Zeiss Ikon Box-Tengor 56/2
Specification
| Manufacturer | : | Zeiss Ikon |
|---|---|---|
| Produced | : | 1951 |
| Classification | : | Medium Format |
| Body Type | : | Box |
| Construction | : | Metal |
| Film Type | : | 120 |
| Film Width | : | 62mm |
| Image Size | : | 6 x 9 cm |
| No. of Images | : | 8 |
| Lens Type | : | Goerz Frontar |
| Focal Length | : | 100mm |
| Focus Type | : | Variable |
| Focal Range | : | 1m - inf. |
| Aperture Type | : | Multihole |
| Apertures | : | f/9, f/11, f/16 |
| Shutter Type | : | Rotary |
| Shutter Speeds | : | T, I*(1/50s) |
| Size (w x h x d) | : | 83 x 110 x 115 mm |
| Weight | : | 575g |
| * Measured on this camera | ||
Art Deco Credentials
Acceptable: Modest and restricted
I consider this camera to warrant 2 stars for the following attributes:
- produced after the main Art Deco period
- interlocking circle pattern on front
- chrome shutter guard
- aluminium knurled wind key
- double lined box embossed in leatherette on each side of camera
- symmetrical face
Description
The Box-Tengor 56/2 is a substantial well-built camera. It takes 8 (6 x 9cm) pictures on 120 film. It has two bright viewfinders for landscape and portrait images. On the right-hand side there's a bright metal winding key. There are tripod mounts on the side and the base for portrait and landcape images.
On the side of the camera is the shutter release, shutter release lock and a tapered cable release socket. There is a tab for engaging 'T' mode . It has a lever on the front panel at the top to change the focus range, with choice of 1-2 m, 2-8m and 8-inf. Focus range change is achieved by internally swinging extra lenses into place. It has a lever on front panel at the bottom to change the aperture giving a choice of f/9, f/11 or f/16. Film advance is linked to the shutter release to avoid double exposure. A telltale indicator is located on the top showing red when the shutter release is armed and white if it is locked.
How to Use
Find the manual here for the 54-2 model which is similar:- Zeiss-Ikon 54-2 Manual
This camera takes 120 film which is widely available.
The aperture choice is f/9, f/11 or f/16. The measured speed on this camera was 1/50s. As the shutter speed is only 1/50s, it is advisable to use a tripod to get clear shake free images. However, holding it against a wall or other solid object would work as well. For quick snapshots, hold it firmly against your body.
The table shows how this camera will perform using ISO 100 film. It is based on the 'Sunny 16' rule. Modern film is so forgiving and will produce acceptable results even when overexposed by 2 or 3 stops or underexposed by 1 stop.
The tables assume that the sun is at least 30 degrees above the horizon - that's 10am - 5pm on a summers day (May-August) in the UK.
Remember that the exposure guide in the manual may not be helpful as it is based on the use of old film with a low ISO value.
Using ISO 100/125 film - shutter speed 1/50s
| Weather Conditions | Shadow Detail | Aperture | Exposure |
|---|---|---|---|
 SunnySnow/Sand | Dark with sharp edges | f/16 | +2 Stops Overexposed Acceptable |
| Sunny | Distinct | f/16 | +1 Stop Overexposed Acceptable |
 Slight Overcast | Soft around edges | f/16 | Good |
 Overcast | Barely visible | f/11 | Good |
 Heavy Overcast | None | f/9 | Good |
 Open Shade/Sunset | None | f/9 | -1 Stop Underexposed Acceptable |
Photographs taken with this Camera
Kodak Portra 160 film. Developed in Tetenal.
