Film cameras
Zeiss Ikon Super Ikonta / Ikonta M Reference guide
Reference guide for Zeiss Ikon Super Ikonta / Ikonta M. 84 pages in English. Read the original PDF, download or print a copy without registration.
84 pagesEnglish20.7 MB PDF
Loading your manual…Open PDF directly
Document details
- Brand
- Zeiss Ikon
- Model / document
- Zeiss Ikon Super Ikonta / Ikonta M
- Document type
- Reference guide
- Language
- English
- Pages
- 84
- File size
- 20.7 MB
- Category
- Film cameras
- Document date
- Not specified in catalog
Search available document text
Find a term, then jump to its page in the original PDF. Image-only pages may not be searchable; check the PDF for exact wording and diagrams.
Page 5 · Read text
TTIE MODEI,S
The lkonta rollfilm cameras with rangefinder fall into two
main groups. These cover the Super lkonta models where
the rangefinder is coupled to the focusing movement of the
lens, and the lkonta M (formerly known as lkonta lll or
Mess-lkonta) series where the rangefinder is built-in but
not coupled with the lens.
The name lkonta also is borne by cameras not covered in
this guide, namely the rollfilm lkontas without rangefinder
and the 35 mm. miniature lkonta.
The rangefinder lkontas are constructed with particular
regard to simple and quick handling, ability to stand up to
hard wear, and full efticiency.
The Super lkontas
Of the Super lkonta series Models lll and tV were in
production up to 1959 and these, like all other models, are
now discontinued. The following is the full range of models
that have been produced:
'1. 4.5 x 6 cm. SUPER IKONTAfor 16 pictures lf in. x 2| in. (4.5 x 6 cm.) on 2{ in. x 3f in. film (:" 120", "20"); some models are suitable
for both "120" and the metal narrow core "620" spools. The weight is
19 ozs. and the dimensions are lft in. x 3f in. x 4| in. The body is
hard aluminium-alloy with hinged back the front is fully self-erecting,
giving perfect rigidity, metal parts are stove enamel and fittings nickel-
plated. Focusing is done by a built-in rangefinder which is coupled auto-
matically to the focusing front cell of the camera lens. The front is
connected with leather bellows to the camera back. Either the Novar
f 3.5 or the Zeiss Tessar f 3.5 has been fitted in the Compur Shutter
and the Compur Rapid shutter respectively. The finder is of the direct
vision optical type. (Ihis model which first oppeared on the morket in June
1934 hod the Code No. 530.)
The last edition of this series has been fitted with a body release and
some with Van Albada Finder.
ln 1937 a second model of the Super lkonta was introduced (Code
No. 53l), incorporating double-exposure prevention device, body
release, Van Albada viewfinder which opens automatically with the
camera, and chrome finish of metal parts. Models made between 1946
and 1950 were fitted with the Schneider Xenar f 3.5.
Models made since 1950 are again fitted with a coated Tessar f 3.5
lens, and flash-synchronized Compur-Rapid shutter.
www.butkus.usView original page 5Page 6 · Read text
THE SUPER IKONTAS
2t x 3{ in. Super lkonto takes 8 ex-
p6surei 2f in. X 3f in. (6 x 9 cm.),
bn standard 2* in. X 3* in. film
(:120,20). lt has a built-in range-
finder coirpled to the lens, and
body release with interlock to
prevent dou ble exPosu res. An
botical sisnal indicates whether
tlie film his been wound on. The
picture size does not normally call
for enlarging, on the other hand
the negative will stand enlarge-
ment up to I in. X l0 in. and
more. The camera is too big to be
carried in one's pocket. Particu-
lars on page 9.
Eorly 2i x 3[ in. SuPe.r lkonto
models were similar to above but
without body release. There is no
double exposure lock, nor oPtical
signal to- indicate whether the
film has been wound on. The
camera takes 8 exposures 2f, in. x
3* in. (6 x 9 cm.) on standard 2o).zi in. i 3f in. filrh (- l2o,
,8 x 2* in. SuPer lkonto.is' aPartfrom size, similar to the 2* x
3* in. Super lkonta (obove), anq
fitted with body release and
dou ble exposu re lock. The
original model (not shown)- 9or-reslonds to th'e original 2t x
3| in. Su per lkonta. Both models
tike 16 ixposures l$ in. x 2f in.
(4.5 x 6 im.) on the standard
2* in. X 3* in. filT (:120, 20).
Pirticulars on page 4.View original page 6Page 7 · Read text
SUPER lKoNTAs 2I x 2[
Model 5321 16 takes I I exposures
2* in. x 2f, in. (6 x 6 cm.), on
standard 2* in. x 3* in. film
(:120, 20). lt has built-in range-
finder in one eyepiece with the
viewfinder, double exposure lock,
automatic exposu re cou nter, depth
of field scale, automatic filrrr tr?fls-
port stop. As lens the Tessar
f 2.8 has been fitted in a Compur- Rapid or Synchro-Compur shut-
ter. Particulars see page 8.
