Zeiss Ikoflex III Camera: User Instructions

Introduction

This document provides instructions for using the Zeiss Ikoflex III camera, designed for taking 2 1/4" square (6 x 6 cm) pictures with a double exposure prevention device. The camera is manufactured by ZEISS IKON AG. DRESDEN.

Camera Parts Identification

Familiarize yourself with the following parts of the Zeiss Ikoflex III:

• 1: Right wall of finder hood
• 2: Shutter release button with nipple for flexible wire release
• 3: Signal disc of double exposure prevention device
• 4: Eye for neck sling
• 5: Film winding knob
• 6: Picture counter
• 7: Milled disc for setting the picture counter
• 8: Lever to adjust exposure times of the shutter
• 9: Lever for winding the shutter
• 10: Lever for setting the lens aperture
• 11: Camera lens
• 12: Finder lens
• 13: Window indicating the aperture of the lens in use
• 14: Window indicating the shutter speed in use
• 15: Outer frame of the front finder hood wall
• 16: Hinged centre of the front finder hood wall
• 17: Focusing magnifier
• 18: Left side wall of finder hood
• 19: Aperture in the rear wall of the finder hood
• 20: Locking button for the finder hood
• 21: Knob used to open the camera back
• 22: Knob of the spool-holder in the upper spool chamber
• 23: Depth of focus scale
• 24: Knob used for focusing
• 25: Knob of the spool-holder in the lower spool chamber
• 26: Red window in the camera back
• 27: Peg for holding the spool in the feed chamber
• 28: Peg for holding the spool in the take-up chamber

I. Film Spool and Film Type

The Ikoflex III uses standard B 2 roll-film, yielding 12 exposures of 2 1/4" square (6 x 6 cm) format. Zeiss Ikon recommends using their high-sensitivity Orthochrom or Panchrom films for excellent negatives, even in poor light. Panchrom films offer more accurate color reproduction as they are sensitive to the entire spectrum, including orange and red, unlike orthochromatic films which are sensitive only to blue and yellow-green. Panchrom is also more sensitive to artificial light.

Film spools are light-tight when sealed. It is advisable to load and unload the camera in diffused daylight or shade, avoiding direct sunlight on the spools.

II. Loading the Camera

Before loading, practice the necessary operations to avoid trouble due to unfamiliarity with controls.

1. Move knob (21) in the direction of the arrow and pull the camera back open simultaneously.
2. Pull out the knob (25) for the lower spool chamber, turn slightly to lock it in the outer position. Place the full film spool on the right-hand (fixed) peg in the lower chamber. The pointed end of the backing paper should face the other spool chamber, with the black side of the paper facing inwards. Turn knob (25) back to engage the peg with the spool's core hole, securing it firmly.
3. Break the paper strip holding the pointed end of the backing paper. Pull the backing paper across the open back until its pointed end can be inserted through the larger slot of the empty spool core in the upper chamber.
4. Turn the film winding knob (5) once or twice to tighten the paper and wind a small portion onto the spool. Ensure the paper runs evenly between the spool flanges; loosen if it chafes.
5. Close the camera by pressing the hinged back firmly against the main body until the lock audibly snaps into place.
6. Slide open the cover over the red window (26) in the base. Turn the film winding knob (5) continuously until a hand appears in the red window, followed by the number '1'. Once '1' is visible, the first film section is ready. Cover the red window again to prevent fogging.
7. As the paper advances, the picture counter (6) will move. When '1' appears in the red window (26), set the picture counter back to '1' by turning the milled disc (7) counter-clockwise as needed.

III. Unloading the Camera

1. After the twelfth exposure, turn the film winding knob (5) continuously until the end of the backing paper passes the red window (26).
2. Open the camera back as described previously. Seal the end of the backing paper on the exposed film spool with the provided gumstrip. Pull knob (22) outwards, lock it by turning slightly, and lift the exposed spool from its holder.
3. Pull out knob (25) in the lower spool chamber and hold it in the outer position by turning slightly. Remove the empty spool and place it in the upper spool chamber. The spool with a circular hole should be placed on the side of the film winding knob, engaging with the metal dogs on peg (28) so it rotates with the knob. Turn knob (22) slightly back; it will spring inwards, holding the empty spool firmly. The camera is now ready for a new spool of film.

IV. Taking the Picture

Focus and compose the image on the ground-glass screen inside the finder hood. The depth of focus scale (23), located next to the focusing control knob (24), indicates the range of sharp focus. For example, at f/11 with a focus setting of 15 feet, objects between approximately 9 and 48 feet will be sharp.

Using the Finder Hood

1. Move the locking button (20) to the left; the finder hood will spring into position.
2. The camera can be slung around the neck using the strap. Looking into the finder hood reveals an upright picture, reversed left to right, typical of reflex cameras.

Achieving Critical Focus

1. For critical focus, especially with large apertures, use the focusing magnifier (17). Push down the right-hand side wall (1) of the finder hood, then raise the built-in magnifier using the lug on its side.
2. When focusing, position your eye directly over the center of the magnifier.

