I really love these German prewar folders…. I have many…. They are real classics! Fun to see you use yours, and some of your photos turned quite nicely! Thank you!
Thanks for the video 😊 I used a Zeiss ikon (nettar) 6 by 6 as a boy. I’m just reacquainted with it (after 45 years!) I’ll pop a film through it soon. I do remember the good shots being very good! Currently running a film through a 1950s MPP Microcord, which, similarly, I used as a boy. I’m really enjoying shooting with that, it makes you realise how much we take for granted with the modern cameras. 😊
It is amazing that these cameras made about eighty years ago … still work. My father gave me his old camera made in about 1952 in Germany. Everything is manual, no batteries, nothing. It is 35mm with a 10mm, 50mm focal length lens. You guess the distance, set the aperture, and approximate the shutter time. It does have a delay timer on it but that doesn’t work any more. Stunningly, in a little leather pouch on the leather strap was a yellowy/green filter for portrait work. All the family pictures of me and my brother, as young boys, were taken with this camera on slide film; decades later they were still good.
The camera is an AKA Rette with a double viewfinder, one for 50mm the other for 75mm. It is made of steel with a Schneider-Kreuznach lens 1:3,5/50 serial number 2721392. ISO (DIN) is 10, 25, 50, 100, and 200, that’s it. No 400 film available in those days. 13cm wide, 7cm high, 7.5cm deep including the lens affixed to the camera. Also has a tripod thread. Has a beautifully made leather encasing with leather strap and a little leather filter pocket on the strap. The sewing of the leather encasing is starting to fall to bits but I’m sure I could take it to somebody and have it fixed. It currently has Fujichrome Velvia 50 in it. This camera is so solid that you could use it as a weapon over someone’s kopf and it would still work. Cheers
Hey Tom, I produced instructional videos at a university and yours is as good as it gets. I just found you on YT after digging out my old Nettar 515/2, the twin of yours. I wanted to see if anyone was still shooting/enjoying them and there you were. Thanks for this terrific segment. I will stay tuned from now on. Your new friend, Paul, out in VA.
Hey Paul! Thanks for your comment! I am very happy that you enjoyed my video. I love my Nettars. Also love the 6x6 ones just as well! Cheers to Virginia, Thomas
Thanks for your feedback, I really appreciate it! And I do hope to do some color photo shooting in spring with this or maybe another of these old folders I have got here!
Great informative video Tom. I'm looking for a 6x9 folder in good condition and your explanation of the various Ikonta and Nettar models is really helpful to understand the options that are out there.
Hey Jeff, many thanks for your feedback! I tried my best to give an overview without going too deeply into detail, because there are so many variants out there. So I'm glad to hear that I could provide some information that helps you!
Great, relaxing video as always Tom!!! Got a couple of folders and sometimes I take one on family days out as ONLY camera...it really makes you better knowing you only got 12 shots😎
Wow what a great camera ! I am happy to say that i own one of those folding type cameras. It's so weird to think that they were built around WWII. To think how old it is. In 20 years or so it's like 100. The image quality is awesome ! Zeiss really seems to be a great company for lenses. Although i am not into general photography (as i am a amateur astrophotographer), these cameras fascinate me.
I agree, these old cameras are still fascinating and also give awesome results if you know how to deal with them! Zeiss also did some nice amateur telescopes that were awesome in the day. But they’re very expensive collectors items today!
Great video! Thanks. I love shooting 6x9 on my Kodak Medalist. I figured out that you had TWO cameras when I noticed there were two different red window styles. Neat that you got to use two models. Those old folders are fun.
Yes ... I took the part where I load the camera for the nightshots, not noticing that I had grabbed the other camera. In the end it's good, cause now I know they both work very well! Actually what I find especially amazing is that the leather bellows are still perfect after so many years.
Thanks! I often used aids to guess focus distance so I guess it is also a matter of practice. I find it's really hard at closer ranges but 10 or 20 metres is surprisingly easy (for me, at least). The lens is soft wide open for sure, but yes I agree, it's better than one would think!
Very nice review. We found a nice Zeiss Ikon Netter (novar anastigmat) from my great grandmother, in very good condition. I'm going to try it out soon when I receive a separate range finder.
Not gonna put a thumbs up, I’m gonna use this emoji instead 👌 To prevent double exposure on my old Kinax folding camera after I shoot a picture I always wind on that way I’m never making a double exposure mistake. It’s an amazing camera, excellent review well done
Thank you so much Fred. And yes, one needs to establish good habits when using these old cameras to avoid double exposures and such: But in the end, that's part of the fun!
Hi Tom. Yes, I still have my father's stamped H 37041. Zeiss Ikon. All my childhood and family snaps. Some turned out brilliantly for my dad, others disappointingly. It really is pristine with brown case. I tried it back in early 90s with colour and about 65% ok. But the point I wish to make is there are two windows on the back so you can get 16 pictures; and my goodness I never knew about the little chrome stand. So my first project is to use my Pentax ME again, and then in better light buy an Ilford b/w and try the Zeiss again.
I think the Pentax ME will be just perfect to try out analog, especially now in the autumn / winter season. My suggestion is to get an ISO 400 film for it. I wish you a lot of fun and hope you'll also enjoy trying out your father's Zeiss-Ikon eventually!
Hi! Tony you are right about the two windows on the rear, but I must tell you how to work it. The first thing you have to do is buy a FILM MASK for YOUR camera, it fits inside the camera when you open the back. Fit it before you put in the film then close the rear door. I haven`t used my camera yet so I haven`t worked out what window to use on the back when the film mask is fitted. There is an other problem, I managed to get a mask about a year ago, but it took me over 5 years to find it on the internet. Maybe that is because the camera is so old. I am sorry to tell you how difficult it is to get a mask, but if you want one then I wish you plenty of luck. If you search for one you will be looking for a very thin and flimsy piece of black metal with a square hole in it, sorry I can`t help you anymore.
I"ve one nearly indentical to your that I dated specifically to war-time era made. Unfortunately have only put two rolls through it. The ancient self-timer ceased the shutter on the 4th or 5th time I used it which is sad but was a good lesson. :) Ah wel. I shoot with Franka Solida III and Frank Rolfix II most often however which is why I never tried to fix the Nettar - I enjoy the glass at the end of those more.
When I got my Rolleicord, I was afraid to try out the self timer for a couple of weeks. 😀 Showed it to a camera collector friend and first thing he did is run the self timer ... I hold my breath but it did work, thankfully! If the self timer quits and bricks the camera, sometimes it can help to shake the camera or press (not too hard ...) with the hand from the side against the lens/shutter assembly. With a little bit it becomes unstuck. Same goes for sticky long shutter speeds. But yes if you've got similar folders like this with better lenses, why bother. It's kinda funny that there are still soooow many old folders out there!
