The Novar lens was manufactured by Rodenstock for Zeiss Ikon. Novar is a 3 element design, and Anastigmat is a lens system that is corrected for Astigmatism, Coma and Field Curvature. Novar lens is best used at around F11, where it delivers superb photographs, almost as sharp as the Tessar design in the corners, the center is just as sharp. years ago I used to have a 300mm F9, three element Rodenstock Geronar for my 4X5 camera which I sold at a moment of madness. A few months ago, I managed to find a mint copy of it in Japan. It cost an arm and a leg to get it. If anyone has any doubts what a 3 element Rodenstock lens could achieve, they had better have a look at some photos these lenses have taken. At F22 it is razor sharp to the corners of the 4X5 neg. The only weak point of the Nettar is the limited shutter speed range, but nothing that would stop you taking photos. Good photos, Roger.
The Novar lenses were made by a couple of manufacturers, like Hensoldt and Steinheil, and not just Rodenstock. The tradename "Novar" goes back to the Hüttig company in the early 1900s, later owned by ICA and then Zeiss Ikon. Carl Zeiss had their own triplet, the very good Triotar, but perhaps it was cheaper for Zeiss Ikon to buy generic triplets from others.
As time goes on, I want one of these cameras more. The dealbreaker used to the be the lack of rangefinder, but of course I could just buy a cheap accessory shoe one and I'd be good to go. I think one of the charms of these cameras, aside from the build and the lens quality, is the utter simplicity. Like you say, it's just a lens and a shutter attached to a dark box. Focus, aim, shoot. Simple. The aperture and shutter settings may look a bit lacking to the uninitiated, but they more than cover every eventuality for daylight shooting with pretty much all currently available film stocks. The meter readings that you got conform exactly to Sunny 16, to the extent where I could accurately determine what the exposure settings would be. Some say the S16 system is crude, but using a 300 quid spot meter to "accurately" measure exposure would be kind of missing the point of why people shoot these cameras in the first place.
i have friends on the isle, i should go visit them. they built their own house there and while it was being built, they lived in a tipi in the back garden.
I'm going to be brave and admit I have, since a kiddie, had a fascination with chimney pots. That road has a nice selection and they all seem to have survived, many get removed and replaced by vents when they are no longer needed.
I use the rule of ‘at least part of it will be in focus.’ I have the ZIN 515/16 model from 1939. Works a treat after all these years, but once in a while the framing guides pop up.
The Zeiss-Ikon are superb machines constructively and optically. They are the classic example of quality that lasts over time! The Novar is not the poor relative of the Tessar. Novar is an extremely engraved and contrasted optic. The Tessar performs best at larger apertures and with close subjects but, although he is a razor too (eagle eye), the Novar in landscape and urban photography is fantastic.
I have a Zeiss Ikonta B. The bellows are in great shape. The aging of the lens gives images a great vintage vibe especially if I run color film through it. Love it!
Zeiss Ikon cameras from that era are so underrated. I have an Ikoflex 1C TLR with a Carl Zeiss Tessar 75mm f/3.5 and it takes insanely sharp images. I love it. However, it is clunky to use sometimes and it's not light so I will look into a Nettar for the improved ergonomics and hopefully the lighter weight
I enjoy using bellows cameras but struggle to see the exposure numbers through the red window. But fortunately I’ve found Fomapan is easy to see with dense numbers. I’ve even rewound FP4 and HP5 onto Fomapan backing paper to get round the problem. Bit of a fiddle in the dark bag but no worse than rewinding 120 to 620 for my Kodaks. Thanks for your encouraging videos.
I love using the folders. I have a lovely little Mamiya 6. Some of my favorite shots ever came from it and with the internal rangefinder it's great. I just have hot shoe light meter that I throw on top and everything is good to go.
I have a 6x6 Zeiss Ikonta 521/16, their somewhat upmarket model of about the same age. I am happy with its folding viewer so nicely "old school", but with Prontor S- shutter with more speeds, and a four element coated lens it was up to date in its time. Mine features an Agfa Soligor 1:3,5, also of good quality but not as often used by Zeiss as their Tessar four element lens. But of course it cost five times as much as yours, 100 Euros!
They are amazing, I do own the 6/9 format from 1952 and still going strong, never forget that there was a time that Leicas where considered as second choice cameras
I've got a very similar camera- a Dacora 1. They look almost identical though mine has a slightly more luxurious F3.5 lens 😉 I don't take photos with it often but when I do I'm always impressed at how good a photo it can make.
rodger, i take local photos everyday, gina and i became freinds with a local history group. met a photograper that has been taking the same images as me since the 70s. he is amazing. the changes that happen locally need to be recorded. I thought I was mad just going round locally. changed my mind. We have monthly meetings in the local club and talk all about local history. regards Mick
Photography has changed so much with everyone having a camera in their pockets now days for selfies and their pets I imagine there is not as many now as they're used to be taking snaps in their area as you say. Cheers
I bought one last year, serviced but untested, on Etsy. I have shot so many pictures with that thing! I carry it in my purse and snap pictures of random things. It's so nice to be able to carry a medium-format camera in such a convenient package.
This video brought me back to that anticipation, the wondering what I might’ve just captured, as opposed to immediately viewing 6 versions. While it is of course great to enjoy digital’s benefits, the long delay to satisfaction made film photography fundamentally more careful, with the occasional brilliant outcome.
I loved my days of film photography. I started with a Zeiss Ikonta ,127 16 exp. f6.3 lens. Sports frame. £1.17.6d.Wish I still had it. I don't get the same feeling with digital.I used to love the magic of using the kitchen or bathroom.
