Lomopedia: Zeiss Ikon Ikoflex

When it comes to twin lens reflex or TLR cameras, most shooters would think of the iconic Rollei and Lubitel cameras. Little do some people know, there is also another player in the TLR scene. Welcome the Zeiss Ikon Ikoflex TLR cameras.

Zeiss Ikon Ikoflex Ia © Luis Cozeto via Flickr, Image used under Creative Commons license

You just can't shake off the Rollei or Lubitel when TLR cameras are mentioned. They're just known for being great TLRs but the Ikoflex cameras aren't slouches. As a matter of fact, they boast great build quality and notable image sharpness. When equipped with Tessar lenses. Ikoflex TLRs offer some of the sharpest images.

Ikoflex cameras are particularly good when it comes to shooting photographs using a tripod. Stills, portraits, and landscapes can be captured with ease and with great effect. There's a little bit of a learning curve when using Ikoflex TLRs but it's actually a good thing. Users can learn a lot about photography fundamentals with the camera's different control settings and placements.

Zeiss Ikon Ikoflex © Erik via Flickr, Image used under Creative Commons license

One standout version of the Ikoflex is the IIa. Features like its coated Tessar lens, Syncro-Compur shutter, and a fast shutter speed of 1/500s (not much when compared to newer cameras but for something that was manufactured in the 50s, it's still a pretty good feature to note) still make it a capable camera. That and the capability to use modern strobe flashes make it a desirable piece of photographic gear.

Photos Taken by Our Community

Credits: rreeder, bkspicture, thorsten, dopa & avitalnatanson

Technical Specifications

Lens: Teronar 75 mm f/3.5 for viewing, Zeiss Opton Tessar T 75 mm f/3.5 4 elements in 3 groups for taking photos
Focusing: lens barrel ring
Shutter: 1s–1/500s, Bulb mode Synchro-Compur MW
Flash: flash sync
Film Type: 6x6 images on 120 film
Viewfinder: waist-level glass finder with sports finder

All information used in this article was sourced from TLRGraphy, TLR Cameras, Pacific Rim Camera, and Collection Appareils.

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written by cheeo on 2018-02-02 #gear #lomopedia #zeiss #gear #tlr #ikoflex #ikon #lomopedia

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