After taking picture ALWAYS advance your film , then you will never double expose a frame. I love my 1937 Super Ikon 6x9/ 105mm Tessar. It always works. Original build quality and design count.
Yes, you're right: Establishing a habit like this works wonders, and maybe also not changing between cameras too much! I get easily confused because different cameras also need different habits :)
I randomly became possessor of a Ikonta with a Tessar 10.5cm, I had to clean it up (the lens was very hazy), shot a film this week and sent it to the lab, excited to see how it comes out ! The rangefinder is really dark though, hard to shoot.
Congratulations to the Ikonta! Very cool camera! Maybe the rangefinder also needs a thorough cleaning, or inside one of the optical elements got "blind" a bit? I do agree that the old rangefinders are often no fun to use in general. That's a pity cause the folding camera concept is absolutely great!
Thank you for posting. I have a Yashica C and appreciate the lightweight body. I like to take it biking and hiking. The folding camera would also save space. That would be fantastic. I'd really like to try one.
I am now also shooting a Rolleicord Va (which is basically the same size and design as the Yashica C). Folding cameras are so much smaller yes! It is a little bit more hassle to operate them (because you have to unfold it every time ...) and the viewfinder is often really bad and basic. But for landscapes and hiking, maybe that does not matter so much. And the nice thing is, the pictures you get are just amazing! If you want to get "serious" I would always recommend to find a camera with a four-element lens like Zeiss Tessar etc. Did you see my review of the Voigtländer Perkeo II? That's a fantastic folder and it also has a four-element lens!
Hi Tom. I'm really enjoying your channel. Aside from having the same first name, ,we seem to have the same taste in cameras. Your last few videos have al been about cameras I own as well. I have a 6X6 Signal Nettar that I'm having a lot of fun with. I found a vintage Watameter rangefinder that adds a lot to the utility of this camera. My Nettar has the 75mm f/4.5 Novar Anastigmat, which I find to be sharp, but it does vignette strongly. When I shoot black and white I find it imparts an "antique" feel to my shots.
Hi Tom! Great to hear you own and enjoy these old cameras just as much! I also recently got two old rangefinder attachments, I have to give them a try as well. Yes the Anastigmats can be surprisingly sharp for what they are!
I don't have an Ikonta nor a Nettar but 3 Voigtländer Bessas, in all the frame sizes you mentioned for the Zeiss ones. A very different shooting experience but worth it and very likely the cheapest entry inot MF photography, even cheaper than a Holga or Diana F. A joy to use. Thanks for sharing your thoughts.
Hello Martin! Yes, these folders are a cheap entry into MF fun. The brand maybe doesn't matter a lot and there are also many different brands in different countries. The only points to make sure when buying an old folder is that it doesn't look obviously bent or tilted or in any other way damaged, that focus and aperture still move, that the shutter still fires, and that the bellows unit is tight. And then maybe check if it takes 120 film, because that's the one available today ...
@@tomscameras Yes, Shanghai makes GP 3 in 620, too. But that's basically the same film on different spools. But the also make it in 220 (nothing for most folders because of the red window) but exciting for other MF cameras.
Hi Tom, Another very informative and well done video. I just purchased a Nettar 515 in a 6 x 4.5 format. I was wondering what settings you used to take the shots at night?
Hi Mark, at night I set up the camera on a tripod and set it to f/11 or f/16, and shutter to T or B, and use an external light meter to determine the exposure time. I think it was between 30 and 180 seconds. At T the shutter stays open once you fire, and you need to move the lever to close it. At B you have to continuously press the shutter lever, but I use a cable release anyway to avoid any camera shake. Cable releases have those lock screws or other locking mechanisms so they keep the shutter open until you unlock it.
Just got a Nettar 515/2 today for €20, good, fully working, condition, with leather-case and original yellow-filter. It has the Compur-Rapid shutter (1-400 + T&B) and a CZJ Tessar 1.4:5 f=10.5cm. There is no shutter-button on the body, and no "door" over the red film-window. I think Zeiss-Ikon made many small changes to this camera-model during it's lifespan, you could probably have 10 Nettar 515/2 and not two beeing exactly the same...
Super interesting and a great deal for 20 Euros! So your Nettar 515/2 has a top-end shutter and a very nice Tessar lens as well! I also agree that there is a huge variation of these cameras. Fascinating! It not only shows how they wanted to provide a camera for every buyer - from more basic to more expensive and sophisticated - but also that it was kind of easy back then to come up with all the variations, because folding cameras are kind of modular and also because the production process was not as automated as it is maybe today!
I have a Zeiss, but cannot bond with it. However, Voigtländer and Balda folders I do like. Very much! For a compact folder try the Vito II - genuine shirt pocket size with Skopar lenses!
Actually, I got the next best thing to a Vito II ... or maybe even better (for me): two Voigtländer Perkeo's :) ... hope to be able to shoot them very soon!
A great video about these superb cameras. I have both Nettars and Super Ikontas from the 1930s. The Tessar lens in the Super Ikonta produces a superb image ; inha e the mask fitted so can take either 6 x 9 or 6 x 4.5 images. making it a bit more economical tonise
Thanks for your feedback! I find 6x6 a nice compromise between awesome image quality and more economy - also the 6x6 format means you never have to change the camera from portrait to landscape which is very practical when used on a tripod :) I love Tessar lenses. I now also got the Voigtländer Perkeo II which has a similar four lens element design, it's also (I think single) coated, and the image quality is clearly better compared to the three element designs. That camera will be featured in my next video!
Great video! Very informative. Very helpful for me as I just bought a Zeiss Ikon Ikonta the 521 version on ebay. Paid $42.50 usd, so not expensive as your comment in the video. It is a beautiful camera. Can't wait to use it. Would you have any advice on maintaining or cleaning the camera. Especially the bellows.... Also....what would be the models that you would think would be the most intersting to purchase for picture quality. There are so many. Thank-you again!!!! :)
Hey, the Ikonta 521 is a great camera. In general, all the ones that have additional features and better lenses, are more valuable today. "Additional features" include: (1) shutter with more choice of shutter times - the really basic ones often have only three times; (2) four-element lens, not the cheaper three-element design that I have in my Nettar 515. In Zeiss, four-element lenses are usually designated "Tessar", so they're more valuable; (3) a mechanism that prevents unwanted double exposures, again my basic Nettar does miss that; (4) rangefinder. As for the shutter, I personally have a soft spot for those simple shutters that only have a few times. Because more often than not, all those speeds still work well today, even after long periods of storage. Whereas the most sophisticated ones like Compurs etc. with times from 1 - 1/500 second often need a thorough CLA. The question is, how many of those speeds do you realistically need today when you shoot an old folder? Cleaning bellows, I'm not an expert! If it's real leather bellows (mostly pre-war and large format), you can use products for leather care. Some folks use shoe polish. In either case, just use a very small amount, less is more! Most bellows units are in a surprising good shape even after many decades. One big exemption are old Agfa folding cameras that have horrible 1950's plastic bellows that are about 100% broken today and need repair or better a full replacement. Check your bellows for light leaks by opening the film door and then shoot a camera flash from the rear towards the lens. You'll immediately see light leaks this way!
