Super Ikonta 531/2: where to stop advancing the film?

[anta40]

I just got this 6x9 folding camera. Typically inside medium format bodies, there's an arrow, on which you keep advancing the film until the arrow on the film align with it.
I don't see it on this camera. Am I correct?

 

[Theo Sulphate]

Is there a red window on the back with which to view frame numbers while winding? The window may be covered by a metal slide.

Here's what it looks like on my Zeiss Nettar 515/16:



Typically, lining up the arrow to a mark are for cameras or film backs where there's no window, e.g. Hasselblad A12 back, Pentax 6x7, Fuji GW690III.

 

[anta40]

Yes there are 2 red round windows on the back. It can be uncovered if the slide is moved.

 

[Theo Sulphate]

OK - I suspect one of the red windows is used to position the frames for 6x9 and the other is for a different format, possibly 6x6 (requiring a mask insert in the camera). However, this is just my guess - I'm unfamiliar with the 531/2.

With both windows open, the one which has frames appearing more frequently is the window for the smaller format.

So, simply find which window applies to 6x9 and use that to position the frames.

Here is how I would proceed: just wind enough film on the takeup spool to get the film moving, close the back, open both windows, and start winding. When you first see '1' in a window, close that window and keep winding till you see '1' in the second window. For 6x9 the second window is what you'll use for exposures 1 through 8.

Any experts on the 531/2, please correct me for mistakes.

 

[John51]

There was a 645 adapter mask available for your camera. It's rare so be patient.

There should be a flip up 645 mask on the viewfinder. 105mm lens on 645 is almost portrait length.

As said above, for 6x9, ignore the right hand side window and wind until you see the next number in the left window. Blank frames can happen from incorrect winding, as can accidental double exposures. All part of the fun.

For 645, use both windows. First shot = Right 1. Second shot = Left 1. Third shot = Right 2 etc.

 

[anta40]

As said above, for 6x9, ignore the right hand side window and wind until you see the next number in the left window. Blank frames can happen from incorrect winding, as can accidental double exposures. All part of the fun.

Ah I see. Got it. Will shoot 1 or 2 rolls and see how it goes

 

[StepheKoontz]

The lower right window is for 6X9.

This first camera shows labeled in the leather the lower right is for 6X9, the center is for a 6X6 mask.



Some have three windows, the lower right is 6X9, the center is for 6X6 and the top window is for 6X4.5 as labeled on this camera. Again this camera has all 3 windows labeled.



Others have 2 windows at the bottom, the right side is for 6X9. To shoot 6X4.5 you align the first frame in the right window, then advance the same frame number on the backing to the left window.



On any of these types, without a mask to shoot the full 6X9, only use the right side lower window and ignore any others. Again to be clear, you must have the masks that fit in the film gate to use formats other than 6X9.

For folks with a 6X4.5 camera, many have 2 windows and like the 6X9 models that have masks for 6X4.5, you advance the film till you see the frame number in the first window, then wind till you see the same frame number in the next window.