Today, I bought this.

[lloydy]

A virtually mint condition Zeiss Ikon Nettar- which is the base model of the range, but still a good camera.


Zeiss Ikon Nettar. by Mudplugga, on Flickr

Lens Novar Anastigmat 75mm f/6,3 (3 elements, coated)
Shutter Vario 1/25 - 1/200 + B
Film Type 120 Roll Film 6x6cm

And I've got a few rolls of film somewhere. I don't think this camera has more than a handful of films through it, it really is that good, but that's about to change. This Nettar works perfectly, and the speeds seem OK which is more than can be said for the various Kodaks and Voightlanders I've got lying around.

[Stephen]

That looks in fine condition, as long as age has not got at the lens in anyway it should perform well, and available film.
Stephen

[lloydy]

It came in it's leather case, and the lens is perfect, there's not even dust in it. Sadly the stitching has rotted on the otherwise excellent case, but the camera is flawless, the shutter speeds seem to be OK as well. I think this camera was used once or twice then put in a warm dry draw and forgotten about for over 50 years. I think it's as old as me.

[Peltigera]

I don't have a modern Nettar but my pre-war Nettar 515 is my favourite 120 camera and produces excellent results. Yours should work better - you've got a coated lens.

[truls]

Congratulations With a great camera, folded it is like a carry everywhere compact camera. I believe you will get rather Sharp images from this one. Is this model 518/16 ?

[genazzano]

Complimenti... David

[hansz]

Very nice condition!
Can you give me the Bestellnummer (like 518/16) and the camera body number (1 letter, followed by 5 numbers max), both are stamped into the leatherette on opposite sides of the body.
Hans

[lloydy]

Of course Hans. I'm interested in when it was made, I think it was the early 1950's - possibly like me in 1953. Although it might be later as this has the double exposure prevention on it.

It's a Nettar 518 / 16 Serial no. H 69249

From the reading I've done the Novar Anastigmat 75 / 4.5 is the right lens, but there seems to be some confusion over the shutter, this has a Velio and some some apparently have a Prontor, but both are Gauthier.

[hansz]

lloydy,

Even the Nettar was subject to stratificatoion - high end sporting f4,5 lenses and prontor shutters, and the more economic ones with f6,3 lenses and Vario shutters.
The 1952 prospects already reflect this arrangement.

Closer look of your Nettar reveales a Novar 4,5 and - like you said - a Velio shutter.
The first entry of this configuration is found in a prospect of March 1956.
The Signal-Nettar was produced from 1952 - 1959. From your bodynumber I guess your camera is from 1956 - 1957... Not an early one.

Hans

[lloydy]

Thanks Hans, it's nice to know these facts when you get a camera like this. My father was the world's worst photographer, we have albums of blurred, headless people, but I remember he did have a very similar camera to this for a while and gave it to his brother. My cousin might still have it ?
I've found a film in the draw of my desk, I'll be testing as soon as we get some sun.

[hansz]

My first Zeiss Ikon was the the 3rd camera my father used (Agfa Clack and Silette were 1 and 2). Today it is still in my posession after it went to my brothers first (Contessa with Tessar 2,8/50), and it is very dear to me.

Just uploaded some Nettar 518/16 pictures on zeiss.holoceen.nl. Same as yours, although it has the Vario shutter.

Hans

[lloydy]

Hans, is it possible - and more importantly, worth it - to upgrade the lens and shutter on the Nettar to something better?
I haven't tried the Nettar yet and by all accounts it should be good, but the Tessar and Prontor combination were offered as the better alternative.
Was the body any different, or improved in any way, on the higher end Zeiss cameras ?

[hansz]

Well, I wouldn't do it. The Novar lens is a solid performer and there is no 'factory upgrade' possible, so you are on your own. IMHO the perfect way to disaster...
Also, you can easily find Ikonta 6x6cm camereas with Tessar/Compur combinations for next-to-nothing prices these days.
As a Zeiss Ikon collector, for historical reasons I will never alter a ZI camera, but that is another point.

About your last question complete encyclopedias were written... All Zeiss Ikon folders share the same basic layout, but they functionally increase from Nettar, to Ikonta, to Super Ikonta. Remember that all 6x6cm folders were produced contemporaneously.

Most folders (4,5x6cm, 6x6cm and 6x9cm) are in regular use here, if you don't enlarge too much you can't tell the difference between a Novar or a Tessar (well, I can't:-).

Hans

[lloydy]

thank you Hansz, that's more or less what I suspected. I just wondered if there was an easy, non destuctive, lens upgrade. This camera is in far too good condition to start altering, and as you say - there are plenty of cheap Ikonta's to be found.