Info about this Zeiss Ikon camera

[darkosaric]

Hi,

I can buy this camera relatively cheap (70€) - and I would like to use it for wet plate collodion.
Questions: is this camera using the standard 4x5 folders? Is it a good choice for collodion?
Thanks.

 

[Patrick Robert James]

It isn't a 4x5 camera (although it is close) so you can't use a standard 4x5 holder so that is the bad news. The good news is it should be pretty easy to find plate holders for that camera which means you don't have to modify a regular holder. You just need to find the right thickness of glass (or aluminum) to fit in the holders. In other words, it should work fine for wet plate.

 

[darkosaric]

Thanks Patrick. The lens should cover close to 4x5, even if it is not real 4x5 camera?

 

[bdial]

It looks to be a 9x12 (cm) plate camera, and as Patrick said, that makes it a little smaller than 4x5. The lens probably would cover 4x5, maybe with some vignetting or softness at the edges.

Plate holders should be relatively easy to find, especially on your side of the pond. Take a look at Ian's posts on plate cameras and holders, that type of camera was made by many manufacturers and the holders are slightly different on all of them.

 

[ChuckP]

Isn't the 15cm Tessar an odd lens for 9x12cm? You should measure the ground glass to make sure it is 9x12 cm. The 15cm lens should cover 4x5 with no problem.

 

[AGagnon]

I think I have the exact same lens coming too from a Zeiss Ikon. I mounted it on a technika board and it covers 4x5 with movements.

 

[darkosaric]

Thanks. I think for 70€ - it is worth the price. I will buy it.

 

[baachitraka]

Check for the patina, bellows, shutter and lens. If they are all good €70 is rather a good price.

With extended bellows you can shoot very good macros, but I am not sure whether roll film adapters will fit for this camera.