Model 530116 for ll exposures
2f in. x 2* in. (6 x 6 cm.) is the
predecessor of the 532116 model
above and similar to it except that
the range- and viewfinder are in
separate eyepieces. The earlier
models have no automatic film
stop. The lens is the Zeiss Tessar
f 3.5 or F 2.8 in a Compur-Rapid shutter. Particulars on page 8.
Model 533115 is similar to the
5321|'6 model, but takes 12 ex-
posures per film and has a built-
in photo-electric exposure meter.
Additional features: after thread-
ing in the film, winding is fully
automatic; a signal device shows
red until all 12 exposures are
made, at which point it changes to
white. Particulars see page 8.
www.butkus.usView original page 7Page 8 · Read text
Super lkonta lll takes l2 exposures
2* in. x 2t in. (6 x 6 cm.) on
standard 2* in. x 3* in. film
(120, 20). lt has a built-in rang.e'
finder in one eyepiece with t,he
viewfinder, double exposure lock,
automatic exPosu re cou nter'
depth of field scale, and a film in-
diiator, The lens is the Novar
F 3.5 or Tessar f 3.5 in a SYnchro-
Compur shutter. Particulars see
page 8.
Sufer lkonto lV (illustration on
back cover) is like Model lll but
with built-in photoelectric ex-
posure meter. Particulars see
page 9.
IKONTAS M
2f, in. Squore lkonto M has a bodY
release, depth of field indicator,
double exposure prevention de-
vice, and takes l2 exposures, 2| in.
x 2t in. (6 x 6 cm.) on 2f, in. I3f in. film (- 120, 20, Brownie 2).
It.has a rangefinder built into the
top of the camera for measuring
the distance between the carnera
and the subject. This distance is
then set on the lens. The camera
is small enough to fit into a pocket
while the picture size is large
enough for ccntact prints. Par-
ticulars see page 9.
2[ x 3[ in. lkonto M has a bodY
release, depth of field indicator,
double exposure prevention de-
vice, and takes 8 exposures 2f in.
x 3f in.(6 x 9 cm.) on 2f, in. X
3f in. film (:170,20, Brownie 2).
A rangefinder is built into the toP
of the camera for measuring the
distance between the camera and
the subject. This distance can
then be set on the lens. Par-
ticulars see page 10.View original page 8Page 9 · Read text
t
exposures 2| in. x 2{ in. l. 2t .ln. SQUARE SUPER IKONTA for ll (6. x 6 cm.)on standard 2t ln. x 3f in. film (-"120",'20"). Wdight 36 ozs., dimensions 2 in. x 3f in. x 5$ in. The finish is blaik enamel,
edges and fittings are chrome, the covering is fine grain leather-the
camera front is connected to the back by leather bellows. The front
cell of the lens is also engraved with distances from infinity to 6 ft. il'
Depth of field scale is provided. The viewfinder is built in, other p finders can be slid into the shoe provided on top of the camera. As
lenses the Zeiss Tessar f 3.5 and f 2.8 have been fitted into a Compur i Rapid shutter with built-in delayed action release. Body releise,
double-exposure prevention device and automatic exposure counter
provided.are (Ihe Code No. of this model is 530/16.) l 1937 a second model, In Super lkonta the ll2f in. sq. was introduced
with combined eyepiece for rangefinder and vievrfinder so that both
distance setting and viewing the image can be done at the same time,
and an automatic stop for the film transport has been fitted. As lens,
only the Tessar f 2.8 has been built in. (This model beors the Cade
No. 532/16.)
In 1939 the Super lkonta 2f in. sq. with a built-in photo-electrlc
exposure meter was put on the market with the following additional
features: the capacity is l2 exposures; after threading in the film the
winding is fully automatic, a signal device shows red until all 12 ex-
posures are made, at which point it changes to white. In 1949 the same
qo{el was prod_uced with a different exposure meter. (Ihe Code No.
of this model is 533/ 16.)
Since 1950 the Super lkonta 532116 has been known as the Super f;
lkonta l(B), and model 533/16 with built-in exposure meter as ihe iSuper lkonta ll (BX). Both have coated lenses and flash-synchronized I
shutters and take l2 exposures.
The Super lkonto lll was introduced in early 1954. lt takes l2 exposures
on standard 2f in.x3f, in. film ("120", "20"). lt weighe 24 ozs. and
measures 5| in.x4$ in.x lf in. The finish is black enamel, edges and
fittings are chrome, the covering is fine grain leather. The front cell
of the lens carries the distance scale from @ to 4 ft. and a depth of
field scale is engraved on the shutter front. The view finder is conibined
in one eyepiece with the rangefinder, but the coupling is different from
the earlier Super lkonta models. The Super lkonta lll does not haye the
rotating wedge mounted on the front of the lens panel but uses the
mirror principle (see page l3). An accessory shoe is provided on the
t9p-olthecamera. A body release, film transport interlock preventing
double or blank exposures (with coloured indicating disc), an automatia
exposure counter, and a film indicator are provided. The lens is a
coated Novar f 3.5 in a Synchro-Compur shutter; originally the Tessar
f 3.5 was also fitted. (The code No. is 531/16.)