I'm totally in tune with you. I have the same Nettar and love walking around with it. I've recently got a 6x9 Ikonta and love that even more, the built-in range-finder is so clear and bright, and not needing an external one makes it more pocketable. It's taking me a while to get used to the format though, all my other medium format cameras are square. But there are a lot of duff cameras out there being sold as "tested and working", the first two I bought from a well known auction site had faults which I found within a few seconds of unboxing. One had a faulty shutter which didn't completely close, the other had slow shutter speeds that didn't work at all. They both went back for a refund but I was lucky with the third one. I'm looking forward to putting some film through it on the IoW In July!
I really enjoyed your video Roger. My wife gave me her dad’s old Zeiss Super Ikonta IV 6x6 folder. Works great. The selenium meter is dead on accurate too.
Just bought one and loaded up with Exp. 2002 FP4 to shoot tomorrow. Think mine is a bit later version model as it has the blanked off shutter release screw thread on lens and release thread in shutter button but also has mechanical multi exposure prevention (with a small apperture in the top plate that shows red warning indicator) (no red warning on right side of viewfinder window), has model family 518/16 embosed in rear vinyl but no serial numbers (lens or body). It is fitted with the Novar 75mm f4.5 and the Velio shutter providing 1/200th, 100th, 50th, 25th, 10th & B settings. All speeds seem accurate.. lens is crystal clear and no signs of wear or even use (just some flakes of black enamel paint come away, easily rectified). Bellows are like new and lens panel is proper square to the body. Focus is smooth and good resistance. Not even any dust in viewfinder. I've been very lucky to aquire for £27 on ebay and look forward to seeing the results. Will process in HC110 (dilution B) for 11mins. I mixed up 500ml in April and have used the very same solution for multiple 35mm camera test films (10 frame runs) over the subsequent 6 months and still delivering good negs. The original concentrate spent 20years in my garage before first opening in April. So does it last.. you bet. The 35mm FP4+ used was also Exp. 2002.. kept in bulk loader at room temp.. no issues. If you know my exact Nettar model I'd appreciate the info. 6x6 rocks! 😃
The Nettar was my first Camera, it was the “Family” camera and my dad bought it new on his honeymoon in Switzerland in the late 50’s to take photo’s. All the family photos were taken with it until He bought an Olympus Trip and I inherited it in the late 70’s. I shot with it until I got my first SLR in 1980…I don’t have it anymore but wish I did, been looking for another one!
I have the same model. My grandson ( aged 6) loves using it. Insists on opening the lens himself. Just developed his 1st Black and White ... he Started using it on holiday. gonna get a contact sheet made for his 1st ever film.
This was my great Grandparents last camera. My grandma kept the manual but sold all of great granpa's stuff including the camera. It was the camera my Mom's baby photos were taken with. Specifically the DEC 53 - JUL 54 version. Also all this stuff isn't cheap anymore at this point. I mostly see them going for 90 euro
Under the radar camera brand I have a Zeiss ikon Contina built like a Tank but a very well engineered Tank at that a moniker later given to the Canon T90 which owning one also it deserved that moniker but was not the original Tank that would possibly have been the original Nikon F series.
Hey Roger, I just want to thank you for your great work here on youtube! I love to shoot old cameras and enjoy the hours in my improvised darkroom in the kitchen. My newest found is a Zeiss Ikon Ikonta 521/16 with the same lens as your Nettar lens. I really like your way of telling the world that you don't need a lot of money to have fun in photography and improving your skills is so easy, just go out, shoot what you think is worth to take a picture of and just have fun! Every time I loose motivation on my hobbie I just watch one of your videos and that gives me so much joy and energy to move on! Thank you and greetings from Germany :-)
Lovely street, so many in England like that one and yes it interesting to think what it would have been like 100 years ago. I love how you butcher names by the way, keep it up!
A Zeiss Ikon 521/16 with the 75/3.5 Opton T Tessar has been my pocket folder for a couple of decades. I keep it loaded with B&W film and the results are rarely disappointing. I have been using Rollei 35s since the late 60s, so I am used to guestimating distances and hyperfocusing. Great review!
Hi Roger, Gene Nocon, now that's a blast from the past! The Nettar is great, well worth £20. Picked up an Ikonta 521 (645) in mint condition, has the same lens and 16 on a roll.
@@ShootFilmLikeaBoss Mine has a previous owner's name and rough address written in biro on the inside.P Grainge-Jackson Chip Wilts. Also St Ediths and Bromham Wilts. So sometime between ~1950 and 1988 when I purchased it, it emigrated from UK to Australia. The history of things...
Came across your channel as I just bought a Zeiss Ikon Nettar. Thanks for this video. Great channel. Down to earth and just about enjoying photography.
Thanks for this video! I have a Zeiss 521/16 folding camera, and I'm looking forward to trying it out. Like yours, the slower shutter speeds are sticky. But 50 and above are fine so it's nice to hear that it's a common issue. Thanks for sharing!
Glad it was helpful! I could get mine CLA'd but the cost wouldn't be worth it I find as I only use the faster speeds most of the time. One day I might.
I use an Agfa Isolette II folder with an F/3.5 75mm lens. Wider range of speeds than your Nettar which can be handy but overall very similar. Easy to use and great images. I would recommend anyone new to medium format give a good one a try.
I agree that the folders are a really great deal and wonderful way to enter medium format. I have both a Mamiya 6 (6x6 and 6 x4.5) and a Zeiss Nettar 6x9. I find both of them satisfying. The Zeiss is actually much lighter than the Mamiya folder. The 6 x 9 negatives are really great also. Anyway I enjoyed the episode and the photos you took. Always a pleasure to watch one of your episodes.