For what it's worth, the camera manufacturer, Zeiss Ikon, was a different company from the optics giant, Carl Zeiss. In the 1920s during great depression, many German camera manufacturers united to form a big strong company named Zeiss Ikon under the guidance of Carl Zeiss. Unlike Japanese counterparts, German camera manufacturers historically bought lenses from lens manufacturers. So Zeiss Ikon bought lenses from Carl Zeiss and other manufacturers, too.
Many thanks for adding this information! In the case of my Nettar, they even bought the lens from some "lesser" company, I think it is definitely not a Carl Zeiss lens. It's a pretty basic lens, even though it still can produce very detailed photos at least when stopped down.
I've been looking at these cameras on ebay, of course you never know what you're going to get really, so I'm looking at the cheapest ones because I don't want to spend $80 and it doesn't work right. I am going to attempt to buy one, I really appreciate the information.
If you don’t care about it having a Tessar lens (like mine also doesn’t have one) you can also always look for one with a more basic shutter. The best shutters will have the long times up to 1 second, but these long times often don’t work anymore today. The simplest shutters have only three times but those normally all will work. (Of course, all shutters offer B for long-time exposure in addition.) Then check the lens condition (clear glass) and if the focusing still works smoothly. Happy hunting!
That's a beautiful camera. That's the funny thing, the cheapest camera I own is a Medium Format camera. An old Kodak Brownie Six Twenty, producing big gorgeous negatives (although not the best lens).
Yes the lens is definitely the limiting factor (well and in my case, the focusing skills on anything that's not static!) ... this is also the case for the Nettar. Still I find the overall amount of detail astonishing for such an old and "cheap" camera! I think I once had a Kodak folder that took 620 film. I cut the edges off the spool of 120 and it fitted! But that must have been back in the 1990s ...
I like folding Cameras very much, I have one folding camera of 120 roll film named as Super ikonta, coupled range finder, another is also Super Ikonta of 35 mm film Zeiss ikon.
I have a Super Ikonta C 530/2 with Tessar Carl Zeiss Jena 10.5 f:4.5 and Compur-Rapid 1/400 It take very nice photo with ilford Fp4 i love this camera Hervé de Baillenx in France
Merci beaucoup, Hervé! The Ikonta with the Tessar is a very high quality camera. It should give sharper and more contrasty pictures than the Nettar, especially at the open apertures. I am happy you enjoy your Ikonta! Kind regards to France!
That happens either when there is small debris at the film gate of the camera, that scratches the negative while winding on the film. Or it also happens (maybe more frequently) when the film is developed, due to the same basic reason!
If your camera works, 15 Euro is still a great deal! I reckon that if you shoot at f/11 or f/16, the quality of these lenses will be basically the same anyway. Enjoy your 6x9 Nettar! :)
How do you tell if it's focused? If it only focuses the lens and you can't look through said lens, do you just set focus and cross your fingers it works?
Basically, yes! You’ve got the distances engraved on the focus ring. What you can do is buy an external rangefinder … those were sold back in the day as accessories and sometimes you still find them sold on eBay or local sales ads.
@@tomscameras great information to know! I am planning on buying a camera like this, can you tell me how to get high resolutions like this? I feel like it's improbable to get such s good picture, teach me your ways! Anything else I should know before I buy one? (120 film of course)
My scanner can pull about 240 MP out of a 6x9 negative. I can get 35 MP from a 10x14 mm negative out of a Minolta 16 or Mamiya 16 "spy" camera. Film still beats digital... Relative to "did I advance or didn't I?" the universal solution for this is *habit.* Establish a habit and *always stick to it,* either advance as you're setting up the camera for the next shot or, as I've done for the past half century, advance immediately after exposing (if you aren't planning for an intentional double exposure, that is). I've been carrying a 6x9 folder the last few days, a Moskva 5, which is an upgraded Soviet copy of that Super Ikonta 530/2 (coated Tessar type f/3.5 lens, double exposure lock, and a format mask so I can choose, when loading, to shoot 6x6 or 6x9 (many of the 6x9 models had format masks for either 6x6 or 6x4.5, especially in the 1930s when cost of film was a significant factor). I also have a Wirgin Auta from the 1950s, and a Voigtlander Rollfilmkamera from 1927. All are capable of excellent images.
Thanks for your detailed comment. You are so right about the habit. That’s crucial when using these old cameras! I’m still amazed at the quality that these cameras are capable of. Thanks for sharing your thoughts!
YES! However, many labs will return the spool if you tell them to do so. Maybe first inquire if your lab can do that. BTW, all my Nettars work with plastic spools as well.
@@tomscameras thanks for your answer. And once empty, the spool that remains on the right side can't be used as one for the left side? I just bought the camera and know not much about it
@@LeMecMoustachu That works, no problem! The only reason to keep the wooden spools is that they look cool. :) But the normal plastic spools are perfect for use. So yes, you just take the empty spool from the old film and place it in the other side, when loading the camera with new film!
Thank you so much, Tom. I have one of that: 515-2 1:6,3 105 mm. What do you think about this nmodel. I did not see this model in your presentation. What do you advise me about manual focus? Take distance with a meter or apply a telemeter over it? Thank you. Congrats!
