The Zeiss Ikon Ikonta cameras have been produced since 1929 and were offered in four models (A, B, C, and D) with different negative formats (4,5 x 6, 6 x 6, 6 x 9, and 6,5 x 11 cm). The Ikonta B (521/16) is the second version of the B model and was produced between 1938 and 1951, followed by the Ikonta 523/16 (produced 1952-1953).

Pre-war Zeiss Ikon folders require some rethinking with regard to their handling: The red dot signal next to the shutter release button of the Ikonta 521/16 model indicates that the shutter is ready to fire, whereas a red dot signal for example of my past-war Agfa folders indicates that the double exposure prevention is active and the shutter release is blocked. Furthermore, the tripod sockets of the pre-war cameras have a 3/8 inch mount (rather the current 1/4 inch mount), but adapters are available. In contrast to the A and C models, the shutter release button of the Ikonta A model 521 is on the right (in viewing direction), at the typical shutter button place.

Format 4.5 x 6: Zeiss Ikon Ikonta A (521) with coated Novar Anastigmat f/4.5 75 mm and Prontor-S shutter

Format 6 x 6: Zeiss Ikon Ikonta B (521/16) with uncoated Novar Anastigmat f/3.5 7.5 cm and Prontor-S shutter

Format 6 x 9: Zeiss Ikon Ikonta C (521/2) with uncoated Carl Zeiss Jena Tessar f/4.5 10.5 cm and Compur shutter

Sample pictures

Porta Nigra, Trier (Zeiss Ikon Ikonta A (521) Novar, Ilford HP5 Plus 400, 1/200 sec and f/16)

Electoral Palace, Trier (Zeiss Ikon Ikonta A (521) Novar, Ilford HP5 Plus 400, 1/200 sec and f/22)

Old house in Trier (Zeiss Ikon Ikonta A (521) Novar, Ilford HP5 Plus 400, 1/200 sec and f/22)

Old oak trees (Zeiss Ikon Ikonta B (521/16) Novar, Kodak TriX 400, 1/100 sec and f/11)

Hiking trail (Zeiss Ikon Ikonta C (521/2), uncoated CZJ Tessar, Ilford FP4 Plus 125, 1/15 sec and f/11, tripod)

Hiking trail (Zeiss Ikon Ikonta C (521/2), uncoated CZJ Tessar, Ilford FP4 Plus 125, 1/15 sec and f/11, tripod)

Stairway, Grimburg Castle (Zeiss Ikon Ikonta C (521/2), uncoated ZO Tessar, Ilford Ortho Plus 80, 1/5 sec and f/32, tripod)

See also my flickr photo gallery: https://www.flickr.com/photos/165607631@N07/