Antique Folding Zeiss Ikon Super Ikonta (C) 530/2 Camera. Germany, 1933–1936

Antique Folding Zeiss Ikon Super Ikonta (C) 530/2 Camera. Germany, 1933–1936 This Zeiss Ikon Super Ikonta (C) 530/2 is one of the most refined and iconic folding or bellows cameras of the 1930s. Manufactured in Germany by the renowned Zeiss Ikon AG in the city of Dresden, this camera represented the brand’s leap into the high-end medium-format category, combining optical precision, advanced engineering, and understated aesthetics that still command respect among collectors and photographers today. Produced between 1933 and 1936, the Super Ikonta (C) 530/2 was the first in its series to be equipped with a coupled rangefinder, a technical innovation that allowed precise and fast focusing, an exceptional feature for its time. The catalog number 530/2 and the letter (C) identify within the Super Ikonta line the large-format model (6×9 cm) designed for 120 roll film, considered the top of the range for its size, sharpness, and professional quality. In the Zeiss Ikon system, the letters A, B, and C referred respectively to the 4.5×6, 6×6, and 6×9 cm formats, with the (C) version being the most advanced and highly valued for its optical performance and large negative size. It uses 120 roll film, producing large negatives capable of rendering exceptional tonal richness and definition. Its 105 mm Carl Zeiss Jena Tessar f/4.5 lens, considered one of the best of its time, delivers excellent contrast and detail reproduction that became a milestone in the history of photographic optics. The German-made Compur-Rapid shutter ensures accurate speeds from 1 second to 1/400, providing full exposure control. All of this is housed in a folding metal body covered in leather, with high-quality chrome details that convey both solidity and elegance. This model also stands out for its combined viewfinder system and ergonomic design, which positioned Zeiss Ikon at the forefront of European photographic innovation. The example presented here is in exceptional condition, with perfectly preserved bellows free of cracks or light leaks, and smooth, precise mechanics. The rangefinder works correctly, as do the focusing system and shutter. It also includes its original shutter release cable with red button, a very rare accessory to find in such fine condition, adding character, authenticity, and visual appeal to the piece. The lens maintains its original brightness and inscriptions, free from haze or fungus, making this camera both an aesthetic and functional jewel. The Super Ikonta (C) was not just a camera but a symbol of Zeiss Ikon’s technical prestige in the years preceding the Second World War. Its combination of precision, durability, and beauty earned it a prominent place in the history of photography. Ideal for a discerning collector or for anyone seeking an iconic piece that revives the golden age of analog photography, this camera is a testament to an era when every shot was a work of art. Its elegant presence, reliability, and flawless craftsmanship make it a piece that enhances any display or photographic collection. A true high-end camera admired by connoisseurs worldwide. Measurements: 16 cm (6.3 in) × 8 cm (3.15 in). History of the Zeiss Ikon Super Ikonta (C) 530/2 The Super Ikonta line was introduced by Zeiss Ikon AG in Dresden at the beginning of the 1930s, marking a new stage in the evolution of folding cameras. Zeiss Ikon, founded in 1926 after the merger of four manufacturers (ICA, Contessa-Nettel, Ernemann, and Goerz), became the largest European producer of cameras and optical equipment. The goal of the “Super” line was to offer professional-grade precision instruments in compact form, featuring coupled rangefinders and high-performance Tessar lenses. The Super Ikonta (C) 530/2, introduced around 1933, was the top-of-the-line 6×9 cm model, aimed at professional photographers and travelers who sought the best optical quality possible in a portable body. Its coupled rangefinder system, synchronized with the lens focus mechanism, was a key innovation that anticipated similar systems from other brands by several years. During the 1930s, the Super Ikonta (C) established Zeiss Ikon’s reputation as the undisputed leader in mechanical precision and optical excellence. Each unit was assembled under strict quality control in Dresden, then regarded as the industrial heart of German photography. These cameras accompanied explorers, journalists, and artists, contributing to the rise of European photojournalism and documentary photography. Today, the Super Ikonta models remain cult classics among collectors. Their solidity, functional design, and the excellence of the Tessar lens make each example a timeless machine and a symbol of German mastery in photographic engineering.