Recently got one with a stuck shutter button, top off last night and it was just the double exposure protection mech stuck, clean and a bit of grease and working fine
I do like the old working class terraces of different time, did the isle have industry on it back in the day. Those old places are a great reference to social history of britain. They wont be around forever as they lack amenities nowadays being two up, two down. Remembering to wind on the zeiss between shots is always my prob if I ain't picked it up in a while lol
I purchased mine after seeing you use one. I love it, some of my fave photos came from that camera. I use a string tied to it for portraits, to gauge range.
I am on small trip this weekend a have with me a 70 year old camera too, my Rolleiflex 2.8C (a bit more expensive than a Nettar, but it is CLA'd) Will do some landscaping with it during hikes on Provia. Have my Canon EF with FDn 50 f/1.2 with my to do some street stuff, like on the train or in the city/station.
It still works? This would be no surprise to Zeiss, who built these cameras to last. It would be a surprise to the modern photographer who would not expect a camera to last more than a few years. When I look at the Zeiss I think of two products with similar build quality: my first generation washing machine and refrigerator, going strong after 20 years without any major repairs.
I had an almost similar one, but with a rangefinder and more shutter speeds. 6x9. There were no light leaks, but I seldom got good results. I don’t know why, because the problems varied with the shots. I gave it away, hoping that it could be used for spares. I now have a somewhat similar Voightländer, CLA-ed, perfectly clean lens, but still images very far from what I get with my Rolleiflex. A pity, because a folder is easier to slip into a suitcase.
Thats a shame! Yet they are different cameras and lenses. Depends if you're looking for that Rolleiflex perfection every time. if it helps, I shoot a Holga from time to time and it has that Holga look. I don't compare, is what it is.
Just eBay purchased one of these.... gamble I know. Condition looks good, and even if I have to get it serviced somewhere, it will have some life. £35 spent.
The oldest camera I've actually gotten usable photos from is a Agfa B-2 Cadet from the 1930s. It seems like all my newer medium format cameras take 620, rather than 120, and I just haven't gotten around to respooling the film onto the 620 spools.
Even on our travels through Germany, cars prevent me from photographing cities. Hundreds years old towns/streets with small houses are too dominant with cars in the shots and so I save myself these shots.
Hi all after some advice , tomorrow to Turkey gonna take my nettar same as in the video and my Olympus trip , I’m thinking of getting yellow filters for them and will be using hp5 or delta 400 just need pii tin in the right direction if possible, thanks , also great channel roger thanks for making it easy to follow and un complicated, well until you started with f stop timer then ya. Completely lost me 👍👍
Another fun video! I've just got my Ansco Viking 4.5, 6x9 and Ansco Speedex Special 4.5, 6x6. back CLA and with new bellows! I've been out shooting and having fun with them. Probably not as good of lens as the Zeiss but they have their own character. I'm actually getting similar results with the 6x6! Cheers!
Nice images. And also a proof that shooting medium format doesn't mean you have to spend lots of cash for Hasselblad/Contax kit. Those folding cameras are typically overlooked. My only complaint about those cameras are usually no built-in rangefinder, so better find one. I'm not that good at zone focusing, after all.
I've just picked one of these up so a timely video. Would be keen to know how best to look after the bellows on cameras like these cos I'm not sure what they are made of.
They are like a plastic fabric material. I just regularly pull the folding cameras out and open the bellows to give them some air. Not sure if it really does anything but I guess it's better than keeping the bellows closed for too long
Great video as always, you have a great eye for a picture. Towards the end when you are printing, you say your base exposure is 10s and that +1 is 14.1? Surely that would be 20s? Is your timer set to half stop increments? Maybe you are saying just +1 as just +1 increment of time, rather than 1stop? I was trying to time it on the video but it was a bit too tricky! haha. Have you been to Dimbola Lodge. I was there recently, a bit dry, but quite interesting. Julia Margaret Cameron would have thought your Nettar was space age!
Yes it at half stop intervals. So where I needed to go in between 14.1 and 20s I set it to 1/3 stop and it gave me the in between time for print. I have been to Dimbola. I won an award there some years back for a seascape photo. Amazing collection of cameras and the history is interesting. They do wet plate courses there too.
Last week end I was shooting with an Agfa record folding at the local market and a young guy got curious. He couldn't figure out that there was no USB, SD card, battery or wifi.
I have the same or very similar model and it takes very nice and sharp images. It is quite a fragile camera, but is quite durable when closed up. I took it with me to Madrid earlier on in the year and it did not disappoint. Does yours have a multiple exposure lock? It can be a nice camera for taking multiple exposure photos too.
It does. If I push the button all the way down during exposure a little red window pops up where I can't expose again unless I advance. I can override this by pushing the button half way down during exposure and then cock the shutter again and double expose.
After watching several of your videos about this camera I finally got one. Seems to work ok. So excited to shoot with it and see the results. Mine is the exact same model however the shutter speeds are: B, 10, 25, 50, 100, 200. How come same model has different speeds?
I have 2 Zeiss Ikonta's; 6x6 and 6x9 with the 6x4.5 mask from 1938. Enjoy using them both. Curious if you fold the camera back in between shots or keep it open? Thanks for the videos!
Keep the beard. I like the Sean Connery look. Men age like Sean Connery, Women age like... . . . . Sean Connery. I'll be watching for your next video, Mate!
Todd Hido's house photography is far more...intrusive? Can't think of the right word but he'd photograph houses at night and said he'd just look in another direction while the camera was on the tripod to look less suspicious.
