancameras.comView original page 3Page 4 · Read text
PARTS OF THE SUPER IKONTA
13 Exposuretirne set- l7 Flash contact socket
ting ring 18 Locl<ingbar for
l4 Shutter tensioning canlcra back
lever 19 Filnr window
1 5 Body shuttcr release 20 Film advance knob
rvith thread for cable 2l Frame counter
release 22 Film type indicator
16 Synchro lever 23 Accessory shoe
The numbersrefer partly to front-oiew of lhe camera
on page3View original page 4Page 5 · Read text
Goodpbotographs
can easilybe obtainedwith your ZEISSIKON camera.
tJTith the elegant ,and handy SupERIKONTA every
picture will be needlesharpon account of the single
window coupledrangefinderand you will find great
pleasurein your photos.
In order to utilize to the full all the advantagesof
the camcra it is rccontrnendedthat you study these
instructions carefully. Unfold the inner leaves of
the cover for further referenceand try to practice
the various mechanicalmovementsbefore loading
the camera.If you are still in doubt, do not hesitate
to ask your photo-dealerfor advice.
i
Tbe pictureon tbesecondcoDerpagewas takenru,tbSUPER II(ONTA
against tbe ligbt oJ the autumn sun with stop f :tr and tf5r second.
www.orphancameras.comView original page 5Page 6 · Read text
T H E M A I N F E A T U R E S O F T H E
S U P E R I K O N T A 2 1 / + x 2 t / iqn s .
The SuPERIKON'IA 2r/tx2r/q ins. is a hish oualitv
roll film camera lor 1.2exposures2'ltiZrT* ini.
size on standard 120 roll film.
The value of a camera dependsmainly on the qua-
lity of its lens. The su'pnnTKoNTA is availible
either with the world-famous ZEISSTESSAR
'ff '3.s/zs mm or the time-tested, reliable NoVAR
's.slzs mm. Both lenses are colour-correctedand
factory-coated.Thev- vield blacl<and white as well
as colour pictures oi unsurpasseddefinition and
brilliance. 4l
The built-in rangefinder is coupled io the lens so
that correct focuiing is guaranteed.The rangefinder
is combined widr tfie viewfinder ensurinn n-ot onlu
sharp pictures but the correct image field simul- .''
taneously,even of fast moving objects.
The red-tlot settind increasesthe versatilitv of the
cameraand makes-it ready for action any littte vou
want to take candid snapihots.
The Syn&ro-Compur sbutter can be set to shutter
speedsbetween1 and 1/rrosecondas well as to time
exposures.The built-in synchro-flashcontact enables i','tu
coupling to all flashguns and reacts to even the
shortestexposuretimes. r!.'
All scale settings are clearly visible from abooe. I
The double exposure preuenlioe and the film
adpancelo&. guaranteequick and safe working. The
film is advanied from fiame to frame and e"achis
automatically counted by the frame-counter. There
is no need io watch a .ed film window. Double ex-
posures and blanks are thus prevented. The lilnr
type indicator can be set to the type and speedof
thb film with which the camera ii loaded.View original page 6Page 8 · Read text
Openingaud closin!tbe camera
lr slightlySpan thetiltingbackit forward.of the cameraDepresswiththe openingyour hand,knob
(1) and the lens will snap into the taking position
(illustr. 2). If the came5d'isnot held in the correct
position it may happen that the struts do not snap
in completely. In this case depress the front edge
of the baseboard with liour finger (3).
To close the camera press against the upper parrs
of both struts (2) with your thumbs. This makes.,
the baseboard slide upward. The camera can then ";
be convenientlycloseduntil the lock catches(illustr. 3).
In order to close the camera in the taking position
the upper parts of the struts (2) are pressed down
with the index fingers anct closed with the other
fingers.
;ri
IView original page 8Page 9 · Read text
Prisr to tbe exposure
the distance between camera and subject, the
diaphragm and the exposure time must be correctly
set.
The distance
measuring field are brought to coincidence. The
best objects for obtaining accurate focus are sharp-
ly defined vertical lines, such as the edge af a
house, a telegraph pole or a tree. (illustr. 5). As
soon as the contours coincide the lens is accurately
focused at the correct subject distance required.
The measured distance may be read off from the
distance setting mark (5) on the scale of the lens
mount (4).
www.orphancameras.comView original page 9Page 10 · Read text
Exposuretirue
The exposure time is set by turning the milled
front ring (13). The black stroke engraved on this
ring must be exactly opposite the figure required
on the exposure time scale (illustr. 6). The figures
engravedon this scale indicate fractions of a second,
(" 50" is r /so sec. etc.). Vith the setting ttBtt thd ;
shutter remains open as long as the release knob
(15) is depressed (see page 16). when set to
Llsoo second a slight resistanceis felt which is due
to an additional spring needed for this fastest speed.