Thanks Claudio! Yes you are actually right: Back then, most of those cameras were sold with three or even four different lens options. Zeiss-Ikon often offered f/6.3, f/4.5 and f/3.5 triplet lenses. I don't have the Nettar 515/2 with the f/6.3 lens that you have, but one of my 6x6 Nettar cameras is an f/6.3 as well. About the quality of the lenses: They all are triplet lenses. That means they're not that sharp when open. I didn't notice a big difference between my f/6.3 and f/4.5 or f/3.5 triplets when shooting them at the same aperture, for example f/8. My advice is you use open aperture when you want to play a little bit with the vintage look, or the depth of field, and are not overly concerned about sharpness. But having said that, the f/6.3 triplet at f/6.3 will definitely be sharper than the f/3.5 triplet at f/3.5! If you practice a bit, you can get pretty good at guessing distances. It's kind of fun! I mean, id you do long step, it's almost exactly one metre for most people. But there are of course more precice ways to measure the distance. Back when these cameras were new, they sold small seperate rangefinders that you slip onto the accessory shoe, or can connect somewhere else on the camera, or just use hand-held. Maybe you can find one of these on ebay etc. ... you can also buy a cheap modern laser distance meter, they're not expensive. Or, as I said, learn to guess distances. My advice for sharp landscape shots is to use f/16 when light permits. In summer, f/16 is no problem when you use an ISO 320 or ISO 400 film. In winter, you'll maybe want to bring a tripod, or just place your camera somewhere on a solid surface.
@@tomscameras Thank you so much Tom for your so clear answer! I have to take practice with it. Is better tri-x 400 or TMax 400 films ? and can I use a traditional meter instead the rangefinders? Thank you again for all!
Both films are very good for this camera. The T-Max 400 is a very fine grained film. For an old 6x9 camera, the grain doesn't matter so much. I would personally simply take the film that is cheaper. You can also look for Ilford films, they're also great! (If I shoot 35mm cameras, then grain matters much more and i absolutely prefer the fine grain of T-Max and Ilford Delta for 35mm cameras. But again, for 6x9 it doesn't really matter so much.) Meter: You mean to meter the light / exposure? Or the distance? Any light meter is good to meter the light. You can also download light meter apps for your Smartphone. This is all about exposure. Distance: Then a rangefinder or a laser distance meter helps!
Klaus Rauber Hallo, I recently got a Zeiss-Ikon-Nettar for 6*6 films. It is an older one ( pre WW2 I think ) with to "filmholes" on the back and an anastigmat 6.3 F7.5 cm lens. Starting to use it I now got back my pictures, which whwere only in a 6*4.5 cm format with unusually broad picture to picture interspaces.. Does anyone have an idea how or why this happened.
Hello Klaus, actually the Nettar also has the same basic film advance system where you slide open that small window on the camera back and then advance the film until the small number for the next frame appears in the window. Those numbers are printed on the paper back of the film roll itself. This means that frame spacing is never depending on the camera, but only on where the film manufacturers actually print these small numbers! A 6x4.5 camera should yield 16 frames on one roll of 120 film. If you get these 16 frames, then everything is just as it should be!
I noticed your camera was putting two fine scratches along the image. I have a Ensign Selfix 6x6 that sometimes does that. Did you manage to resolve it?
Hi Tim, after seeing the film, I did have a look at the film window and didn't notice anything that would really cause the scratches. So I didn't do anything more yet than wipe it clean again. But I have to admit that I didn't shoot these two cameras anymore since the video. Basically, since I got my Rolleicord, most of my other 6x6 and 6x9 went back to the shelf, except for making a review video 😇
I like to shoot landscapes with a 6x9cm medium format folding camera with 105mm normal lens paired with a 6x9cm medium format rangefinder with a 65mm wide-angle lens.
Yes you just need to push it. But you can maybe push first at the joint of the two chromed bars that keep the „door“ open so that they more easily fold back together! Hope this helps!
You can support the front of the camera e.g. with the left hand at the folding door, or with the right hand but then place your hand more under the lens, just make sure that small lever doesn't get in the way when you fire the shutter. If you hold the camera in your hand and have a look at the lever, it's easy to find a good position for your hand. The thing is i kept forgetting about that lever, and I suppose if you're not often shooting such a camera, that can happen very easily.
Unfortunately, I never shot an Ihagee Venus so far. It was made since around 1916 and uses sheet film. Sorry, but I don't have any practical experience with such cameras.
Yes, we once had a great camera industry over here. Today, at least Leica remains! (And of course Zeiss and others still are in the business of designing lenses and optics ...)
The video is made very neatly, consistently, informatively and at a great pace. I also make videos so I can appreciate how much work goes into it. The photos taken with this camera illustrate the capabilities of the optics very well. Great video! Like, subscribe and comment from me
I really love these German prewar folders…. I have many…. They are real classics!
Fun to see you use yours, and some of your photos turned quite nicely! Thank you!
Yes, actually I was pretty amazed about the quality, despite the basic three-element lens!
Thanks for the video 😊 I used a Zeiss ikon (nettar) 6 by 6 as a boy. I’m just reacquainted with it (after 45 years!) I’ll pop a film through it soon. I do remember the good shots being very good! Currently running a film through a 1950s MPP Microcord, which, similarly, I used as a boy. I’m really enjoying shooting with that, it makes you realise how much we take for granted with the modern cameras. 😊
It is amazing that these cameras made about eighty years ago … still work. My father gave me his old camera made in about 1952 in Germany. Everything is manual, no batteries, nothing. It is 35mm with a 10mm, 50mm focal length lens. You guess the distance, set the aperture, and approximate the shutter time. It does have a delay timer on it but that doesn’t work any more. Stunningly, in a little leather pouch on the leather strap was a yellowy/green filter for portrait work. All the family pictures of me and my brother, as young boys, were taken with this camera on slide film; decades later they were still good.
What a nice story that you still have that same camera today, and that it still works (except the self timer)! What camera model is it?
The camera is an AKA Rette with a double viewfinder, one for 50mm the other for 75mm. It is made of steel with a Schneider-Kreuznach lens 1:3,5/50 serial number 2721392. ISO (DIN) is 10, 25, 50, 100, and 200, that’s it. No 400 film available in those days. 13cm wide, 7cm high, 7.5cm deep including the lens affixed to the camera. Also has a tripod thread. Has a beautifully made leather encasing with leather strap and a little leather filter pocket on the strap. The sewing of the leather encasing is starting to fall to bits but I’m sure I could take it to somebody and have it fixed. It currently has Fujichrome Velvia 50 in it. This camera is so solid that you could use it as a weapon over someone’s kopf and it would still work. Cheers
Hey Tom, I produced instructional videos at a university and yours is as good as it gets.
I just found you on YT after digging out my old Nettar 515/2, the twin of yours.
I wanted to see if anyone was still shooting/enjoying them and there you were.
Thanks for this terrific segment. I will stay tuned from now on. Your new friend, Paul, out in VA.
Hey Paul! Thanks for your comment! I am very happy that you enjoyed my video. I love my Nettars. Also love the 6x6 ones just as well! Cheers to Virginia, Thomas
This is the best video for this camera, thanks for making it so in depth! Would love to see some color results.
Thanks for your feedback, I really appreciate it! And I do hope to do some color photo shooting in spring with this or maybe another of these old folders I have got here!
