Zeiss Baby Ikonta 520/18
Specification
| Manufacturer | : | Zeiss Ikon |
|---|---|---|
| Produced | : | 1931 |
| Classification | : | Miniature |
| Body Type | : | Folding Bed |
| Bellows Deployment | : | Self Erecting |
| Construction | : | Metal |
| Film Type | : | 127 |
| Film Width | : | 46mm |
| Image Size | : | 3 x 4 cm |
| No. of Images | : | 16 |
| Lens Type | : | Novar Anastigmat |
| Focus Type | : | Variable |
| Focal Length | : | 50mm |
| Focal Range | : | 3 feet - inf. |
| Aperture Type | : | Iris |
| Apertures | : | f/4.5 - f/16 |
| Shutter Type | : | Telma double Leaf |
| Shutter Speeds | : | T, B, I(1/100s, 1/50s, 1/25s) |
| Size Open (w x h x d) | : | 70 x 102 x 83 mm |
| Size Closed (w x h x d) | : | 70 x 102 x 32 mm |
| Weight | : | 319g |
Art Deco Credentials
Significant: Pronounced and self evident
I consider this camera to warrant 4 stars for the following attributes:
- produced during the main Art Deco period
- geometric design in chrome and black enamel on shutter plate
- decorative chrome struts
- angled ends to body
- decorative concentric circles on body
- concentric circles on shutter release and front cover release
- decorative striped table stand
- pig grained leatherette
- elongated hexagon in body leatherette on back
- ornate film winder
- decorative end for back panel release
- decorative viewfinder in black and chrome
Description
The Zeiss Ikon Ikonta 520/18 is the smallest Ikonta camera. When the Baby Ikonta was introduced it was available with either an f6.3 or f4.5 Novar in a Derval Shutter. Within a short time the lens and shutter range was extended. Tessar f4.5 and f3.5 lenses were introduced. Later shutters included Telma, Compur and Compur Rapid. The Compur Rapid shutter was only available with the f/3.5 lens. It was produced from about 1931 to 1937. In the USA it was also sold under the name Ikomat 520/18
This version takes 16 3 x 4 cm images. It has a pop-up finder on the body. It has two red windows. The red windows do not have covers. The shutter is self-cocking and provides a range of shutter speeds.
How to Use
This camera takes 127 film which is still available from select outlets - search for 'Rera Pan 100-127' which is a black & white film. For those photographers in the UK, try Nick & Trick photographic services. If you want to use a particular type of film which is not available commercially, then you can cut your own 127 film from any 120 film. See my page on 'How to cut 127 film from 120 film'.
For the first frame you wind until the number 1 appears in the lower window and for the second frame you wind until the number 1 appears in the upper window. You then repeat for 2-8 giving 16 half-frames.
Shutter speeds are 1/25s, 1/50s and 1/100s although the accuracy is not guaranteed. The aperture range is f/4.5 to f/16
If you don't want to bother with an exposure meter, follow the guide shown. It is based on the 'Sunny 16' rule. Film is so forgiving and will produce acceptable results even when overexposed by 2 or 3 stops or underexposed by 1 stop.
Remember that the exposure guide in the camera user manual may not be helpful as it is based on the use of old film with a low ISO value.
The tables assume that the sun is at least 30 degrees above the horizon - that's 10am - 5pm on a summer's day in the UK.
If you are not sure about the light level, err on the side of overexposure - i.e. assume the smaller f number.
Where there is a choice, a larger f number will give a larger depth of field.
For the slower speeds, you may need a tripod to stop blur through shake.
Using ISO 100/125 film
| Weather Conditions | Shadow Detail | Shutter Speed (s) | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1/25 | 1/50 | 1/100 | ||
 SunnySnow/Sand | Dark with sharp edges | - | - | f/16(+1) |
| Sunny | Distinct | - | f/16(+1) | f/16 |
 Slight Overcast | Soft around edges | f/16(+1) | f/16 | f/11 |
 Overcast | Barely visible | f/16 | f/11 | f/8 |
 Heavy Overcast | None | f/11 | f/8 | f/5.6 |
 Open Shade/Sunset | None | f/8 | f/5.6 | f/4.5 |
Number in brackets indicates stops of overexposure.