The shutter is tensioned by pushing the .o.kitrg
lever (l+1 in the direction of the distance setting
mark (5). It is irnmaterial whether the shutter speed
is set prior to tensioning or after it, with the ex- ;
ception of the shutter speed of L/soo sec. when the F
exposure time rnust be set prior to tensioning the
shutter.
Diaphragnt
Turn the milled ring (1 1) until the triangular
diaphragm settirrg mark (12) is opposite the stop
figure required (illustr. 7).View original page 10Page 11 · Read text
The interdependenceof tbesettinls
Subject distance and diaphraQm
Vhen the lens is focused at some definite subject
distance it yields a sharp picture not only of the
subject at this distance but also of those objects
that are nearer to the camera or further away from
it. This zone of sharp definition is called the depth
of field. It is rath5:flsmall when the diaphragm is
fully open (f :3,5) but increasesgradually the more
the lens is stopped down. Thus ' the smaller the
stop, the greater the depth of field.
The depth of field for any given lens aperture and
distance can be read off from the depth-of-field
ring (10). Diaphragm figures will be found on the
right and left side of the distance setting mark',(5).
The figures on the distance scale (4) opposite these
stop figures indicate the extension of the depth of
f ield. The strokes without figures beside the
triangular mark indicate the depth of field at stop 4
and the strokes between 8 and 16 that for stop 77.
For instance: When focused
at 75' the stroke for I zll
)in- on the right-hand side
dicates 48', that on the
left-hand side 9' (illustr. 8).
Focused at 75' with stop
f : 77 the lens will yield a
sharp zone reaching from
www.orphancameras.comView original page 11Page 13 · Read text
Diapbragm and exposuretime
In order to avoid too long exposure tirnes it is
advisable to work with as large an aperture as the
required depth of field permits, becausethe smaller
the stop the longer the exposure time. The stops
and the exposure times are arranged in such a way
that any stop smaller than the precedittg one re-
quires double the o*poture time. \7hen stop f z 5 ,6
rlno second,stop f : 8 will require rlso se-requires
tlzs second.cond and stop f : 11
'/
Red-dot setting
Vhen the prevailing light conditions are good and
rapid sequencesnapshotshave to be taken it is no
good to lose time with distance setting. In this ,base 'the red-dot setting should be used. Set the
diaphragm and the distance to the red dots
(illustr. 9) and everything from 13 feet to "infinity"
will be sharp. According to the light conditions ex-
llzs,tlsoor ll:rlosecondmay be used.posure times of
The SUPERIKONTA can be closed when it is set to
the red dots so that it is always ready f or rapid
action.
www.orphancameras.comView original page 13Page 14 · Read text
Working witb fixed distance setting
\Zhen fast moving objects have to be taken a dif-
ferent method is advisable: if you want to photo-
graph a child at play, you often have no time for
correct distance measuring. In this case it is recom-
mended to set the rangefinder to a suitable distance.
Then, by looking into the eyepiece you approach
your object until its double outlines coincide in the
rangefinder. \7hen the irriage field required appears
in the viewfinder you merely press the button and
expose. l
Tbe correct exPosureilke
can be ascertained from exposure tables or, most
exactly, with the photo-electric exposure meter .i *.
ZEISSIKON IKOPHOT r,vhichallows to read off the;'
correct exposuretime for any stop and any light'
condition directly without any calculation (see
page 23).
The exposure time depends on the stop used,
the film speed, the prevailing light conditions and
the filter factor, if a filter is used. As a rough-and- ,11 '$'ready rule try:
Outdoor PhotograPbs
in bright sunsbine tlt ooercast i
film speed 32 A.S.A film speed 32 A.S.A.
diaphragm setting f :8 diaphragm setting {,t5.6
1/roosecond
4View original page 14Page 15 · Read text
Tbe Exposure
How ts hold tlte enmerd
The SUPERIKONTA must be held as steady as pos-
sible during exposure/if sharp negatives are to be
obtained. It is one of the advantagesof the square
size 2rlEx 2rla ins. that no weighty decision is
needed as to whelher to approach the subject with
tlre camera in a horizontal or vertical position. So
there is only one way to hold the SUPERIKONTA
correctly. ,:!