Super lkonto l% introduced early 1956, is identical to the Super
lkonta lll but has a photoelectric exposure meter built into the space
www.butkus.usView original page 9Page 11 · Read text
weig-ht 17 o',: The .body is. of hard aruminium ailoy with hinged back;
:ll;"r"X!fi j:[!:i'l:l*n,t;xli':].T;
rotating.front"itiy,:"i5,%!:*xl"',:[l.cell. The fronl is conndcted withl;;;h;, u-"lror", to the
camera back. The camera has a built-in optical fina;;; ao;Ul"
lock, depth of field indicator, and accessoiy shoe. e ,'""e"n"der"*porur"is built into the camera top.(not coupred to the rins). A nrm iidiiator can be
sef Eo rlg lype of tirm toaded into the camera. The lens is the coated
f 4.5 or f_3.5, 3.5 and the-strd;;';i; pronll. S, f!9-var f ,or.]essa.r. SVS, Compur or Rapid. (Code No. 524116.)
2- IKONTA M for.8 exposures-2f in. x 3{ in. (6 x 9 cm.) on standard "120" film. The dimeniions of this modei *'+'in. x rf, in., y'.eigft 23.oz,.The gener-al description is the ,"r"".u't'in. ont" M .6""". I ne tens ts the coa e d-Novar "r'io.itTessar f 4,5 or f 3.5, or prontor f 3.5, and- the- - shutter the s, svs, or compur nafia. r.li. siqti.f lcoa"
The Lenses
The lenses of the. super rkonta are not interchangeabre and con-
sequently. neither telephoto nor wide angle lensei iai-u"'usea. The
onr)'. oprrcar.supprementary equipment employable consists of con-
verging meniscus lenses which'aliow the camera to be set at nearer
distances than would be possible with the un"iaua l";; G; page 52). NovAR is a three lens air s.paced_anastigmat made in two ape*ures,
[1;j,Lr^1.^l:rreio even ar lntuil aaperr.ure.and..isgood standard ofgraduallydefiniiion improved";;;ih; "nti.uwhen nesativestJpfed
down t_o_f_8. lt is slitable for all gjneral pi.lotoir"pf,i; ;;;i.
twice as-fast as rr^re f +lSGnr, ca-n usefuily be emproyed-jj:.11.t;^!ul:F.,1trortfor taking phorographs in particurarty poor light, of'fasi moving subjects, in sports photbgraphy, etc.
TESSAR lens is a four component front air spaced, back component connecred. .anastigmat,Thi Tessar.is accepded trrroughoii .G world as perfecr opti-c1! equipment. The definiti"'r,-i, t" u"lonsidered a.s very good even at full aperiure, covering the negativeirltv and evenly -il;'il;i illuminating to_ jery the corners, and t'"i f."ii"ur;rl;;;i performance of Tessar the is given around E.e; ine."iroZrl"n remains f -u]i"itr.", undiminished smailer. at apeitures. Tessars ;r;tilg ;f built into the lkonta and Super lkonta. "r"
Tessar f 3.B.and f.3.5.may be cailed universat types suitabte for ail general work including landlcapes, porrraits, stre6d ,;"*;, unfavour- able light conditions, fist moving iu'blectt, sports ph;i;;;;'phy,'".i.
50o/o more right at tuit than rhe --T-es.sar f 2.8 passes lhlgug-h f 3.5 lens. While its field olappriiation is similar to that"pettu.eof the slower
Tessars, its fastness oermits inithntaneous exposures in very poor right,
indoors, in artificial'light, as weil as roi ve.y rapid movement.
10 XENAR f 3.5, similar to Tessar f 3.5 is fitted to some Super rkontas.
www.butkus.usView original page 11Page 12 · Read text
SUPER IKONTA LENSES AND SHUTTERS
The Novor (left) is a three-lfass
anastigmat lens of good definit-ion.
I he tour glass Zeiss lessor (right\
oae ol the b,est teneral purpose ls renses ol medium to fast soeed. 'Th; ?ld pin-sharp definition.
Xenor is of the same construction
1nd performance as the Tessai
(see also page l0).
#iry&
@
lkontas M are fitted with the prontor SV, SVS or the .Synchro-Compur shutter, Super- lkonias wiih
)yncnro-uompur shutter and the Super lkonta lV with
synchro-Compur with light value siale. The prontor
)ys has eight speeds, I to l/300 sec. and B, while the
Jyncnro-Uompur has nine speeds (the-Bothlatest versionten speeds), going up to l/500 sec. shutters are
speed-synchronized for flash shots at any shutterspeed. Earlier versions, the prontor S'and the
Compur-Rapid are similar, but are ivnchronized foitfash bulbs at | 125 sec. only (see page Z5).