Great informative video Tom. I'm looking for a 6x9 folder in good condition and your explanation of the various Ikonta and Nettar models is really helpful to understand the options that are out there.
Hey Jeff, many thanks for your feedback! I tried my best to give an overview without going too deeply into detail, because there are so many variants out there. So I'm glad to hear that I could provide some information that helps you!
Great, relaxing video as always Tom!!! Got a couple of folders and sometimes I take one on family days out as ONLY camera...it really makes you better knowing you only got 12 shots😎
Oh that is a great idea! Only bring your folding camera and nothing else! I really have to try that as well :)
@@tomscameras yepp, most recommended, I usually get 3 or 4 keepers out of 12, with digital, sometimes nothing after 100s of shots😆
Wow what a great camera ! I am happy to say that i own one of those folding type cameras. It's so weird to think that they were built around WWII. To think how old it is. In 20 years or so it's like 100. The image quality is awesome ! Zeiss really seems to be a great company for lenses. Although i am not into general photography (as i am a amateur astrophotographer), these cameras fascinate me.
I agree, these old cameras are still fascinating and also give awesome results if you know how to deal with them! Zeiss also did some nice amateur telescopes that were awesome in the day. But they’re very expensive collectors items today!
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Thank you for this clear video. I just purchased one and can't wait to take the first photos.
Thank you! I hope you'll have a lot of fun with your camera!
@@tomscameras thank you!
Great video! Thanks. I love shooting 6x9 on my Kodak Medalist. I figured out that you had TWO cameras when I noticed there were two different red window styles. Neat that you got to use two models. Those old folders are fun.
Yes ... I took the part where I load the camera for the nightshots, not noticing that I had grabbed the other camera. In the end it's good, cause now I know they both work very well!
Actually what I find especially amazing is that the leather bellows are still perfect after so many years.
Congrats, schönes Video, das ermutigt mich, meine 515 auch mal wieder auszugraben, auf den Dom zu steigen und von da oben zu fotografieren😊
Dankesehr - und viel Spaß mit der Nettar :)
Very nice! I am quite surprised how good a 3 element lens can be wide open. Also, you are very good at guessing the focusing distance, good job!
Thanks! I often used aids to guess focus distance so I guess it is also a matter of practice. I find it's really hard at closer ranges but 10 or 20 metres is surprisingly easy (for me, at least). The lens is soft wide open for sure, but yes I agree, it's better than one would think!
Very nice review. We found a nice Zeiss Ikon Netter (novar anastigmat) from my great grandmother, in very good condition. I'm going to try it out soon when I receive a separate range finder.
Yes, very nice! The range finder will be a great help. If you find one, just make sure it's properly calibrated. It's of course an easy check!
Excellent video.
I have an Agfa Rekord III which is somehow similar and has the same 6x9 format - it's great fun shooting it.
Yes, actually very many of these old folder cameras are amazing!
Not gonna put a thumbs up, I’m gonna use this emoji instead 👌
To prevent double exposure on my old Kinax folding camera after I shoot a picture I always wind on that way I’m never making a double exposure mistake.
It’s an amazing camera, excellent review well done
Thank you so much Fred. And yes, one needs to establish good habits when using these old cameras to avoid double exposures and such: But in the end, that's part of the fun!
Hi Tom. Yes, I still have my father's stamped H 37041. Zeiss Ikon. All my childhood and family snaps. Some turned out brilliantly for my dad, others disappointingly. It really is pristine with brown case. I tried it back in early 90s with colour and about 65% ok. But the point I wish to make is there are two windows on the back so you can get 16 pictures; and my goodness I never knew about the little chrome stand. So my first project is to use my Pentax ME again, and then in better light buy an Ilford b/w and try the Zeiss again.
I think the Pentax ME will be just perfect to try out analog, especially now in the autumn / winter season. My suggestion is to get an ISO 400 film for it. I wish you a lot of fun and hope you'll also enjoy trying out your father's Zeiss-Ikon eventually!
Hi! Tony you are right about the two windows on the rear, but I must tell you how to work it. The first thing you have to do is buy a FILM MASK for YOUR camera, it fits inside the camera when you open the back. Fit it before you put in the film then close the rear door. I haven`t used my camera yet so I haven`t worked out what window to use on the back when the film mask is fitted. There is an other problem, I managed to get a mask about a year ago, but it took me over 5 years to find it on the internet. Maybe that is because the camera is so old. I am sorry to tell you how difficult it is to get a mask, but if you want one then I wish you plenty of luck. If you search for one you will be looking for a very thin and flimsy piece of black metal with a square hole in it, sorry I can`t help you anymore.
Ganz WUNDERBAR ! What good condition for that Classic Camera -- and an f3.5 lens as well !
Thanks Peter! I‘m a huge fan of your RUclips channel and so I’m very happy you enjoyed my video! 🤠
I"ve one nearly indentical to your that I dated specifically to war-time era made. Unfortunately have only put two rolls through it. The ancient self-timer ceased the shutter on the 4th or 5th time I used it which is sad but was a good lesson. :) Ah wel. I shoot with Franka Solida III and Frank Rolfix II most often however which is why I never tried to fix the Nettar - I enjoy the glass at the end of those more.
When I got my Rolleicord, I was afraid to try out the self timer for a couple of weeks. 😀 Showed it to a camera collector friend and first thing he did is run the self timer ... I hold my breath but it did work, thankfully!
If the self timer quits and bricks the camera, sometimes it can help to shake the camera or press (not too hard ...) with the hand from the side against the lens/shutter assembly. With a little bit it becomes unstuck. Same goes for sticky long shutter speeds.
But yes if you've got similar folders like this with better lenses, why bother. It's kinda funny that there are still soooow many old folders out there!
After taking picture ALWAYS advance your film , then you will never double expose a frame. I love my 1937 Super Ikon 6x9/ 105mm Tessar. It always works. Original build quality and design count.
Yes, you're right: Establishing a habit like this works wonders, and maybe also not changing between cameras too much! I get easily confused because different cameras also need different habits :)
I randomly became possessor of a Ikonta with a Tessar 10.5cm, I had to clean it up (the lens was very hazy), shot a film this week and sent it to the lab, excited to see how it comes out ! The rangefinder is really dark though, hard to shoot.
Congratulations to the Ikonta! Very cool camera! Maybe the rangefinder also needs a thorough cleaning, or inside one of the optical elements got "blind" a bit?
I do agree that the old rangefinders are often no fun to use in general. That's a pity cause the folding camera concept is absolutely great!
Great shot at 0:50
Thanks! It's the Museum for East Asian Art in Cologne!
