Zeiss Ikon Super Ikonta BX
The Super Ikonta BX is a medium format, folding camera produced by Zeiss Ikon between 1937-1957. It is a close sibling of the Super Ikonta B with the largest difference being the inclusion of an uncoupled selenium cell light meter.
There were two models of the Super Ikonta BX that were manufactured. An early model was produced from 1937-1952. A second, later, model was made between 1952-1957. The biggest difference between the early and late models is mostly in the shutters found on the camera. The early model usually has a Compur-Rapid leaf shutter with a top speed of 1/400, while the later model is fitted with a Synchro Compur MX shutter that tops out at 1/500.
The Zeiss Ikon model number used for both of these cameras is 533/16.
As far as the experience of using a Super Ikonta goes, they are an oft overlooked way to effectively shooting medium format. As a folding camera, the Super Ikonta BX gets very compact. If your coat has big enough pockets, this even becomes a pocket camera. Otherwise it easily fits into a purse, handbag, small backpack, etc. It really cannot be overstated how nice it is to have such a compact camera capable of making medium format negatives. Since the Super Ikonta BX has a coupled rangefinder it is easy enough to frame and focus images in relatively fast manner. It definitely sets the Super Ikonta apart from the myriad folding cameras that have no rangefinder focusing provision. The other joy in the Super Ikonta BX is how well designed a camera it is. Zeiss Ikon knew how to build cameras. The Super Ikonta BX looks good and feels good. It is a reliable camera that is a pleasure to hold and operate and will keep on ticking like clockwork for a long, long time. Yes, the shutter will need occasional servicing but that is not hard, nor terribly expensive, to have done.
With a beautiful lens, stylish design, easy use and compact size the Super Ikonta BX (as well as all the other Super Ikontas) have definitely earned the cult popularity they enjoy. This is definitely a camera to put on your radar.
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