( x 9 cm.)Super !ry. exposures,a.maskIh:?t \torS* t6 lt x 2ftkontain.is(4.Ssupptiedx 6 cm.).with
When used with tlie smaller ficturl siie t'ne t"n, .ovei,
a smaller angle of view, but that is frequenii), ;; ;e:vantage as it eliminates unu/anted foreground.View original page 12Page 13 · Read text
Irens Coating
The latest development in improving the performance of a
photographic lens is a process generally called coating or
blooming. lt consists of the application of a microscopi-ally
fine film of some inorganic substance on the glass sur-
faces, which considerably reduces the light reflection
between glass and air surfaces in the lens. The gain will be
fully appreciated if it is understood that, for example, in a
Tessar the loss of light due to surface reflection is in the
region of about 35o/o, a figure which can be reduced by
coating to about 5o/o. Apart from a gain in the speed of
the f ens which may be in actual practice 50% (: half a stop),
its main importance lies in the elimination of the scatter of
light which impairs the contrast of the image. This results
in a more brilliant negative, especially in the shadow regions
where the tones are most subdued and so brilliance and
contrast is most needed. The post-war Super lkonta models
have factory-coated lenses. With the older cameras the
coat,ing, however, can be undertaken by reliable optical
manufacturers through photographic dealers. The fact that
a lens has been coated can be recognized by observing in the
lens reflections of, let us say, a lamp, which appear distinctly
coloured, as a rule a rather deep blue with a tinge of red.
The treatment and care of lenses is a matter of importance.
On account of its chemical composition, optical glass of
high quality is susceptible to the influence of moisture, and
for this reason touching the glass with the fingers should
be avoided. Since complete protection is impossible, the
lens surface should be cleaned occasionally with a clean,
soft chamois leather.
THE LENS HOOD is a tube, as a rule made from metal,
placed over the front of the lens to protect it from light
coming from outside the actual picture area. There is no
picture which could not be improved in clarity and brilliancy
by the use of a lens hood. The wider the aperture of the
lens the more important is the use of the lens hood. The
t2 light coming from objects outside the actual picture area
www.butkus.usView original page 13Page 14 · Read text
, THE RANGEFINDER
to 30
The rangefinder of Super lkonta lll and lV, and lkonta M, employ the pivotted
mirror principle (/eft). All other models employ rotating wedges (right).
The rangefinder spot of Super lkonta
lll, lV, and lkonta M is rectangular. r'b
The rangefinder spot of models other The rangefinder arm of the 2tx l$ in.
than lll, lV and M is circular. The focus- and 3f, x2* in. models has to be swung
ing ring is turned until the two images upwards for use.
Holding the camera for rangefinder focusing-2*x 3* in. and 18x2f, in. models
(left), the older 2* in. sq. models (centre), and models lll and lV (right).View original page 14Page 16 · Read text
the two images fuse into one. The rangefinder is then set to
the correct distance. With the lkonta M read off this
subject distance and set the focusing scale on the lens mount
to the same figure. On the Super lkontas the adjustment
of the rangefinder automatically sets the lens to the correct
distance.
Ttre Shutters
The lkonta M models are fitted wirh Prontor SV or SVS
or Synchro-Compur shutters, while the Super lkonta
cameras have the Synchro-Compur and the Super lkonta lV
the Synchro-Compur with light value scale. The earlier
models were fitted with the Compur or Compur Rapid,
except one 2f, x 3f in. Super lkonta which had a Klio shutter.
The shutters require tensioning before each exposure and
are released by the camera body release. Early models had
no body release, the release lever on the shutter itself
being used.
The modern shutters (Prontor SV, SVS and Synchro-
Compur) are synchronized for use with flash bulbs and elec-
tronic flash at all speeds (see page 75).
THE PRONTOR S, SV and SVS have 8 speeds: l, ll2, l/5, l/10,
\125, 1150, lll00, and l/300 sec. (l/250 in 2f, x 3j in. lkonta M), and a
B setting for time exposures, as well as a built-in delayed action release.
To set the shutter turn the outside milled ring until the top of the
{ia1no_nd 1nqlk I points to the speed required. The engraved figures 1,2,5, f 0,25,50, 100, and 300, stand for l,ll2, I/5, l/10, 1125,-1150,
!/100, and-l/300 sec. respectively. To tension the shutter pull the
tensioning lever on top of the shutter anti-clockwise as far as it will go.
