Mess-Ikonta 524/16 Manual

[bruce_stewart]

I have a chance to buy an early 50's vintage Mess-Ikonta 524/16 that is in very good shape. The one thing missing is an owner's manual and never having had a rangefinder camera before I feel that I couldn't make use of the camera without at least a primary guide.

Does anyone have a manual for this camera or a link to a site where I might find one?

Cheers
Bruce

[drmatthes]

Bruce,

this is going to be a problem. I have found only one link to a manual, a copy from Switzerland, which is in German language, of course:

http://www.photohistorica.ch/catalog...oducts_id=2762

But as far as my experience goes, just buy a cheap roll of film and start experimenting. Usually these ZI cameras are sturdy. I have so far used an ICA plate folder, a Nettar folder, a Taxona, a Contessa LKE, an Ikoflex I and very lately a Contax II without coming across any manual. Then I got one for the Taxona at least, at a camera flea market.

Before you buy, be sure that the rangefinder itself is in good alignment.

Enjoy!

Jesko

[ZeissFan]

The 524/16 isn't a difficult camera to learn. It has an uncoupled rangefinder and separate windows for focusing and composing.

You focus with the knob on the top right as you peer through the circular window. Then note the distance on the scale and set the lens to that distance. Then use the square window to frame your shot.

You must tension the shutter manually before you can take your shot.

The camera has double-exposure prevention. You wind until the correct frame number appears in the red window. Slide the little panel closed after advancing the film.

If this camera has the Tessar, then you'll be in for a real treat.

[titrisol]

Go to David Richert's website.
he has a manual for a very very similar camera there.
Otherwise email me off list and I'll send you a pdf

[bruce_stewart]

Thank you Jesko. You are right a manual in German would not do me any good. I stopped my German language training after 1 year in school - I have no aptitude for languages I'm sorry to say.

I have gotten a role of film and have experimented a bit. I will pick up the role this week and I will let everyone know how it went.

Cheers from Canada
Bruce