Zeiss Ikon Ikoflex (850/16 CR)

Photos by José Paula text by José Paula. From the collection of José Paula. Last update 2024-03-17 par Sylvain Halgand.

Manufactured or assembled in Germany from (Circa) 1935 to 1937.
Index of rarity in France: Rare (among non-specialized garage sales)
Inventory number: 14980

See the complete technical specifications

Chronology of cameras Zeiss Ikon

The Ikoflex cameras form the extensive family of Twin Lens Reflex (TLR) cameras by Zeiss Ikon. Apart from the Contaflex, there were no other cameras of this type within the brand. The Ikoflex cameras were 6 x 6 cm format cameras using 120 film (and often compatible with 620 film).

From the beginning of their production in 1934 until their discontinuation in 1960, there were numerous versions of the Ikoflex, constantly evolving to incorporate Zeiss Ikon's technical advancements.

The first model (1934-1937) can be recognized by its hexagonal front face.

Unfortunately named "Coffee Can" due to its vague resemblance to coffee canisters of the time, this beautiful camera featured notable advancements. A lever located on the front face, below the taking lens, allowed for rapid film advance. The camera could use either 120 or 620 film interchangeably. There were separate frame counters for each format, located on each side of the camera, visible from the top.

An aperture depth of field table was positioned above the viewing lens. During focusing, a lateral lever moved the hexagonal unit housing both lenses. The small distance dial rotated in synchronization to provide continuous depth of field calculations.

There was a dual display of shutter speeds, visible from the front and top of the camera.

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The Ikoflex 850/16 CR is the top variant of the original model of the Zeiss Ikon TLR. The lens is still the Novar Anastigmat 8cm/4.5, of lower quality than the Tessar. At this stage, Zeiss wanted to guarantee the exclusive contract with Franke & Heidecke and thus avoid competing directly with the Rolleiflex. The camera is the same as the other Ikoflex 850/16 variants except for the shutter. The Compur-Rapid delivers speeds of 1 to 1/500 sec plus B and T.

The Zeiss Ikon Ikoflex 850/16 CR

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