Zeiss Ikon Nettar 515
Specification
| Manufacturer | : | Zeiss Ikon |
|---|---|---|
| Produced | : | 1937 |
| Classification | : | Medium Format |
| Body Type | : | Folding Bed |
| Bellows Deployment | : | Self Erecting |
| Construction | : | Metal |
| Film Type | : | 120 |
| Film Width | : | 62mm |
| Image Size | : | 6 × 4.5cm |
| No. of Images | : | 16 |
| Lens Type | : | Nettar Anastigmat |
| Focus Type | : | Variable |
| Focal Length | : | 75mm |
| Focal Range | : | 4' 6" - inf. |
| Aperture Type | : | Iris |
| Apertures | : | f/6.3 - f/22 |
| Shutter Type | : | Leaf |
| Shutter Speeds | : | T,B, I(1/100s, 1/50s, 1/25s) |
| Size Open (w x h x d) | : | 90 x 120 x 95 mm |
| Size Closed (w x h x d) | : | 90 x 120 x 42 mm |
| Weight | : | 435g |
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
- concentric circles in chrome on shutter plate
- 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 Nettar series by Zeiss Ikon was a successful range of self-erecting folding cameras for 120 roll film. Several types were offered for 6×9cm, 6×6cm and 6×4.5cm format, with different lenses in a variety of shutters. The Nettar series was always advertised for the amateur photographer although these cameras share many parts with the much more expensive Ikonta series.
This version takes 16 6x4.5 cm images. It has a pop-up finder on the body. It has two red windows. The shutter is not self-cocking but the shutter release is on the body of the camera.
How to Use
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/6.3 to f/22
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/22 |
| Sunny | Distinct | - | f/22 | f/16 |
 Slight Overcast | Soft around edges | f/22 | f/16 | f/11 |
 Overcast | Barely visible | f/16 | f/11 | f/8 |
 Heavy Overcast | None | f/11 | f/8 | f/6.3 |
 Open Shade/Sunset | None | f/8 | f/6.3 | - |