I'm a whore for old folders!!! Great stuff as usual!!! I was in a different place in my head when I lived in Southampton in the early 80s ... wish I took photos of the place then!!! I document where I live, basically I say "it may be boring now, but in 50 years they will be gold"!!!
Thanks for sharing Roger. Dem Nova lenses are utterly superb. Off a broken Nettar I adapted 75mm F6.3 to Sony E mirrorless using a helicoid and I was stunned by the sharpness and picture quality. Its the same with a basket case Dacora 6X6 with a Subita 75mm F4.5 lens. Both lenses act as a ~110mm in 35mm terms and have the advantage all is central image so even the edges are sharp. I like your passion for photography.
Easy. Place shutter speed on B. Cock the shutter. Observe the shutter leaver and figure a non destructive way in jamming it in place ( I use wire food bag ties or just clog up the shutter travel track with thin wood eg a lolly stick. Good Luck!
@@markberry2969 ok actually that's what I do when I have to clean the outer lens group from the inside after having removed the inner one. Now this outer group is already on a helicoid so why do you need one ?
@@danielalexandre4008 If you are to use a Nova 75mm F6.3/4.5 for Sony or other full frame then you remove the entire compur assembly by removing the ring inside behind the front bellows (I use a lens tool) it easily slips out of place so your Nettar will look a camera with out a lens. What I then do is adapt the lens assembly to a 60-90 helicoid (52mm inner mount.) I use the caps on a pound shop black spray paint. these fit tight and are ideal. Of course you make a 25mm diameter hole in the middle of the cap and secure using the ring aforementioned. You will need to cut the cap height down to size too but it is easy.
I have been shooting folders all this year trouble for me is they attract more nutters than when using a TLR, they never stop hassling me " is that a mechanical camera didn't know they still made film" ....."can I come home with you I am a nutter"..."do you develop your own film..my head hurts"..." that camera is nearly as hold as the axe I carry around" ...."have you seen matron" ...."I use to have a camera like that in 1947 have you seen my trousers" i have come to the conclusion that I would attract less attention if I was carrying a fully loaded automatic rifle around with me. rather than a vintage camera....
ha ha ha, yup I had it all! Best one ever was when I was stopped in the woods by this retired chap walking his Dog. We got talking about film and his old days and he said pop round my house later and he gave me a Canon EF (Black Beauty). Result!
Anything zeiss ikon is boo coo bodacious, that zeiss is superior to Leica! WAY to go. Never let it go, zeiss rocks! Guard it with your life! Nothing beats zeiss! Happy for you, nice blow ups. S core!!!!!!
Hello ! Kindly asking for help. I own a Zeiss Ikon Nettar 518/2 6x9 with Novar Anastigmat 105/4,5. Which external rangerfinder should I look for? Thank you.
The Novar lens was manufactured by Rodenstock for Zeiss Ikon. Novar is a 3 element design, and Anastigmat is a lens system that is corrected for Astigmatism, Coma and Field Curvature. Novar lens is best used at around F11, where it delivers superb photographs, almost as sharp as the Tessar design in the corners, the center is just as sharp. years ago I used to have a 300mm F9, three element Rodenstock Geronar for my 4X5 camera which I sold at a moment of madness. A few months ago, I managed to find a mint copy of it in Japan. It cost an arm and a leg to get it. If anyone has any doubts what a 3 element Rodenstock lens could achieve, they had better have a look at some photos these lenses have taken. At F22 it is razor sharp to the corners of the 4X5 neg. The only weak point of the Nettar is the limited shutter speed range, but nothing that would stop you taking photos. Good photos, Roger.
Astigmatism!! I never knew thew word now the name makes sense! ha ha
The Novar lenses were made by a couple of manufacturers, like Hensoldt and Steinheil, and not just Rodenstock. The tradename "Novar" goes back to the Hüttig company in the early 1900s, later owned by ICA and then Zeiss Ikon. Carl Zeiss had their own triplet, the very good Triotar, but perhaps it was cheaper for Zeiss Ikon to buy generic triplets from others.
As time goes on, I want one of these cameras more. The dealbreaker used to the be the lack of rangefinder, but of course I could just buy a cheap accessory shoe one and I'd be good to go.
I think one of the charms of these cameras, aside from the build and the lens quality, is the utter simplicity. Like you say, it's just a lens and a shutter attached to a dark box. Focus, aim, shoot. Simple.
The aperture and shutter settings may look a bit lacking to the uninitiated, but they more than cover every eventuality for daylight shooting with pretty much all currently available film stocks. The meter readings that you got conform exactly to Sunny 16, to the extent where I could accurately determine what the exposure settings would be. Some say the S16 system is crude, but using a 300 quid spot meter to "accurately" measure exposure would be kind of missing the point of why people shoot these cameras in the first place.
i have friends on the isle, i should go visit them. they built their own house there and while it was being built, they lived in a tipi in the back garden.
It’s on green road. I wonder if they’ve considered renting the tipi out on Airbnb?
I love the design of the darkroom timer
Got 6x9, 6x6, and 6x4.5 Nettars! They’re all awesome!
I know! I had a nettar 6x9 (518/2) and now I use a Zeiss M-ikonta 6x9 (with uncoupled rangefinder) loverly camera, the lens is a F3.5 so quite fast!
I'm going to be brave and admit I have, since a kiddie, had a fascination with chimney pots. That road has a nice selection and they all seem to have survived, many get removed and replaced by vents when they are no longer needed.
Sold for flower pots!
I love my Zeiss Ikon Nettar. So dependable. I use mine with a laser measure to judge distances.
I use the rule of ‘at least part of it will be in focus.’ I have the ZIN 515/16 model from 1939. Works a treat after all these years, but once in a while the framing guides pop up.
