Super Ikonta 531 questions..

[statler]

Hi guy's im new to the forum and have recently aquired a Super Ikonta 531 and have fallen in love with it

My first question revolves around filter sizes for the 7.5cm tessar lens as I woud ideally like to purchase a lens hood for the camera as the lens is of the uncoated variety..

And I know this probably gets asked all the time but any ideas on an age for the camera I believe it's post WW2 but it has the CZJ Tessar (uncoated) in a compur rapid with what looks like a flash synch (but it's not an MX version?)

[sircarl]

I have the same camera, and it's lots of fun. But you're right. Lens flare is a big problem. I ended up using mine only in the shade. Not sure how much a hood would help, but it's worth a try. I also found using a shutter button on the left side rather tricky. Having said all that, it's capable of producing some very nice images.

[direwolf101]

Hi statler, welcome to RFF. I have the same Super Ikonta 531 as you (with a slightly earlier serial number) and according to a source I found on-line, "ZEISS IKON CAMERA PRODUCTION 1926 TO 1945," our cameras are from 1937. I'm not certain about the exact filter size but an A36 slip on filter that I have for my Elmar seems to work ok. Perhaps some of the experts on the forum will chime in. Cheers.

[statler]

Thanks for the replies Zeiss didn't make it easy to track the production of there cameras did they

[hanskerensky]

The Tessar lensnumber (if i see correct) is 215308 which was produced in 1937.
The Compur shutter should also have a serialnumber somewhere (on the side ?) that would also give some indication if you could provide.

[pschauss]

I have a 530 and I can attest the the fact that a lens hood will give you significantly better contrast.

[ZeissFan]

You should see if the lens elements are clean. Often, haze on the lens cuts contrast noticeably.

I would have to check, but it's possible that the camera takes an A37 push-on filter. I'll take a look when I get home.

Your camera is very similar to my own, although I think mine might be slightly older.

Flash synch was first available on Compur Rapids. The M/X Synchro Compurs came later.

More later ...

[statler]

Originally Posted by hanskerensky

The Tessar lensnumber (if i see correct) is 215308 which was produced in 1937.
The Compur shutter should also have a serialnumber somewhere (on the side ?) that would also give some indication if you could provide.

Thanks the shutter number is 4192301, Lens is CZJ 2153087

The camera apart from some cosmetic scratches to the enamel is generally in very nice condition the lens doesn't look hazy but there are some very slight spots forming possible dust but more likely fungus so could do with a CLA just to get it back to tip top working condition all the shutter speeds seem to work correctly..

[hanskerensky]

Compur shutter serial number also indicates about 1937. So everything seems genuine.

[BTMarcais]

my 531 takes A32 size filters, slipped in to the little groove around the lens. an A36 might fit around the outside of the focus ring though...?
And yes, a hood is well worth it- a very fun camera though, enjoy!

-Brian

[Red Rock Bill]

just to note my 530/2 came with case and a removable frame which attaches along the film rails to take 4.5x6cm pics....the back also has 3 red windows .....bought it in a pawn shop in So.Cal in 1972 for $25.00( also included in the deal was a Voigtlander Superb TLR ).....both are still in operating condition but retired...as pointed out a lens hood sure helps the uncoated lens...regards,Bill

[Steve M.]

If you're shooting B&W, a yellow filter will help a lot w/ the contrast. These are great cameras, and it's amazing how small they were able to make them. Very well engineered. I sold mine years ago and miss it.

Still have a set of Zeiss 32mm filters w/ the cases if you're interested (Yellow, Green and Red), and possibly a metal lens hood. The filters are genuine Zeiss, and 2 of the cases are original. With a yellow filter and a good hood you'll see a big difference in your shots.

[statler]

Originally Posted by Steve M.

Still have a set of Zeiss 32mm filters w/ the cases if you're interested (Yellow, Green and Red), and possibly a metal lens hood. The filters are genuine Zeiss, and 2 of the cases are original. With a yellow filter and a good hood you'll see a big difference in your shots.

Yeah how much would you need to part with the filters and lens hood?

Originally Posted by chippy

not that i can see it clearly, but its doubtful the camera came from Zeiss Ikon with the flash sync, certainly not as standard..more likely it was added at a later date, it was quite common for people to take in thier camera (particularly a quality camera) into a shop and for a relatively small price many technicians would install a flash post

Ahh that explains alot thanks the flash synch was kind of throwing me when I was trying to date the camera.