A delayed action release (also called self-timer) is built into the
Prontor S, SV and SVS, and permits the photographer to appear in the
photograph himself. To use the delayed action ieldase, set th6 camera in
the usualw_ay and mount_it on a rigid support, best a tripod. In the
Prontor SVS, tensioning the shutter also winds the self-timer. On the
Prontor S and SV press down the delayed action setting lever as far as it
will go. This is the_lever with a red dot in its centre onthe lower part of
the shurter rrm. On pressing the shutter release, the shutter gbes off
after a delay of approximately 8 sec., giving the operator timelo take
his place in the picture. The synchronizing levei on the SV shutter
(see page 76) must be set to X when the self-timer is used.
THE SYNCHRO-COMPUR AND COMPUR-RAPID shutters have 9 15View original page 16Page 17 · Read text
speeds: l, | 12, l/5, l/10, a 125, | 150, l/100, l/300, and l/500 sec. as well
as a B setting for time exposures.
The Synchro-Compur and recent Compur-Rapid shutters differ only
in their flash synchronization (see page 76). Older Compur-Rapid
shutters are not synchronized for flash, nor is the pre-war Compur.
The latter has a top speed of l/300 sec. The older Compur-Rapid for
larger sizes went up to l/400 s'ec.
To set the shutter, turn the outside milled ring until the arrow head
points to the speed required. The engraved figures, l, 2, 5, 10, 25, 50,
100, 300, and 500 stand for l, | 12,l15,lll0,ll25,l/50, l/100, l/300, and l/500 sec. respectively. To tension the shutter, pull the tensioning
lever on top of the shutter in a clockwise direct,ion as far as it will go.
The speeds from I to l/10 and l/25 to l/300 sec. range continuously
and may be set to any in-between value, i.e. setting between 50 and 100
gives an exposure of l/75 sec. On the other hand no intermediate
' speeds can be set between I sec. and B, between l/10 and l/25 sec.' or
between l/300 and l/500 sec. When turning the outside milled ring of
the shutterfrom l/300 to l/500 sec. a resistance is felt which is due to
an additional spring needed to achieve this fastest speed. On the Com-
pur shutter, with a top speed of l/300 sec., this spring comes into action
between l/100 and l/300 sec.
THE SYNCHRO COMPUR WITH LIGHT VALUES ls the latest ver-
sion of the Synchro-Compur shutter. lt is fitted with some different
shutter speeds, namely, l, l12, l14, l18, l/15, l/30, l/60, lll75, 11250
and l/500 sec. All the speeds (including l/500 sec.) can be set before or
after tensioning. On the base of the shutter rim a range of numbers is
engraved in red from 2-18 which represent light values for correct
exposure. Each light value represents a range ofshutter speed-aperture
combinations, but is covered by a single setting. The built-in photo-
electric exposure meter of the Super lkonta lV as well as the latest
exposure meters are now also calibrated in light values; the reading
can thus be transferred directly to the shutter.
To set the light yalue, slightly pull out the serrated lever on the left
of the shutter front and move it to the appropriate light value on the
scale. You can now choose any shutter speed or aperture without
changing the exposure. lf you alter the shutter speed, the aperture will
set to the correct value, or if you change the aperture, the shutter speed
adjusts itself automatically to keep the effective exposure constant.
To change the shutter-aperture combination iust move the speed setting ring until the aperture lever or speed index points to the
required aperture or shutter speed respectively. Intermediate light
values can also be set, e.g. 5*, 6f, etc., for fully accurate work.
The shutter may be used in the conventional way too; in this case the
shutter speed has to be adjusted first and then the aperture.
The shutter has a built-in delayed action release; to use it set the
lever to V, but only ofter the shutter hos been tensioned. The lever will-
.a after release-have moved away from the V setting to prevent acci- IO dental delay release.
www.butkus.us
II
I
A *r*ril{x,.r ;h':..-:,-.';,;-i:..,j,-a.;.."k.:,. ;i-. IIView original page 17Page 18 · Read text
THE KLIO SHUTTER ha3 speeds from I to lll75 sec. B, T, and built-
in delayed action. lt is similar in manipulation to Prontor SV (see
page l5).
FOR TIME EXPOSURES with any of the shutters described, set the
shutter speed ring to B (brief time).- The shu-tter requires tensioning
as in the usual way. bn reliasing,-downthe-shutter will remain oPen as long the release bution is pressed and closes as soon as the Pressurc
on the release is rem6ved. For such time exPosures the camera must
be mounted on a firm support such as a tripod. lt is usually safest to
release the shutter with thb help of a cable r-elease to avoid shaking the
camera. This release is screwed into the cable release socket of the
shutter (in models without body release), or in the centre of the body
release (models with body release).