Hold the carnera with both hands the fingers span-
ning the camera body while the thumbs are on the
back. The middle finger of the left hand operates
www.orphancameras.comView original page 15Page 16 · Read text
the milled ring (6, illustr. 6) of the ra'gef inder. The index f inger of the right hand releases the shutter (15). \Zhen looking througir the eyepiece of the combined view-and-rangefinder with the right eye the camera , must be held as shown in illustr. 10. In this case the left eye must be closed. It is, therefore, morei convenient to use the left eye because then the right eye neeC not be closed (illustr. 1 1). Instantaneous exposures of a longer duration (e. g. I I s or 1Irc sec.) as well as time exposures shoufu always be made from a tripod or any other firm support. The supER TKONTA has a tripod bush at the base of the camera.View original page 16
Page 17 · Read text
How to releasetbe sbulter
The shutter is released by completely depressing
the body shutter releaseknob (15). Do not pressI
but squeezethe button (15) gently, taking up the
slack in the releasing mechanism slowly. Releasingi
the shutter is possibleonlY if '
1) the film is correctly advanced(see page 18)
2) the shutter (14) js'tensioned
F lashligbt Photogr aPbY
The speed synchroni"ed Synchro-Compur shutter
can be coupled to all types of flashgun. The shutter
has two synchronizing settings which are set by
means of the synchro-lever(16):
\With the "X"-setlinQ the shutter fires the flashbulb
at the moment the shutter blades are fully open.
Electronicflasheshave always to be fired'with the
"X" position. 'The " M" -position allows for the firing delay of
most averageflashbulbs.The "M"-setting is there-
fore suitable for standard flashbulbs at all shutter
speeds.
For flash exposureset the synchro-lever(16) to the
required position ("X" or "M"). (illustr' 12).
Distance,exposuretime and stop are set in the usual
way. Then the shutter must be tensioned.Connect
the flash lead from the flashgunto the flash socket(17).
Only then put a flashbulb into the gun: Vhen the
www.orphancameras.comView original page 17Page 19 · Read text
After tbe exposure
Film aduance
After every exposure the film must be advanced
one frame by turning the film wind knob (20)
until it stops (illustr. 13). The same movernent
autom atically advances the film-counter (21) by
one figure. The film counter indicates the number
of the frame whiclr, i-s ready for exposure. As the
film can be advanced only when the body shutter
release (1 5) has been released,while on the other
hand a shutter rel,e,aseis only possible when the
film has been advanced, double exposures and
blanks are excluded.
Insertingthe filnr
For the SuPERIKONTA standard 120 roll film is used.
The camera can be loaded in daylight, but in the
shadow and not in bright sunshine even your
own shadow will do.
The back of the camera can be opened after the
locking bolt (18) has been pulled out. The full film
spool is inserted into the spool chamber below the
film type indicator (22, illustr. l4). Pull out the
spring prong at the lower side of the camera. Th.
spool must be inserted in such a way that the
tapered end of the red backing
paper points toward the ernpty
(take-up) spool. Break the
gummed seal of the film and
draw the pointed end of the
backing paper across the film
1 8
www.orphancameras.comView original page 19Page 20 · Read text
gate until you can fit it into
the longer slit in the core
of the empty take-up sPool.
Pull the red backing paper
taut by a few turns of the
film wind knob (20) until
the two triangular marks
on the paper (or, r,vith other
makes of film, a ao"Ut.-
headed arrow) are exactlv
opposite the two ;vhite
marks on the film guide
of the camera (illustr. 15).
The backing paper must lie
flat between the flanges of
the take-up spool and must
on no account chafe them.
Then close the back of the
camera and push the locking
bolt (18) completely home.
The film rvind knob (20)
has now to be turned se-
veral times until it locks.
The film counter is thus
set to ,,7" automatically
and when the shutter is
tensioned (14) the SUPER
IKONTA is readv for the
f irst shot.
19View original page 20Page 21 · Read text
F ilm tyPe intlicator
Flaving loaded the camera, the f ilm type indicator
(22) is set to the type of film which has just been
inserted into the SUPERIKONTA. Giving the type
of black and white or colour film for daylight or
artificial light as well as the film speed (illustr. 16),
this indicator is always a useful reminder. To set
the indicator, lift the milled ring upward and set
the black mark to, the type and speed required.
Whether the camera is loaded or not can easily be
ascertainedby pulling back the slide of the film
window (19). The , coloured backing paper of -th-e
film will be visiblb,when the camera is loaded.