The Zeiss-Ikon are superb machines constructively and optically. They are the classic example of quality that lasts over time!
The Novar is not the poor relative of the Tessar.
Novar is an extremely engraved and contrasted optic.
The Tessar performs best at larger apertures and with close subjects but, although he is a razor too (eagle eye), the Novar in landscape and urban photography is fantastic.
I have a Zeiss Ikonta B. The bellows are in great shape. The aging of the lens gives images a great vintage vibe especially if I run color film through it. Love it!
Thanks for sharing! I've never ran colour through it! Must try that
Zeiss Ikon cameras from that era are so underrated. I have an Ikoflex 1C TLR with a Carl Zeiss Tessar 75mm f/3.5 and it takes insanely sharp images. I love it. However, it is clunky to use sometimes and it's not light so I will look into a Nettar for the improved ergonomics and hopefully the lighter weight
Ooh, I love my Nettar 515. One tip: if you want it to live longer, use a cable release instead.
I enjoy using bellows cameras but struggle to see the exposure numbers through the red window.
But fortunately I’ve found Fomapan is easy to see with dense numbers. I’ve even rewound FP4 and HP5 onto Fomapan backing paper to get round the problem. Bit of a fiddle in the dark bag but no worse than rewinding 120 to 620 for my Kodaks.
Thanks for your encouraging videos.
The AGFA was easier to see than the FP4! I have to get light into the red window to see the numbers sometimes!
I love using the folders. I have a lovely little Mamiya 6. Some of my favorite shots ever came from it and with the internal rangefinder it's great. I just have hot shoe light meter that I throw on top and everything is good to go.
I have one and it’s a beaut! Classic cameras have soul.
They do have soul!
I have a 6x6 Zeiss Ikonta 521/16, their somewhat upmarket model of about the same age. I am happy with its folding viewer so nicely "old school", but with Prontor S- shutter with more speeds, and a four element coated lens it was up to date in its time. Mine features an Agfa Soligor 1:3,5, also of good quality but not as often used by Zeiss as their Tessar four element lens. But of course it cost five times as much as yours, 100 Euros!
They are amazing, I do own the 6/9 format from 1952 and still going strong, never forget that there was a time that Leicas where considered as second choice cameras
I've got a very similar camera- a Dacora 1. They look almost identical though mine has a slightly more luxurious F3.5 lens 😉
I don't take photos with it often but when I do I'm always impressed at how good a photo it can make.
Thanks for sharing! Nice. Put it through its paces now and keep that shutter active! Even without film. I do this with my folders.
It would be great if you could shift the optics. That way you wouldn't have any falling lines. greetings from Germany
rodger, i take local photos everyday, gina and i became freinds with a local history group. met a photograper that has been taking the same images as me since the 70s. he is amazing. the changes that happen locally need to be recorded. I thought I was mad just going round locally. changed my mind. We have monthly meetings in the local club and talk all about local history. regards Mick
Photography has changed so much with everyone having a camera in their pockets now days for selfies and their pets I imagine there is not as many now as they're used to be taking snaps in their area as you say. Cheers
Zeiss Ikon Nettar, best cameras, I love them, I have 2
Just bought one of these today, £5. Needs a clean but works a great by the looks of it. Cannot wait to use it
I bought one last year, serviced but untested, on Etsy. I have shot so many pictures with that thing! I carry it in my purse and snap pictures of random things. It's so nice to be able to carry a medium-format camera in such a convenient package.
It's a great camera to carry about Rose
I Borrowed one years ago, fantastic quality, so well made. Geat video thanks.
I still have one, bought in the 1950s. I photographed the Grand Mosque in Damascus with it, in 1955! Very easy to use.
You got it mate. For me it's all about getting out and trying to put my mind in a creative mode. No pressures, just enjoying life and my cameras.
This video brought me back to that anticipation, the wondering what I might’ve just captured, as opposed to immediately viewing 6 versions. While it is of course great to enjoy digital’s benefits, the long delay to satisfaction made film photography fundamentally more careful, with the occasional brilliant outcome.
I loved my days of film photography. I started with a Zeiss Ikonta ,127 16 exp. f6.3 lens. Sports frame. £1.17.6d.Wish I still had it. I don't get the same feeling with digital.I used to love the magic of using the kitchen or bathroom.
I'm totally in tune with you. I have the same Nettar and love walking around with it. I've recently got a 6x9 Ikonta and love that even more, the built-in range-finder is so clear and bright, and not needing an external one makes it more pocketable. It's taking me a while to get used to the format though, all my other medium format cameras are square. But there are a lot of duff cameras out there being sold as "tested and working", the first two I bought from a well known auction site had faults which I found within a few seconds of unboxing. One had a faulty shutter which didn't completely close, the other had slow shutter speeds that didn't work at all. They both went back for a refund but I was lucky with the third one. I'm looking forward to putting some film through it on the IoW
In July!
Glad one of them worked for you!!!
I really enjoyed your video Roger. My wife gave me her dad’s old Zeiss Super Ikonta IV 6x6 folder. Works great. The selenium meter is dead on accurate too.
The meter still works! Awesome!