Thank you for posting. I have a Yashica C and appreciate the lightweight body. I like to take it biking and hiking. The folding camera would also save space. That would be fantastic. I'd really like to try one.
I am now also shooting a Rolleicord Va (which is basically the same size and design as the Yashica C). Folding cameras are so much smaller yes!
It is a little bit more hassle to operate them (because you have to unfold it every time ...) and the viewfinder is often really bad and basic. But for landscapes and hiking, maybe that does not matter so much. And the nice thing is, the pictures you get are just amazing!
If you want to get "serious" I would always recommend to find a camera with a four-element lens like Zeiss Tessar etc.
Did you see my review of the Voigtländer Perkeo II? That's a fantastic folder and it also has a four-element lens!
Nice review, don't leave out if it has bulb or T. Thank you.
Thanks for your feedback!
there is definitely something magical about 6x9 negatives.
oh yes! Even compared to 6x6 ...!
Great review, ireceived my zeiss as a gift and thanks to this video, im looking forward for going out and try it out :)
Oh, what a nice gift! I wish you a lot of fun trying it out!
Hi Tom. I'm really enjoying your channel. Aside from having the same first name, ,we seem to have the same taste in cameras. Your last few videos have al been about cameras I own as well. I have a 6X6 Signal Nettar that I'm having a lot of fun with. I found a vintage Watameter rangefinder that adds a lot to the utility of this camera. My Nettar has the 75mm f/4.5 Novar Anastigmat, which I find to be sharp, but it does vignette strongly. When I shoot black and white I find it imparts an "antique" feel to my shots.
Hi Tom! Great to hear you own and enjoy these old cameras just as much! I also recently got two old rangefinder attachments, I have to give them a try as well. Yes the Anastigmats can be surprisingly sharp for what they are!
I don't have an Ikonta nor a Nettar but 3 Voigtländer Bessas, in all the frame sizes you mentioned for the Zeiss ones. A very different shooting experience but worth it and very likely the cheapest entry inot MF photography, even cheaper than a Holga or Diana F. A joy to use. Thanks for sharing your thoughts.
Hello Martin! Yes, these folders are a cheap entry into MF fun. The brand maybe doesn't matter a lot and there are also many different brands in different countries.
The only points to make sure when buying an old folder is that it doesn't look obviously bent or tilted or in any other way damaged, that focus and aperture still move, that the shutter still fires, and that the bellows unit is tight. And then maybe check if it takes 120 film, because that's the one available today ...
@@tomscameras Yes, Shanghai makes GP 3 in 620, too. But that's basically the same film on different spools. But the also make it in 220 (nothing for most folders because of the red window) but exciting for other MF cameras.
Hi Tom, Another very informative and well done video. I just purchased a Nettar 515 in a 6 x 4.5 format. I was wondering what settings you used to take the shots at night?
Hi Mark, at night I set up the camera on a tripod and set it to f/11 or f/16, and shutter to T or B, and use an external light meter to determine the exposure time. I think it was between 30 and 180 seconds. At T the shutter stays open once you fire, and you need to move the lever to close it. At B you have to continuously press the shutter lever, but I use a cable release anyway to avoid any camera shake. Cable releases have those lock screws or other locking mechanisms so they keep the shutter open until you unlock it.
@@tomscameras Hi Tom, thanks for sharing that info. Your photos were really amazing.
@@markandrewhoran Many thanks, and you're of course welcome!
Just got a Nettar 515/2 today for €20, good, fully working, condition, with leather-case and original yellow-filter.
It has the Compur-Rapid shutter (1-400 + T&B) and a CZJ Tessar 1.4:5 f=10.5cm.
There is no shutter-button on the body, and no "door" over the red film-window.
I think Zeiss-Ikon made many small changes to this camera-model during it's lifespan, you could probably have 10 Nettar 515/2 and not two beeing exactly the same...
Super interesting and a great deal for 20 Euros! So your Nettar 515/2 has a top-end shutter and a very nice Tessar lens as well! I also agree that there is a huge variation of these cameras. Fascinating!
It not only shows how they wanted to provide a camera for every buyer - from more basic to more expensive and sophisticated - but also that it was kind of easy back then to come up with all the variations, because folding cameras are kind of modular and also because the production process was not as automated as it is maybe today!
I have a Zeiss, but cannot bond with it. However, Voigtländer and Balda folders I do like. Very much! For a compact folder try the Vito II - genuine shirt pocket size with Skopar lenses!
Actually, I got the next best thing to a Vito II ... or maybe even better (for me): two Voigtländer Perkeo's :) ... hope to be able to shoot them very soon!
Thanks, Tom, I enjoyed your video.
Thanks Michele!
A great video about these superb cameras. I have both Nettars and Super Ikontas from the 1930s. The Tessar lens in the Super Ikonta produces a superb image ; inha e the mask fitted so can take either 6 x 9 or 6 x 4.5 images. making it a bit more economical tonise
Thanks for your feedback! I find 6x6 a nice compromise between awesome image quality and more economy - also the 6x6 format means you never have to change the camera from portrait to landscape which is very practical when used on a tripod :)
I love Tessar lenses. I now also got the Voigtländer Perkeo II which has a similar four lens element design, it's also (I think single) coated, and the image quality is clearly better compared to the three element designs. That camera will be featured in my next video!
Direkt vor meiner Haustüre am Aachener Weiher!
Können ja mal gerne gemeinsam eine Analoge Tour machen ✌🏼
Aachener Weiher: Dann wird Dir eins meiner nächsten Videos sicher auch gefallen! 😀
Great video! Very informative. Very helpful for me as I just bought a Zeiss Ikon Ikonta the 521 version on ebay. Paid $42.50 usd, so not expensive as your comment in the video. It is a beautiful camera. Can't wait to use it. Would you have any advice on maintaining or cleaning the camera. Especially the bellows.... Also....what would be the models that you would think would be the most intersting to purchase for picture quality. There are so many. Thank-you again!!!! :)
Hey, the Ikonta 521 is a great camera. In general, all the ones that have additional features and better lenses, are more valuable today.
"Additional features" include: (1) shutter with more choice of shutter times - the really basic ones often have only three times; (2) four-element lens, not the cheaper three-element design that I have in my Nettar 515. In Zeiss, four-element lenses are usually designated "Tessar", so they're more valuable; (3) a mechanism that prevents unwanted double exposures, again my basic Nettar does miss that; (4) rangefinder.
As for the shutter, I personally have a soft spot for those simple shutters that only have a few times. Because more often than not, all those speeds still work well today, even after long periods of storage. Whereas the most sophisticated ones like Compurs etc. with times from 1 - 1/500 second often need a thorough CLA. The question is, how many of those speeds do you realistically need today when you shoot an old folder?