Eye-Level Viewing

1. The camera can be used at eye-level using the frame finder. Push the central portion (16) on the front wall backwards and upwards until it catches into position.
2. For exposure, place your eye behind the rectangular hole (19) in the back wall of the finder hood. Observe the subject through the frame in the front wall. Ensure the outlines of the two frames align and keep verticals parallel to the frame edges to avoid distortion.

Focusing and Shutter Operation

1. Focus by turning the control knob (24). Operate the shutter release with your right thumb for quick use.
2. When using longer snapshot exposure times, steady the camera with your left hand underneath it.
3. After exposure, immediately turn the film winding knob (5) until the next higher number appears on the picture counter.

Prevention of Double Exposures

It is impossible to expose the same film section twice. The shutter will not operate until the winding knob (5) has advanced the film. This winding action is indicated by the appearance of a red disc in window (3). When the disc is visible, the film is advanced, and releasing the shutter exposes a fresh section.

Two-Point Focus Settings

For situations where rapid focusing is difficult, the Ikoflex features the Zeiss Ikon two-point focus system. Set the lens aperture to the red dot between f/8 and f/10, and the focusing distance to the red dot between 20 and 30 feet. With these settings, everything from 13 feet to infinity will be in sharp focus. Combined with a shutter speed of 1/25th second, this system minimizes the need for critical adjustments during normal snapshot work, even in bright winter weather.

Lens Aperture Control

Adjust the lens aperture using lever (10). Aperture numbers are displayed through window (13). A larger aperture number signifies a smaller aperture, increasing depth of focus but requiring longer exposure times.

Shutter Operation

The Compur shutter offers snapshot exposures from 1 second to 1/300 second, while the Compur Rapid covers 1 second to 1/500 second. Both can also provide long or brief time exposures.

• Snapshot Exposures: Move lever (8) to select the required shutter speed shown in window (14). Wind the shutter using lever (9) and release by pressing button (2). A flexible wire release can be screwed into the nipple of button (2). Important: Do not alter shutter settings from slow to fast speeds after setting, as this can strain the mechanism.
• Brief Time Exposures: Move lever (8) until 'B' appears in window (14). Pressing release (2) opens the shutter, which remains open until pressure is released.
• Long Time Exposures: Use a special flexible wire release screwed into button (2). This release has a movable plate (B) between body (C) and plunger (A). Set the shutter to 'B'. Pressing plunger (A) opens the shutter, which stays open until plate (B) is pressed. The special release can also be used for snapshots and brief times by pressing plate (B) against body (C) and turning it gently right to lock it, allowing plunger (A) to operate normally.

Exposure Guidance

An exposure table is located on the left-hand wall of the finder hood for general guidance. For more detailed information, refer to the printed exposure table supplied with the camera. The Helios photo-electric exposure meter by Zeiss Ikon is recommended as an accurate exposure guide.

V. Accessories for the Ikoflex

• Zeiss Ikon Filters: Series 317/0 to 317/55 are suitable. They fit the camera lens mount. Yellow filters are common. Green filters are used with panchromatic film for accurate rendering of greens and reds in still life or copies. Orange and red filters with red-sensitive film are for night effects in sunlight or misty weather. Specialized filters expand photographic possibilities.
• Proxar and Supplementary Lenses: For close-up subjects, supplementary lenses are needed for focusing between 40 to 20 inches (Proxar lenses are available in stereoscopic pairs). When using these lenses, it is essential to state the lens type, aperture, and front mount diameter when ordering. It is preferable to stop down the lens to f/8 when exposing at these close distances. Supplementary lenses must also be used on the finder lens.
• Ever-Ready Carrying Case: Protects the camera from weather. The case features an easily opened flap allowing operation of all camera controls without removal. The camera is secured by screwing the bolt in the case base into the tripod bush on the camera bottom.
• Zeiss Ikon Lens Hood, No. 1281/5: Prevents undesirable side and top light from reaching the lens, improving negative clarity and gradation, especially when shooting against the light.
• Supplementary Finder Hood Extension, No. 851/45: Fits over the normal finder hood, blocking extraneous light from the ground glass for more convenient image observation.
• Zeiss Ikon Synchronised Flash-Bulb Release, No. 3613/16: For flash-bulbs, which are convenient and produce high light output. The synchronized release connects via an extension piece and fires the flash-bulb at the exact moment the shutter opens.
• Zeiss Ikon Delayed-Action Shutter Releases: External clockwork releases clipped onto the flexible wire release. Model No. 1394/7 is for snapshots only; Model No. 1394/3 supports snapshots and time exposures up to 15 seconds.

Zeiss Magazine

The Zeiss Magazine offers articles and pictures to enhance photography enjoyment and knowledge, covering new advances. It also features National Monthly Competitions with substantial merchandise awards, where winning prints are published. Ask your dealer for the latest issue or write for a free sample. The subscription is $1 per year, or 10c per copy.