Opinions on Zeiss Ikon Nettar 6 x 9

[Darkroom317]

I have a chance to buy one of these cameras. It is a Zeiss Ikon Nettar 6 X 9 with a 3.5 105mm lens and a compur-rapid shutter. How good are these cameras and what operating issues can I expect to deal with?

 

[Ian Grant]

Depends entirely on which lens & whether it's coated, type of focusing, so the exact model camera model. One in good condition with a good post war lens might be a great camera.

Ian

 

[Darkroom317]

The lens is a Nettar-Anastigmat. As to the exact model, the seller does not specify.

 

[Chazzy]

I've never owned one, but I've read reports from satisfied users on the Internet. They seem to come with triplet lenses which perform well when stopped well down. That's the gist of what I've read.

 

[Ian Grant]

I'm after a 6x9 folder but wouldn't pay very much for a Zeiss Nettar camera with a Nettar lens, the same camera was also available with a Tessar. I have an advert (1935) for the Nettar's and they were cheaper than the Ikonta's. It's unlikely the Nettar's were made after WWII, whereas the Ikonta's were significantly improved with coated lenses.

Ian

 

[Darkroom317]

Finally was able to find out the exact model. It is a Nettar 515/2

 

[Ian Grant]

£7 7s in the UK in 1935, so that gives you a rough age £10 with a Tessar

IAn

 

[Darkroom317]

My current price range is around $100. I'm not expecting anything as sharp as my RB67.

 

[ntenny]

The Nettar is a prewar triplet and should have all the limitations associated therewith. Corner sharpness will most likely be pretty poor, even centre sharpness won't be on a level with a modern lens, and in the 6x9 format there seems usually to be quite a bit of vignetting. Those limitations of the lens are fine with many people; however, you may want to lurk for a postwar model with a Novar, which is still a triplet but likely a better-quality one than the Nettar. It should be easy to find one for well under US$100, especially if you're willing to take your chances on eBay.

I like Nettar cameras generally; they're simple, robust machines that in my experience have good build quality. They're probably the best of the low-cost folders. Just keep your expectations realistic.

-NT