Cleaning bellows, I'm not an expert! If it's real leather bellows (mostly pre-war and large format), you can use products for leather care. Some folks use shoe polish. In either case, just use a very small amount, less is more! Most bellows units are in a surprising good shape even after many decades. One big exemption are old Agfa folding cameras that have horrible 1950's plastic bellows that are about 100% broken today and need repair or better a full replacement.
Check your bellows for light leaks by opening the film door and then shoot a camera flash from the rear towards the lens. You'll immediately see light leaks this way!
Excellent! Thank You!
Many thanks!
For what it's worth, the camera manufacturer, Zeiss Ikon, was a different company from the optics giant, Carl Zeiss. In the 1920s during great depression, many German camera manufacturers united to form a big strong company named Zeiss Ikon under the guidance of Carl Zeiss. Unlike Japanese counterparts, German camera manufacturers historically bought lenses from lens manufacturers. So Zeiss Ikon bought lenses from Carl Zeiss and other manufacturers, too.
Many thanks for adding this information!
In the case of my Nettar, they even bought the lens from some "lesser" company, I think it is definitely not a Carl Zeiss lens. It's a pretty basic lens, even though it still can produce very detailed photos at least when stopped down.
I've been looking at these cameras on ebay, of course you never know what you're going to get really, so I'm looking at the cheapest ones because I don't want to spend $80 and it doesn't work right. I am going to attempt to buy one, I really appreciate the information.
If you don’t care about it having a Tessar lens (like mine also doesn’t have one) you can also always look for one with a more basic shutter. The best shutters will have the long times up to 1 second, but these long times often don’t work anymore today. The simplest shutters have only three times but those normally all will work. (Of course, all shutters offer B for long-time exposure in addition.)
Then check the lens condition (clear glass) and if the focusing still works smoothly. Happy hunting!
That's a beautiful camera. That's the funny thing, the cheapest camera I own is a Medium Format camera. An old Kodak Brownie Six Twenty, producing big gorgeous negatives (although not the best lens).
Yes the lens is definitely the limiting factor (well and in my case, the focusing skills on anything that's not static!) ... this is also the case for the Nettar. Still I find the overall amount of detail astonishing for such an old and "cheap" camera!
I think I once had a Kodak folder that took 620 film. I cut the edges off the spool of 120 and it fitted! But that must have been back in the 1990s ...
I like folding Cameras very much, I have one folding camera of 120 roll film named as Super ikonta, coupled range finder, another is also Super Ikonta of 35 mm film Zeiss ikon.
Yes the Super Ikonta's were the top models of their time!
I have a Super Ikonta C 530/2 with Tessar Carl Zeiss Jena 10.5 f:4.5 and Compur-Rapid 1/400
It take very nice photo with ilford Fp4
i love this camera
Hervé de Baillenx in France
Merci beaucoup, Hervé! The Ikonta with the Tessar is a very high quality camera. It should give sharper and more contrasty pictures than the Nettar, especially at the open apertures. I am happy you enjoy your Ikonta! Kind regards to France!
Do you know what causes the horizontal lines in the middle of some of the shots?
That happens either when there is small debris at the film gate of the camera, that scratches the negative while winding on the film. Or it also happens (maybe more frequently) when the film is developed, due to the same basic reason!
Watching this video after buying one at a flea market for 15 dollars. It is in good condition but the f6.3 version. Now I want the f3.5 😅
If your camera works, 15 Euro is still a great deal! I reckon that if you shoot at f/11 or f/16, the quality of these lenses will be basically the same anyway. Enjoy your 6x9 Nettar! :)
@@tomscameras thank you Tom!
Great video as always! I'm learning a lot
Thank you! Glad you enjoyed it!
How do you tell if it's focused?
If it only focuses the lens and you can't look through said lens, do you just set focus and cross your fingers it works?
Basically, yes! You’ve got the distances engraved on the focus ring. What you can do is buy an external rangefinder … those were sold back in the day as accessories and sometimes you still find them sold on eBay or local sales ads.
@@tomscameras great information to know!
I am planning on buying a camera like this, can you tell me how to get high resolutions like this?
I feel like it's improbable to get such s good picture, teach me your ways!
Anything else I should know before I buy one? (120 film of course)
My scanner can pull about 240 MP out of a 6x9 negative. I can get 35 MP from a 10x14 mm negative out of a Minolta 16 or Mamiya 16 "spy" camera. Film still beats digital...
Relative to "did I advance or didn't I?" the universal solution for this is *habit.* Establish a habit and *always stick to it,* either advance as you're setting up the camera for the next shot or, as I've done for the past half century, advance immediately after exposing (if you aren't planning for an intentional double exposure, that is).
I've been carrying a 6x9 folder the last few days, a Moskva 5, which is an upgraded Soviet copy of that Super Ikonta 530/2 (coated Tessar type f/3.5 lens, double exposure lock, and a format mask so I can choose, when loading, to shoot 6x6 or 6x9 (many of the 6x9 models had format masks for either 6x6 or 6x4.5, especially in the 1930s when cost of film was a significant factor). I also have a Wirgin Auta from the 1950s, and a Voigtlander Rollfilmkamera from 1927. All are capable of excellent images.
Thanks for your detailed comment. You are so right about the habit. That’s crucial when using these old cameras! I’m still amazed at the quality that these cameras are capable of. Thanks for sharing your thoughts!
How does this one compare to a Zeiss-Icon Contaflex Super?
When I'm on the streets and shoot with my Super Ikontas, people stop by and ask always if film is still available ;-)
Haha, yes, once a guy even asked me if film is available when I was walking around with my Nikon FM2 ...
One question i have is when you wind the film at the end on the left side of the camera and take it out, you lose the wooden roll on the left side?
YES!
However, many labs will return the spool if you tell them to do so. Maybe first inquire if your lab can do that.
BTW, all my Nettars work with plastic spools as well.
@@tomscameras thanks for your answer. And once empty, the spool that remains on the right side can't be used as one for the left side? I just bought the camera and know not much about it
@@LeMecMoustachu That works, no problem! The only reason to keep the wooden spools is that they look cool. :) But the normal plastic spools are perfect for use. So yes, you just take the empty spool from the old film and place it in the other side, when loading the camera with new film!
@@tomscameras thank you a lot
Thank you so much, Tom. I have one of that: 515-2 1:6,3 105 mm. What do you think about this nmodel. I did not see this model in your presentation. What do you advise me about manual focus? Take distance with a meter or apply a telemeter over it? Thank you. Congrats!