For lo'ng time exposures-wher6 the shutter is to remain.open for
longer thin you can conven-iently -keep the reJege depressed-a cable rele-ase with iocking screw should be employed. To make the exPosure
se1 the shutter to 6, depress the cable release plunger,_and tighten its
fixing screw. The shuttir will now remain oPen until the fixing screw
is unlocked.
ln the older cameras with Compur shutter but no body release there
is a "T" setting for long time exiosures. When the outer milled. ring
is set to T the-shutteripens wlien the release lever is pressed down
and will only close when the release is.pressed .a se.cond time. Con-
sequently thb T setting is only employed-when the shutter. is.required
to'remain open for a i-ong tirire-that is, whenever it would be incon'
venient or iinpracticable to keep the release lever pressed.
v THE DELAYED ACTTON RELEASE of the Compur shutters (onlyA built into the larser models) can only be used with the speeds from
I to l/200 sec., bJt not with'B or thefastest speed. To use the delayed
action release (for self-portraiture) set the shutter to the speed required
and tension in'the usuil way" The tensioning lever will come-to.a.stoP
at a small milled knob (the'delayed action knob) which is pushed back'
wards towards the camera body. The tensioning lever can now bc
pulled farther to another stop. When the shutter release is pressed the
ilockwork is set in motion add after about l5 sec. automatically releases
the shutter, thus giving the operator the chance of appearing in the
picture.
IKON-B t7View original page 18Page 19 · Read text
::.Ii IIAI{DIING
Ioading
Loading of film into the camera is best done in subdued
daylight, i.e. in one's own shadow.
t. Open camera back.
2. Insert empty spool in chamber on winding
key side.
3. Insert rollfilm in other empty chamber.
4. Fix paper end on to empty spool.
5. Wind fllm transport key two turns.
6. Close camera back.
7. Turn film to No. l.
l. Slide the locking latch on top of the camera in the direction of the
arrow, and the camera back will open on its hinge.
ln Super lkonto 2t x 2[ in. models'l ond ll with film transport lockins
device the film should only be inserted when locking niechanism E
disengaged (see page 28, No. l).
2. T-he empt), film spool has to be in the take-up chamber-that is
the one below the film window key-before a film can be inserted.
The empty spool has a slot at one end, while the other end has a
round hole. The projecting bar of the film winding key is engased
in the end with rhe slot, while the other end receives the pegln
the opposite side of the chamber. The peg is on a spring plati w-hich
has.to be pulled slightly outwards to allow the spool t6 drop into
position.
3. The full roll of film is placed into the chamber opposite the one
with the lilm key by pulling out the side pin on its ipring to allow
the spool core to enter and then replacing the pin in the central
bore of the core itself. The- pointed end of the backing paper on
the spool must point towards the empty take-up spool.-
4. The gummed paper slip holding down the backing paper of the full
spool is now broken and as far as possible removed. The pointed
end of the backing paper is drawn across the film aperture and
fitted into the longer slit in the core of the empty spooi. The black
inner side of the backing paper must face the iamera lens.
By turning the film winding key twice in a clockwise direction the
backing paper is pulled taut. The paper has to lie flat between the
flanges of the empt), spool and must on no account chafe or rub
18 them. lf the paper does not lie flat and straight, it must be adjusted.
www.butkus.usView original page 19Page 21 · Read text
ln Super lkonto 533116 (with Exposure Meterl, Super lkonto lll, and lV,
turn the film winding ke), until a heavy crossline (or two arrows,
according to the make of film used) about 8 in. from the film backing
paper end is in line with the two white dots above and below the
film aperture in the back of the camera.
5. The back of the camera is now closed and made secure by trying
to pull it open without touching the catch.
7. The film winding key is now turned until No. I appears in the red
window on the camera back. Where the window has a shutter
this must, of course, be opened to allow observation. On the models
with two windows, it is always the one which is furthest oway from
the film wind key which is used for setting film to No. l.
ln Super lkonto 2[ x 2t in. (530115 ond 532116) proceed as above,
then the film counter disc is pressed down and turned in the direc-
tion of the arrow tothe number l, when astrong resistance will be
felt. Then release the disc. The camera is now ready for the first
exPosure.
ln Super ikonto 533116 (with Exposure Meter) no further winding
beyond that indicated under No. 5 above is allowed until the film
counter setting stud is pushed to the left, thus engaging the auto-
matic counting device. The winding key is now turned in the
direction of the arrow until it comes to a definite stop. The cut-out
window of the film counter shows No. l. The camera is ready for
the first exposure.
In Super lkonta lll and ,V (531 ll6) turn the film transport key until it
comes to a definite stop. The film counter will now automatically
indicate No. l.
The Super lkonta lll, lV and lkonta M are fitted with a film indicator
which should be set after loading the film. This shows the type
(black-and-white or colour) and speed of film in the camera and thus
helps you remember these details.
Shooting
l. Open camera front.
2. Set aperture.
3. Set exposure time.
4. Set distance.
5. View the image.
6. Release.
7. Wind on film for next exposure.
8. Close camera.
aa l. Pressure on the front-opening button releases the camera front,zV which will at once spring into proper taking position (hence thc
www.butkus.usView original page 21Page 22 · Read text
narh€ "self-erecting" camera). The camera should be tilted slightly
forward as it is olened. ihere is no need to retard the quick-
opening movement by applying the hand as a brake (as some users do)
t6 prev-ent the film frbm being sucked forward out of its focal plane.
