Zeiss Ikon Ikonta 520

[nikonbob]

Stephen

Now that is a very good point and can't really say for sure one way or the other. The plaque basically says to the person from the company and 17 Sept 1939. Generally when worded like that I believe it was presented on that date. Generally also if it had been presented for a particular length of past service the dates may have been from and to certain dates. Given the date a likely reason might be a going away gift prior to leaving after volunteering for the military. The again the exact meaning would be difficult to determine now and is now indeed lost.

Regardless of the reason for the presentation and apparently the 521/16 was intro-ed in 1938 I think it was quite likely presented on that date.

Bob

[Stephen]

Presentation cameras are rather nice, but rarely turn up, but one came into our shop in the 1970's, a Kodak VP 127 folder, which I noticed in a box of assorted cameras brought in for valuation and sale, it had a nice green case with it, and looked in perfect condition, opened the camera case inside the green box, and found a bright emerald green shagreen pearlesent finish camera inside.
It had gold plating where chrome was usually used, and green leather handle, all well finished.

I had seen other VP deep green models, but this was exceedingly well finished, so delved further in the presentation box and found a compartment under the camera, with a letter from Joseph Kennedy Snr, The US ambassador to the UK in the 1930's, hoping that the recipient, a member of staff at the Embassy, would accept this camera as a gift.

There was a sticker from Kodak noting it was a special model. Apparently Kennedy gave these to many staff, and the seller on seeing the note would not part with it.

Later we found out it was sold at auction in New York, reported in Modern Photography, I can't remember the exact figure, but over $10,000, and they stated that Kodak themselves had been after it, but I think the owner of Spiratone, Mr Spira bought it for his collection.......

Stephen.

[nikonbob]

When I said this camera was presented to a person I did not mean to imply that it was a presentation grade camera as you may have erroneously assumed. The 521/16 is a bog standard camera not in pristine condition with a silver engraved plaque attached to its back. I found it interesting as it had a connection to where I worked for 34 years not that I have any affection for my former employer.

Bob

[melek]

Bob, that's a nice little Ikonta. Plus, the photo is very nice. You really got the focus correct on that shot of yourself. It makes you look very dapper, which is how my mother would have put it.

Among certain circles, there is a knock against the front-cell focusing Tessars, but I've always been very pleased with the results. Like Hans, I am a big fan of the older 10.5cm Tessar on the Ikonta/Super Ikonta 6x9 cameras.

The 6x4.5 Ikonta is very small when folded. The Super Ikonta 520 is just a bit bulkier but still rather compact.

[nikonbob]

Mike

I'd like to take the credit for the photo and looking dapper but I believe that honour goes to Berndt.

The real sweetheart in the Ikonta medium format line up is the super Ikonta in 6x4.5 for sure. Another favourite of mine is the Zeiss Ikon Contessa, 533/24 I believe.

Bob

[yashica1943]

Hope I am not interrupting, but I thought that I would ask about the Zeiss Ikonta folding camera that I once owned around 55 years ago. It was a 127 film model, 16 exposures with a Novar Lens. It had a folding viewfinder. I have looked on various sites and the pictures of 'baby Ikontas' I have found look to be of rather older style. The film winding key and shutter release button were raised on a sort of bright metal plinth on mine and there was also less black painted metal around the lens area. I cannot remember what the shutter was. The camera was definitely for 127 film, I have one negative from it in front of me now. Thanks.

[hansz]

Yashica1943,

You refer to the Ikonta 520, made for 3x4cm film (aka 127 film).
The latest brochure this model is referred to is from May 1937.
The sales number for the camera with the Novar lens is 520/18 Fcr.

Hans

[basil]

I recently found an Ikonta 520 at a thrift store. Body is a bit rough, but when opened up it’s a real beauty! I’m wondering if it can be dated? 7cm f/3.5 Tessar Nr 1681694, body Z69706. Many thanks!

Basil