Unloadingtbe cdmert
After the twelfth exposure turn the film wind
knob (20) until it locks. The film counter (21) flow
shows a red dot. The camera back can then be
opened,which makes the film counter snap back
ultotnutically into its initial position (black dot).
The lower spring prong is then pulled out a.nd
the spool removed (in the shadow, not in bright
sunshine). Seal the film spool immediately with
the label ,,Exposed". Prior
to inserting a fresh fitrm
remove the empty spool and
insert it into the take-uP
spool chamber. By turning the
film wind knob (20) make
sure that the take-up spool
has engaged in the k.y of
the film wind knob.
20
www.orphancameras.comView original page 21Page 22 · Read text
Accessories
Euer-readyctse
The practical ever-ready case protects the SUPER
IKONTA from damage and dust. The camera is
held in its case by means of a screw and need
not be taken out of the case for taking photo-
graphs. (illustr. 17) Order No. 1237116
, * t
zEISS IKON precision lilters
For special effects ZEISS IKON precision filters afe
available in yellow, yellow-green' orange, red and
blue (IKoLoR) as well as U.V. filter. They are screwed
onto the lens mount and need not be removed when
the camera is closed (lens focused at co ). Diameter,' ' 35,5 mm. \7hen filters are used the exposure time
has to be extended in accordance with the f iltef
factor which is engraved on the mount of every
filter. Order No. 353
PolarisinQfitter
To eliminate reflections in highly polished, non-
metallic surfacesof the object to be photographed,
the polarisingfilter ZEISSBERNoTan(diameter32 mm)View original page 22Page 23 · Read text
is slipped onto the lens mount.
Filter factor: 3. For parti-
culars see the instructions for
use of the polarising filter.
Order No. 330
Lens hood
..The lens hood prevents
1 irradiations and fog in
against-the-light pictures. A lens hood is just as
useful with a coated, lens as with an uncoated one/
it protects the lerrs ,from rain and snow and is
simply a must for colour photography. The ZEISS
IKON lens hood (diameter 32 mm) can be slipped
over ZEISSIKON precision filters and the ZEISS
PRoxAR lenses (illustr. 18). Order No. 1l'11
Cable r elease
For long instantaneous (r I n or 1Ir sec.) and time
exposures a cable release should be used which
can be screwed into the thread of the body shutter
release (15). For long time exposures (shutter set-
ting "8") the ZEISSIKON cable release has a spe-
cial time lock. Order No. 1312124
Supplementdry lenses f n, close-ups ( znlss pRoxAR )
The SUPER IKONTA can be focused at any distance
up to 4 fieet.
The supplemetrtary lenses allow to focus the ca-
mera at shorter distances. The ZEISS PROXARS(dia-
www.orphancameras.comView original page 23Page 25 · Read text
Colourpbotograpby
On account of the excellent
colour correction of the
NOVAR- or the TESSAR len-
ses the SUPERIKONTA is
especially suited for colour
photography. Contrary to
black and white films colour
films have a small exposure
latitude only and a'6curate exposure is, therefore,
one of the essentials of good colour photography.
For this purpose the photo-electric exposure rneter
ZEISSIKON IKOPHOT comes in handy (illustr. 19).
Ask your photo-dealer for the special IKoPHOT
leaflet.
Flasblightpbotography
For flashlight exposures the ZEISS IKON flashguns
rKoBLrrz have proved to be especially suitable.
The IKOBLITZ 0, a handy capacitor flashgun, has
a test lamp for testing inserted flashbulbs and is
supplied with a practical bug with zip fastener.
The IKOBLITZIII, also a capacitor flashgun, is provi-
ded with all refinements for the most particular
customer.
For press-photographers and discriminating anla-
teurs there is the electronic flash equipment IKOTRON
Ask your photo-dealer for descriptive leaflets.
www.orphancameras.comView original page 25Page 26 · Read text
In order to prevent the flash lead from interfering
with the field of vier,v the flashgun is suitably corr-
nected to the contact socket (17) by means of the
ZEISS IKON angle-pl.rg. Order No. 1340
Pbotographyuith artificialltght
The most suitablJ equipment for photography *ith
artificial light is the Universal Lighting Equipment
lvloVILuM (illustr. 20). This practical appliance is
delivered rvith two reflectors but can be equipped
with 4 or even 6 reflectors. Similar to a flashgun
the MOVILUM is screwed to the camera by r-neans
of a special bracket so that the lamps neei:l not
be shifted when the subject changes the position.
Order No. 1 310View original page 26Related documents and language editions
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PDF verified 2026-10-10.