Thi camera is fitted with be-llows ventilation which Prevents the
film from being pulled out of true when the camera is opened.
2, The aperture (stop) is set by'pointsturning the diaphragm lever below the te'ns until the'indicator to the stop required Gcale on
lower part of the shutter, or on toP on Super lkonta lll). -The our' pose oithe diaphragm is to adiust the effective op-ening of the lens.
fhe smaller thi! opJning (i.e. the more the lens is "stopped.'down")
the greater the ddpth oif iield (see page 30). However, as less light
can -pass through dhe "stopped-down-' leis in any given time, the
exposure musibe lengtheirid accordingly (see page 68).
3. The exposure time is set according to the shutter with which your
camera is fitted. Full details on page 15.
4. On theSuper lkonta the distance is measured and se1 with the built-in
ransefincier which is coupled to the lens. For handling the range-
find-er see pages t4 and 52. The scale of focusing distances is engraved
on the outiia-e ofthe lens front. To setthe distance without using the
rangefinder, the focusing ring is turned until the distance figu.re-
reoiesentins the distance from the back ofthe camera to the subiect
to'be photo'graphed-comes to lie opposite the index mark on the
shutter casing.
With the lkonto /14 determine the subiect distance with the help
of the built-in rangefinder (see pages l4 and 52), and then set the
lens to that distance as described above.
5. The rangefinder lkontas are fitted with an eye-level direct vision
finder.
In lkonto M ond oll Super lkonta 2t in.x2t in. models this is
built-in and does not require opening.
ln the tl x 2f, in. ond 2t x 3d in. Super lkonto it is of the folding
type whic-h opehs up aut6matichlly on- opening the camera front.
(the later moiels of ihese are fitted with the Van Albada type finder
described below.)
To view the iriage, the back-sight is held close to the eye. Do
not attempt to turn the camera to the right or left, away from the
eye, nor must the eye be moved from the cel1re.9f the eyepiece to
fi'na tne limitation of the field of view. This "spying round the
corner" is deceptive, as only that section seen in the centre of the
eyepiece while iooking straight ahead, will appear on-the neglliv-e.
fhe'netO of view is elact f6r photographs taken at 9 ft. to 12 ft.
distance. At infinity a trifle mbre afpeirs on the negative than is
seen through the finder, and at 3:[ ft. to 6ft. a shade less.
The Von Albodo Finder is an optical viewfinder built in the later types of Super lkonta lf- in. x 2i in. and 2{ in. x 3f, in. The actual 2lView original page 22Page 23 · Read text
HOLDING THE IKONTA M AND SUPER IKONTAS
2[ x 2[ in. lkonta M: Hold the camera with
both hands at either end of the body with the
camera back pressed against the nose. The
index finger of the right hand lies on top of the
body release.
2[ xzi ,n. Super lkonto (oll models). Hold
the camera against the forehead, the right hand
gripping the body with the right thumb against
the camera back. The thumb of the left-hand
presses against the body release, while the palm
of the left hand supports the camera from
underneath.
tB x 2t in. Super lkonta; For horizontal pictureshold the camera with the right hand gripping
the camera body. The index finger of the left
hand presses on the body release while the left
palm supports the camera body.
It X 2f, in. Super lkonto, For upright- pictures hold the camera with the right hand from
above, while the left thumb presses against the
body release and the lower part of tlie camera
rests in the arch formed by the thumb and
index finger.
www.butkus.usView original page 23Page 24 · Read text
HOLDING THE SUPER IKONTAS
2ix2[ in. Super lkonto (all models). Hold
lgalnst the nose, the right hand gripping-bodythe body, with the right index finger against
release. The left middle finger works the
focusing wheel or ring and the left palm sup-
ports the camera body.
Zt ry ]t in. Super /konto: ln the case of early models without body release, hold the camera
against lhe nose, the left hand gripping rhecamera bgd)r. Place the thumb of the right
hand on the shutter release while the camera
front comes to rest in the palm of the right
hand.
2* x 3f, in. Super lkonto: For horizontal pictures
hold the camera against the nose, the right
hand gripping the camera body with right
thumb on back, and index finger on top- of
camera. The palm of the left hand supports the
body, with the left index finger on rhe body
release.
2t x 3f, in. Super lkonta: For uprisht pictures
hold rhe camera against the Fordheid, with the
right gripping the top of the camera body, l,rn.d
the left thumb against the'body release and the
palp of the left hand supporting the body from
underneath.View original page 24Page 25 · Read text
ficld covered by the camera is indicated by a whlte boundary line
which seems to be just as far away as the subject. As some part of
the surroundings of the field to be included on the negativrcutside
' the boundary line-remains visible through the finder, it is possible
to keep an eye on these surroundings at the same time. This is of
particular value when photographing moving subjects. The actual
handling of the finder is the same as described previously for the
direct vision finder.
ln theSuper lkonto2tin. x 3tin.comeroswith maskfortwo picture
sizes, the finder also carries a mask to reduce the field of the finder
for pictures of half-size.