Just bought one and loaded up with Exp. 2002 FP4 to shoot tomorrow. Think mine is a bit later version model as it has the blanked off shutter release screw thread on lens and release thread in shutter button but also has mechanical multi exposure prevention (with a small apperture in the top plate that shows red warning indicator) (no red warning on right side of viewfinder window), has model family 518/16 embosed in rear vinyl but no serial numbers (lens or body). It is fitted with the Novar 75mm f4.5 and the Velio shutter providing 1/200th, 100th, 50th, 25th, 10th & B settings. All speeds seem accurate.. lens is crystal clear and no signs of wear or even use (just some flakes of black enamel paint come away, easily rectified). Bellows are like new and lens panel is proper square to the body. Focus is smooth and good resistance. Not even any dust in viewfinder. I've been very lucky to aquire for £27 on ebay and look forward to seeing the results. Will process in HC110 (dilution B) for 11mins. I mixed up 500ml in April and have used the very same solution for multiple 35mm camera test films (10 frame runs) over the subsequent 6 months and still delivering good negs. The original concentrate spent 20years in my garage before first opening in April. So does it last.. you bet. The 35mm FP4+ used was also Exp. 2002.. kept in bulk loader at room temp.. no issues. If you know my exact Nettar model I'd appreciate the info. 6x6 rocks! 😃
The Nettar was my first Camera, it was the “Family” camera and my dad bought it new on his honeymoon in Switzerland in the late 50’s to take photo’s. All the family photos were taken with it until He bought an Olympus Trip and I inherited it in the late 70’s. I shot with it until I got my first SLR in 1980…I don’t have it anymore but wish I did, been looking for another one!
So it was a common family camera! Awesome. Cheers!
I just picked one up, while "unsupervised" at a flea market. Looking forward to learning to use it.
I have the same model. My grandson ( aged 6) loves using it. Insists on opening the lens himself. Just developed his 1st Black and White ... he Started using it on holiday. gonna get a contact sheet made for his 1st ever film.
The pictures are so darned good! Some of my favorite pictures you've taken. Great video.
Thanks!
This was my great Grandparents last camera. My grandma kept the manual but sold all of great granpa's stuff including the camera. It was the camera my Mom's baby photos were taken with. Specifically the DEC 53 - JUL 54 version. Also all this stuff isn't cheap anymore at this point. I mostly see them going for 90 euro
Under the radar camera brand I have a Zeiss ikon Contina built like a Tank but a very well engineered Tank at that a moniker later given to the Canon T90 which owning one also it deserved that moniker but was not the original Tank that would possibly have been the original Nikon F series.
Hey Roger, I just want to thank you for your great work here on youtube! I love to shoot old cameras and enjoy the hours in my improvised darkroom in the kitchen. My newest found is a Zeiss Ikon Ikonta 521/16 with the same lens as your Nettar lens. I really like your way of telling the world that you don't need a lot of money to have fun in photography and improving your skills is so easy, just go out, shoot what you think is worth to take a picture of and just have fun! Every time I loose motivation on my hobbie I just watch one of your videos and that gives me so much joy and energy to move on! Thank you and greetings from Germany :-)
Thanks Karsten!
Lovely street, so many in England like that one and yes it interesting to think what it would have been like 100 years ago. I love how you butcher names by the way, keep it up!
A Zeiss Ikon 521/16 with the 75/3.5 Opton T Tessar has been my pocket folder for a couple of decades. I keep it loaded with B&W film and the results are rarely disappointing. I have been using Rollei 35s since the late 60s, so I am used to guestimating distances and hyperfocusing. Great review!
Thanks. I got the Rollei LED. Fun camera and sharp too!
Yeah 120 folders are great cameras! I’ve been using a Super Fujica Six for a while now and it’s a joy to use. I take it on all my travels. Great fun!
I’ve got the Super Fujica. Just love the rangefinder. I also have the Voigtlander Perkeo II, another great 6x6 ! All good fun
Hi Roger, Gene Nocon, now that's a blast from the past! The Nettar is great, well worth £20. Picked up an Ikonta 521 (645) in mint condition, has the same lens and 16 on a roll.
I have the same camera. A beautiful instrument. Mine came with a handy leather case and neck strap. Takes a sharp photo.
I'm a sucker for taking the leather cases off, storing them and then not knowing which one is for which camera!
@@ShootFilmLikeaBoss Mine has a previous owner's name and rough address written in biro on the inside.P Grainge-Jackson Chip Wilts. Also St Ediths and Bromham Wilts. So sometime between ~1950 and 1988 when I purchased it, it emigrated from UK to Australia. The history of things...
Came across your channel as I just bought a Zeiss Ikon Nettar. Thanks for this video. Great channel. Down to earth and just about enjoying photography.
Awesome, thank you!
Thanks for this video! I have a Zeiss 521/16 folding camera, and I'm looking forward to trying it out. Like yours, the slower shutter speeds are sticky. But 50 and above are fine so it's nice to hear that it's a common issue. Thanks for sharing!
Glad it was helpful! I could get mine CLA'd but the cost wouldn't be worth it I find as I only use the faster speeds most of the time. One day I might.
Really nice. I love old cameras
I've got a pre-war Voigtlander Bessa. Takes great pictures!
Great video I've been looking at this camera for a couple of weeks now so this has been very helpful, thank you.
Glad it was helpful!
I use an Agfa Isolette II folder with an F/3.5 75mm lens. Wider range of speeds than your Nettar which can be handy but overall very similar. Easy to use and great images.
I would recommend anyone new to medium format give a good one a try.
I agree that the folders are a really great deal and wonderful way to enter medium format. I have both a Mamiya 6 (6x6 and 6 x4.5) and a Zeiss Nettar 6x9. I find both of them satisfying. The Zeiss is actually much lighter than the Mamiya folder. The 6 x 9 negatives are really great also. Anyway I enjoyed the episode and the photos you took. Always a pleasure to watch one of your episodes.
Thanks Erich. Yes it is light compared to the Mamiya 6 That is heavy
Recently got one with a stuck shutter button, top off last night and it was just the double exposure protection mech stuck, clean and a bit of grease and working fine
Nice one!
