Zeiss Ikon* Ikonta 521/16

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Overview

The Zeiss Ikon Ikonta 521/16 is a classic, medium-format folding camera, much like the 521/2 model you previously asked about. The difference in the last part of the model number, "16," is the key to understanding the camera. While the 521/2 shoots a 6x9 cm negative, the Zeiss Ikon Ikonta 521/16 uses 120 roll film to produce a square 6x6 cm negative. This format, known as "12 exposures" on a roll of 120 film, was incredibly popular in its day and is a classic format for medium-format photography.
Key Characteristics: The 521/16 shares many of the same characteristics with the rest of the Ikonta line:

Folding Design: It has a bellows system that allows the camera to fold into a compact, easily portable package. This made it a great option for travel and everyday shooting.
Medium Format: As mentioned, it uses 120 film and produces 12 square negatives per roll.
Lens and Shutter Combinations: Like other Ikonta models, the 521/16 was available with a variety of lens and shutter combinations, reflecting different quality and price points. The most common lenses were the Zeiss Tessar 75mm f/3.5 and the Zeiss Novar-Anastigmat 75mm f/3.5 or f/4.5. The Tessar is a four-element lens known for its sharpness and contrast, while the Novar is a three-element lens that still produces very good results. These lenses were paired with leaf shutters, such as the Compur or Prontor series.
Manual Operation: The camera is fully mechanical, with no battery or built-in light meter. The photographer must manually set the focus, aperture, and shutter speed.
Zone Focusing: The 521/16 is a simple viewfinder camera and does not have a coupled rangefinder. The photographer must estimate the distance to the subject and set it on the lens barrel, making it ideal for zone focusing.
Double-Exposure Prevention: The 521/16, as an updated model in the Ikonta series, included a double-exposure prevention lock, a convenient feature that prevented the user from accidentally exposing the same frame twice.
Viewfinder: It has a simple, optical viewfinder for framing the shot.

In summary, the Zeiss Ikon Ikonta 521/16 is highly regarded by collectors and photographers today for its excellent image quality (thanks to the large 6x6 negative), its beautiful craftsmanship, and its compact, convenient size. It represents a a fantastic blend of vintage design and a capable photographic tool.

26.08.25

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