5. The exposure is made by pressing the body release veD/ gentl)'. ln
early models without body release, press the release lever on the
shutter. Exposures of ll25-l /50 sec. and less, are "instantaneous" and can be taken from the hand. lt is, however, advisable to use
l/25 sec. as sparingly as possible from the hand, as there is some
danger of jerking the camera. Even a slight jerk, enlarged six or
eight times on the print, results in unsatisfactory definition. On the
other hand, if one has a steady hand and a chance of leaning against
a wall or-even better-of supporting the camera on something
firm, not only the l/25 but also l/10 and even l/5 sec. exposure can,
with care, often be given without shaking. Time exposures should
be made with the cable release. This screws into the cable-release
socket of the shutter, in the case of a model without body release,
otherwise into the body release socket.
lkonto M and Super lkontos with double exposure interlock can
only be released after the film has actually been wound on. The film
winding key of these models sits on a slightly elevated metal plate
which carries a small circular aperture, in which a red or white disc
appears. The white disc indicates that the film has not yet been
wound on, and that the shutter cannot be released. The red disc,
on the other hand, shows that, the film has been transported and
that pressure on the shutter release will expose it. (This signal
device is not incorporated in the 2[x2[ in. Super lkontas.)
In Super lkonta 2i x 2[ in.: The film is wound by turning the
film key as far as it will go.
ln the older models, without automatic film lock, turn until the
next number on the disc comes up to the index line.
7. Winding Film in Models with One Window only: The film winding
key is turned until first a hand and then a few dots have passed the
film window and finally the figure I appears (as explained under
Loading, page 20, No. 7). To get the film into position for the
second exposure, the key is turned until No. 2 appears in the
window and so on until all exposures have been taken.
r( Winding Film in Models with Two Windows: When the 2d x 3| in. ''24 or 2| x 4f in. model Super lkonta is used for full size, only thc
www.butkus.usView original page 25Page 26 · Read text
SHOOTING
@c= O
Top: Open camera front by pressing opening button on body (/eft) or baseboard
(right).
Upper row: Focus camera by coupled rangefinder of Super lkontas (left), or by
separate rangefinder of lkonta lll (centre); in latter case set distance on lens mount
(right).
Lower row: Set aperture ring (left) or lever (centre), set shutter speed (right).
Bottom row: View and release (left), advance film to next number in red window
(centre) or on film counter (right).View original page 26Page 27 · Read text
far window is used as explained above whire the near window(thc
one nearest to the film winding key) is ignored.
mask in the film gatc ,_for.16lf l!" exposureslatter type ofit yrgghalf size,with thebothremovabtewindows will be used. Ttrii
applies also to the l$ in. x 2f, in. model. To get the film into posi tion for the exposure-th-e first winding film kEy is turned untit'first -i -and'finally and a hand, then. are-passed a.few d.ots tne ngurf
]ppears. in the window which is farthest away froir the winding
l."y (."t instructed under loading No. l). To gei the film in positiof, for the second exposure the film winding k-ey is turned tintit itre
same No. I appears in the second windoi, of ,,near window", i.e.
the one nearest the-key. For the third exposure the film is wound
until No. 2 is visible in the far window, ior the fourth exposure
one has to wind until No. 2 appears in the rear window and'so on.
lonsgsugntly each No. on th'e'film corresponds to two exposures (one in the near and the second one in thi far window) and as the
film has eight numbers there will be sixteen in att. "tporr.ei
8. The camera is closed by pressing down the upper rinks of the
struts on either side and then raising the baseboa'rd of the camera until it engages on the main body.
.In the.Super [kgnta.2] in. x 3i in. and lf in. x 2] in. models the viewfinder is folded down.
Unloading
l. Wind ofr paper end. * 2. Open camera back.
3. Remove exposed film.
4. Close camera back or reload with new fllm.
l. After all exposures have been'taken, wind on the film key until
the paper end disappears in the film window on the back'of ihi
camera, and.finally giv.e a further three turns to the key to wind
the paper fully on to the take-up spool.
ln the super lkonto 5331|6 (with exposure meterl there is a heaw
white circle inside the cameri opposite the window. The fact thJt
this circle is visible through the window indicites cleariy lh;l;i.,;
p.aper.end.(which otherwiie wo-uld hide this circte) has fassed and that the film has been wound off.
one variation of this model has no film window on the camera
back at all. Here, five full turns on !tr" lsey after the last exposur- are necessary to make sure that the film hai been wound off.'
,a .ln the super lkonto lll and lv (s3l 116) wind the firm key30 will go. A red dot will appear on the film counter. as far as it
www.butkus.usView original page 27From the M. Butkus archive. Original publisher and archive notices are retained.
Check the model and edition against your equipment.
PDF verified 2026-10-10.