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Art Deco Cameras

Zeiss Ikon Nettar 515

Specification

Zeiss Ikon Nettar 515
Zeiss Ikon Nettar 515
 
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

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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 ConditionsShadow DetailShutter Speed (s)
1/251/501/100
Sunny
Snow/Sand
Dark
with sharp edges
--f/22
SunnyDistinct-f/22f/16
Slight OvercastSoft around edgesf/22f/16f/11
OvercastBarely visiblef/16f/11f/8
Heavy OvercastNonef/11f/8f/6.3
Open Shade
/Sunset
Nonef/8f/6.3-