Thanks!
No problem! Thanks for the donation Lee ! :)
I do like the old working class terraces of different time, did the isle have industry on it back in the day.
Those old places are a great reference to social history of britain.
They wont be around forever as they lack amenities nowadays being two up, two down.
Remembering to wind on the zeiss between shots is always my prob if I ain't picked it up in a while lol
Me too mate!
I love my Nettars ❤
I purchased mine after seeing you use one. I love it, some of my fave photos came from that camera. I use a string tied to it for portraits, to gauge range.
Thanks for sharing! Good tip!
A little cheaper but worth while is a Franka Solida I’ve got one and it is amazing
I am on small trip this weekend a have with me a 70 year old camera too, my Rolleiflex 2.8C (a bit more expensive than a Nettar, but it is CLA'd)
Will do some landscaping with it during hikes on Provia. Have my Canon EF with FDn 50 f/1.2 with my to do some street stuff, like on the train or in the city/station.
It still works? This would be no surprise to Zeiss, who built these cameras to last. It would be a surprise to the modern photographer who would not expect a camera to last more than a few years. When I look at the Zeiss I think of two products with similar build quality: my first generation washing machine and refrigerator, going strong after 20 years without any major repairs.
I had an almost similar one, but with a rangefinder and more shutter speeds. 6x9. There were no light leaks, but I seldom got good results. I don’t know why, because the problems varied with the shots. I gave it away, hoping that it could be used for spares. I now have a somewhat similar Voightländer, CLA-ed, perfectly clean lens, but still images very far from what I get with my Rolleiflex. A pity, because a folder is easier to slip into a suitcase.
Thats a shame! Yet they are different cameras and lenses. Depends if you're looking for that Rolleiflex perfection every time. if it helps, I shoot a Holga from time to time and it has that Holga look. I don't compare, is what it is.
I trust my Zeiss Mess-Ikonta 524/16. All I had to do with it was lubricate the double exposure prevention.
Excellent vid m8 🙂Gonna look out for all the other video's that's following this one too 🙂 Really good to see Pete's timer working in the background 🙂
Thanks 👍
Ha Ha !! YES I saw the TIMER I donated to you with the Second Hand going around !
Just eBay purchased one of these.... gamble I know. Condition looks good, and even if I have to get it serviced somewhere, it will have some life. £35 spent.
The oldest camera I've actually gotten usable photos from is a Agfa B-2 Cadet from the 1930s. It seems like all my newer medium format cameras take 620, rather than 120, and I just haven't gotten around to respooling the film onto the 620 spools.
Even on our travels through Germany, cars prevent me from photographing cities. Hundreds years old towns/streets with small houses are too dominant with cars in the shots and so I save myself these shots.
Looking back I should have embraced the cars and shot the whole scene. May have been interesting to see in 50 years.
Hi all after some advice , tomorrow to Turkey gonna take my nettar same as in the video and my Olympus trip , I’m thinking of getting yellow filters for them and will be using hp5 or delta 400 just need pii tin in the right direction if possible, thanks , also great channel roger thanks for making it easy to follow and un complicated, well until you started with f stop timer then ya. Completely lost me 👍👍
Brilliant video as always 👌🏻📸
Glad you enjoyed it
You really should get a shade for it. Takes the lens from good to great.
Another fun video! I've just got my Ansco Viking 4.5, 6x9 and Ansco Speedex Special 4.5, 6x6. back CLA and with new bellows! I've been out shooting and having fun with them. Probably not as good of lens as the Zeiss but they have their own character. I'm actually getting similar results with the 6x6! Cheers!
Thats the important thing if you're not looking for perfection... Character.
My new Bucket list is to hang out with you for a week or two.
Gestern in Hamburg habe ich eine abgeholt. Sieht aus wie unbenutz mit original Tasche. 🎉
I found a Bessa I folding camera for $30.00 at a camera show, just needed some cleaning but over all a good camera ☺️
Sounds great!
Picked a nettar up for £15 on a car boot sale. Used a part roll of expired film so hoping to get something from it. Great video as always Roger 📷😊👍
Result! Hope it works!
Me too!
Nice images. And also a proof that shooting medium format doesn't mean you have to spend lots of cash for Hasselblad/Contax kit. Those folding cameras are typically overlooked. My only complaint about those cameras are usually no built-in rangefinder, so better find one. I'm not that good at zone focusing, after all.
The Mamiya 6 has a rangey built in. Works with the film plane moving back and forward. Pretty cool camera
I've just picked one of these up so a timely video. Would be keen to know how best to look after the bellows on cameras like these cos I'm not sure what they are made of.
They are like a plastic fabric material. I just regularly pull the folding cameras out and open the bellows to give them some air. Not sure if it really does anything but I guess it's better than keeping the bellows closed for too long
Great video as always, you have a great eye for a picture. Towards the end when you are printing, you say your base exposure is 10s and that +1 is 14.1? Surely that would be 20s? Is your timer set to half stop increments? Maybe you are saying just +1 as just +1 increment of time, rather than 1stop? I was trying to time it on the video but it was a bit too tricky! haha.
Have you been to Dimbola Lodge. I was there recently, a bit dry, but quite interesting. Julia Margaret Cameron would have thought your Nettar was space age!
Yes it at half stop intervals. So where I needed to go in between 14.1 and 20s I set it to 1/3 stop and it gave me the in between time for print. I have been to Dimbola. I won an award there some years back for a seascape photo. Amazing collection of cameras and the history is interesting. They do wet plate courses there too.
what size is the film that this camera uses?
Last week end I was shooting with an Agfa record folding at the local market and a young guy got curious. He couldn't figure out that there was no USB, SD card, battery or wifi.