Thanks Claudio! Yes you are actually right: Back then, most of those cameras were sold with three or even four different lens options. Zeiss-Ikon often offered f/6.3, f/4.5 and f/3.5 triplet lenses. I don't have the Nettar 515/2 with the f/6.3 lens that you have, but one of my 6x6 Nettar cameras is an f/6.3 as well.
About the quality of the lenses: They all are triplet lenses. That means they're not that sharp when open. I didn't notice a big difference between my f/6.3 and f/4.5 or f/3.5 triplets when shooting them at the same aperture, for example f/8. My advice is you use open aperture when you want to play a little bit with the vintage look, or the depth of field, and are not overly concerned about sharpness. But having said that, the f/6.3 triplet at f/6.3 will definitely be sharper than the f/3.5 triplet at f/3.5!
If you practice a bit, you can get pretty good at guessing distances. It's kind of fun! I mean, id you do long step, it's almost exactly one metre for most people. But there are of course more precice ways to measure the distance. Back when these cameras were new, they sold small seperate rangefinders that you slip onto the accessory shoe, or can connect somewhere else on the camera, or just use hand-held. Maybe you can find one of these on ebay etc. ... you can also buy a cheap modern laser distance meter, they're not expensive. Or, as I said, learn to guess distances.
My advice for sharp landscape shots is to use f/16 when light permits. In summer, f/16 is no problem when you use an ISO 320 or ISO 400 film. In winter, you'll maybe want to bring a tripod, or just place your camera somewhere on a solid surface.
@@tomscameras Thank you so much Tom for your so clear answer! I have to take practice with it. Is better tri-x 400 or TMax 400 films ? and can I use a traditional meter instead the rangefinders? Thank you again for all!
Both films are very good for this camera. The T-Max 400 is a very fine grained film. For an old 6x9 camera, the grain doesn't matter so much. I would personally simply take the film that is cheaper. You can also look for Ilford films, they're also great!
(If I shoot 35mm cameras, then grain matters much more and i absolutely prefer the fine grain of T-Max and Ilford Delta for 35mm cameras. But again, for 6x9 it doesn't really matter so much.)
Meter: You mean to meter the light / exposure? Or the distance?
Any light meter is good to meter the light. You can also download light meter apps for your Smartphone. This is all about exposure.
Distance: Then a rangefinder or a laser distance meter helps!
@@tomscameras Big Thanks!!!
You're welcome, have fun with your Nettar camera!
Klaus Rauber
Hallo, I recently got a Zeiss-Ikon-Nettar for 6*6 films. It is an older one ( pre WW2 I think ) with to "filmholes" on the back and an anastigmat 6.3 F7.5 cm lens. Starting to use it I now got back my pictures, which whwere only in a 6*4.5 cm format with unusually broad picture to picture interspaces.. Does anyone have an idea how or why this happened.
Hello Klaus, actually the Nettar also has the same basic film advance system where you slide open that small window on the camera back and then advance the film until the small number for the next frame appears in the window.
Those numbers are printed on the paper back of the film roll itself. This means that frame spacing is never depending on the camera, but only on where the film manufacturers actually print these small numbers!
A 6x4.5 camera should yield 16 frames on one roll of 120 film. If you get these 16 frames, then everything is just as it should be!
I noticed your camera was putting two fine scratches along the image. I have a Ensign Selfix 6x6 that sometimes does that. Did you manage to resolve it?
Hi Tim, after seeing the film, I did have a look at the film window and didn't notice anything that would really cause the scratches. So I didn't do anything more yet than wipe it clean again. But I have to admit that I didn't shoot these two cameras anymore since the video. Basically, since I got my Rolleicord, most of my other 6x6 and 6x9 went back to the shelf, except for making a review video 😇
@@tomscameras a Rollei TLR is a nice item. I have wondered about getting one, as my RB67 is a bit heavy for many situations :-)
Sir. Would you like to review TTartisan 23mm? I'm considering to buy that lens but I'll wait for your review. 🙏🏻🙏🏻
Oh yes, the TT Artisan 23/1.4 is definitely very interesting! I am trying to get my hands on one as soon as possible to make a review!
Es bellísima 🤌🏻
Yes, thanks! :)
Everything is better with lens hood ;)
True 😂
the habit to get into is to wind just before you expose- that way you dont have doubles, and the film stays flatter for the shot.
Thanks for the tip! Habits like that can help a lot with these cameras!
I like to shoot landscapes with a 6x9cm medium format folding camera with 105mm normal lens paired with a 6x9cm medium format rangefinder with a 65mm wide-angle lens.
That sounds a terrific set of cameras. A 6x9 with a 65mm lens? The Fuji GSW690? I have to admit that I never tried it out so far for myself!
I can’t close my Zeiss Netter, help! How do you do it? It seems like it needs a release but you seemed to just push it.
Yes you just need to push it. But you can maybe push first at the joint of the two chromed bars that keep the „door“ open so that they more easily fold back together! Hope this helps!
10:36 Hold it where?
You can support the front of the camera e.g. with the left hand at the folding door, or with the right hand but then place your hand more under the lens, just make sure that small lever doesn't get in the way when you fire the shutter. If you hold the camera in your hand and have a look at the lever, it's easy to find a good position for your hand. The thing is i kept forgetting about that lever, and I suppose if you're not often shooting such a camera, that can happen very easily.
I love my 3 cameras
Sounds a nice little collection!
Eine hübsche Kamera
Absolut! 😀
@@tomscameras Ab nächster Woche werde ich eine Nettar haben, ich bin auf den Zustand gespannt
Hi. I want to learn lhagee venus camera. Because the manual is rare
Good happy day~~^^
Unfortunately, I never shot an Ihagee Venus so far. It was made since around 1916 and uses sheet film. Sorry, but I don't have any practical experience with such cameras.
I have many cameras and videocameras, all from Germany
Yes, we once had a great camera industry over here. Today, at least Leica remains! (And of course Zeiss and others still are in the business of designing lenses and optics ...)
The video is made very neatly, consistently, informatively and at a great pace. I also make videos so I can appreciate how much work goes into it. The photos taken with this camera illustrate the capabilities of the optics very well. Great video! Like, subscribe and comment from me
Many thanks for your great feedback, I really appreciate it! 🙏
Now films are not manufacturef now digital age.
Films are still readily available, especially black & white films. Analog is enjoying strong user support these days!
forefathers? you know women also were photographers, right?
Of course you are right. There are many great and important female photographers!
I'd say go complain somewhere else.
Take life easier buddy and don't get offended by this simple stuff.
Would you prefer "forepersons"?
You realise German is a grammatically gendered language, right?
You can't just use (pro)nouns randomly..