Zeiss Ikonta B (1929–1955)

Name: Zeiss Ikonta
Brand: Zeiss

A folding 6x6 camera that opens up into a precision instrument

Overview

The Zeiss Ikonta B is not a camera people pick up casually. They inherit it, restore it, or hunt one down. It was introduced in 1929 as part of Zeiss Ikon's four-model Ikonta line. The "B" marked the 6x6cm format on 120 film, which set it apart from the 6x4.5 siblings in the family. The original Ikonta models laid the foundation, but the later Super Ikonta B, produced from 1937 to 1955, became the company's flagship 6x6 folding camera. It was wrapped in leatherette and built entirely of mechanical parts.

Owners report a satisfying heft in the hand, though exact dimensions and weight are undocumented. The folding body collapses neatly, but you have to treat it with care. The faceplate is noted as extremely fragile and prone to bending. When opened, the lens standard locks into place solidly, and the combined viewfinder and rangefinder allows precise manual focusing. The front lens assembly uses a helical mount. A gear mechanism couples the lens to the rangefinder prism, and that interface is delicate and needs precise alignment.

Specifications

Manufacturer	Zeiss Ikon
Product type	Folding roll film camera
Film format	6x6cm
Film type	120 film
Negatives per roll	11
Lens	Carl Zeiss Jena 80mm, f/2.8 Tessar
Shutter	Compur-Rapid
Features	Combined viewfinder/rangefinder, double exposure prevention
Includes	Self-timer

Key Features

80mm f/2.8 Tessar Lens

The Super Ikonta B carries a Carl Zeiss Jena 80mm f/2.8 Tessar lens, a design known for sharpness and contrast. According to collector consensus, the most sought-after examples are the ones fitted with this lens, which delivers exceptional resolution for a folding camera. The Tessar's four-element configuration balanced performance and size, so it suited the collapsible design. The lens sits in a helical focus assembly and moves via a gear-driven linkage tied to the rangefinder.

Compur-Rapid Shutter with Synchro

The shutter is a Compur-Rapid unit, a reliable and widely respected mechanical leaf shutter of the era. It offers a range of speeds (exact values not documented), and includes flash synchronization—a notable feature for its time. The shutter is integrated into the lens assembly, allowing for consistent exposure control across the 6x6 frame. While no official speed range is confirmed in the fact sheet, Compur-Rapid shutters of this period typically spanned from 1 second to 1/400th, with B and T settings.

Combined Viewfinder and Rangefinder

Focusing uses a combined viewfinder and coincident-image rangefinder. The viewfinder provides frame lines for 6x6 composition, and the lower portion of the view includes a superimposed patch for rangefinder alignment. A gear connects the lens focusing helix to a prism inside the camera body. When the gears are aligned, focusing is precise. Collectors note a recurring problem, though: the rangefinder can become consistently misaligned across all distances, and it takes careful recalibration to fix.

Folding Metal Body with Fragile Faceplate

The body is metal and folds down compact when not in use. When open, the lens standard is securely locked. The front faceplate is notoriously fragile and bends easily, a known weak point. Repair takes precision, and sources suggest having the proper small screwdrivers before attempting any disassembly. Finding a trustworthy technician is critical, since improper handling can worsen alignment or damage the rangefinder linkage.

Double Exposure Prevention and Self-Timer

The Super Ikonta B has mechanical double exposure prevention, so the film has to advance fully before the shutter can be cocked again. It also has a self-timer, included on both the B and BX models according to a 1953 Zeiss Ikon price guide.

Historical Context

The Ikonta line debuted in 1929 with four models - A, B, C, and D - and the B was designated for 6x6cm format on 120 film. Early Ikontas used 6x4.5cm frames, so the B model marked a shift toward square-format photography. The Super Ikonta B, developed from earlier models like the 520, was the top of the line, produced from 1937 to 1955. It was Zeiss Ikon's flagship 6x6 folding camera, combining high-end optics with sophisticated mechanical design during a period of intense competition in the medium format market.

Collectibility & Value

Original pricing from 1953 lists the Super Ikonta B at $236.00, with an additional $15.50 for a case and Eveready accessories. In the modern market, values vary significantly based on model and condition. The base Ikonta B (521/16) sold for $83 in 2020 (Condition B) and $33 in 2018 (Condition 3H). The Ikonta 523/16 is estimated at $180-200 in average condition and $260-280 in very good condition. The Super Ikonta 532/16, a more advanced variant, fetched 222 Euro in 2012 (Condition B/A) and has listed on eBay for $349.99. The rangefinder's tendency to drift out of alignment, evenly across all distances, remains a common issue, and repair is non-trivial. A detailed procedure exists for correcting misalignment.

Market Value

┌──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│ ZEISS IKONTA                                                    Nov 2026 │
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│ High      $420                                    Latest            $109 │
│ Median    $108                                    Trend                — │
│ Low       $25                                     Volume          ~10/mo │
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│   $500 ┤                                                                 │
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│   $286 ┤                                   .   ..          .           . │
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│         2026-02                      2026-05                      2026-08│
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