LOL!!!!
I have the same or very similar model and it takes very nice and sharp images. It is quite a fragile camera, but is quite durable when closed up. I took it with me to Madrid earlier on in the year and it did not disappoint. Does yours have a multiple exposure lock? It can be a nice camera for taking multiple exposure photos too.
It does. If I push the button all the way down during exposure a little red window pops up where I can't expose again unless I advance. I can override this by pushing the button half way down during exposure and then cock the shutter again and double expose.
I have that exact model but mine is in meters.
Sorry it’s the signal model with the slightly higher shutter speed if that’s any help cheers all 👍
So where does one get one of those rangefinders? Always enjoy your videos
I can only suggest online. Mine is a ROWI
After watching several of your videos about this camera I finally got one. Seems to work ok. So excited to shoot with it and see the results. Mine is the exact same model however the shutter speeds are: B, 10, 25, 50, 100, 200. How come same model has different speeds?
The models differ. You can see which model number yours is on the side of the camera where the back release is. Mine is 518/16.
@@ShootFilmLikeaBoss interesting. Mine is also 518/16 🤔
I have 2 Zeiss Ikonta's; 6x6 and 6x9 with the 6x4.5 mask from 1938. Enjoy using them both. Curious if you fold the camera back in between shots or keep it open? Thanks for the videos!
Either really. If I am walking on for a bit I will fold it down. Or If I am in bright sun I may fold it down in case I get a bellows leak!
The slowest speed being 1/25th is not a bad thing. As we all know it’s the speeds slower than a quarter second that get oiled up and start sticking.
Keep the beard.
I like the Sean Connery look.
Men age like Sean Connery,
Women age like...
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Sean Connery.
I'll be watching for your next video, Mate!
I want a range finder like you have, where shall I get it?
Have a look online is all I can say. Mine is a ROWI
Todd Hido's house photography is far more...intrusive? Can't think of the right word but he'd photograph houses at night and said he'd just look in another direction while the camera was on the tripod to look less suspicious.
I want to buy it, please mention the shop address in India
I'm a whore for old folders!!! Great stuff as usual!!! I was in a different place in my head when I lived in Southampton in the early 80s ... wish I took photos of the place then!!! I document where I live, basically I say "it may be boring now, but in 50 years they will be gold"!!!
Looking back I should have taken a photo of the whole street with cars! For that reason. Thinking of Abbey Road Beatles cover.
Thanks for sharing Roger. Dem Nova lenses are utterly superb. Off a broken Nettar I adapted 75mm F6.3 to Sony E mirrorless using a helicoid and I was stunned by the sharpness and picture quality. Its the same with a basket case Dacora 6X6 with a Subita 75mm F4.5 lens. Both lenses act as a ~110mm in 35mm terms and have the advantage all is central image so even the edges are sharp. I like your passion for photography.
Interesting, but how do you keep the leaf shutter open ?
Easy. Place shutter speed on B. Cock the shutter. Observe the shutter leaver and figure a non destructive way in jamming it in place ( I use wire food bag ties or just clog up the shutter travel track with thin wood eg a lolly stick. Good Luck!
Thanks for sharing
@@markberry2969 ok actually that's what I do when I have to clean the outer lens group from the inside after having removed the inner one. Now this outer group is already on a helicoid so why do you need one ?
@@danielalexandre4008 If you are to use a Nova 75mm F6.3/4.5 for Sony or other full frame then you remove the entire compur assembly by removing the ring inside behind the front bellows (I use a lens tool) it easily slips out of place so your Nettar will look a camera with out a lens. What I then do is adapt the lens assembly to a 60-90 helicoid (52mm inner mount.) I use the caps on a pound shop black spray paint. these fit tight and are ideal. Of course you make a 25mm diameter hole in the middle of the cap and secure using the ring aforementioned. You will need to cut the cap height down to size too but it is easy.
I have been shooting folders all this year trouble for me is they attract more nutters than when using a TLR, they never stop hassling me " is that a mechanical camera didn't know they still made film" ....."can I come home with you I am a nutter"..."do you develop your own film..my head hurts"..." that camera is nearly as hold as the axe I carry around" ...."have you seen matron" ...."I use to have a camera like that in 1947 have you seen my trousers" i have come to the conclusion that I would attract less attention if I was carrying a fully loaded automatic rifle around with me. rather than a vintage camera....
ha ha ha, yup I had it all! Best one ever was when I was stopped in the woods by this retired chap walking his Dog. We got talking about film and his old days and he said pop round my house later and he gave me a Canon EF (Black Beauty). Result!
Are you in Diagon Alley? (Harry Potter scene quote)
Someone actually said "it's like Harry Potter" as they went past me. Although I've never watched it
You won't find any 74 yr old digital camera that still works!!!! 😂😂😂
easiest way to get into medium format.
You reviewed this 2 years ago.
I did, that was a different (same) camera. Many subscribers on since probably hasn't gone back that far lol
You got one spare? 😂
Anything zeiss ikon is boo coo bodacious, that zeiss is superior to Leica! WAY to go. Never let it go, zeiss rocks! Guard it with your life! Nothing beats zeiss! Happy for you, nice blow ups. S core!!!!!!
I've shot a ton of FP4. Just as good as Plus-X and a bit cheaper. Got great results with D-23.
Hello ! Kindly asking for help. I own a Zeiss Ikon Nettar 518/2 6x9 with Novar Anastigmat 105/4,5. Which external rangerfinder should I look for? Thank you.
There is plenty about. Mine is a ROWI RF.
@@ShootFilmLikeaBoss super, MANY THANKS !