Restoration of an Ikonta model A

Looks good, Cliff, I like the colour of the case! I have a similar pre-war Ikonta A with Novar, quite worn but still fully functional. When I tried it I was impressed with the Novar lens. If you have occasion to take off the lens front group be careful that you watch exactly where it comes off the thread and replace it on the same thread. These lenses have multi-start threads and can easily be put back wrongly from which point on all your shots will be out of focus. cheers - Colin

Very Pretty Cliff! Looks a lot like my 515 Nettar. I love the cases on these old folders. They are works of art too, and icing on the cake. I'm looking forward to seeing the photos this little beauty turns out. What kind of equipment is needed to re-stitch the leather?

Colin, Yes I know. As a matter of fact, this lens was already installed wrong, and then they bent the frame to try to make the camera work. I had to totally strip the shutter and clean it out, clean the lenses, re-adjust the frame, fix all the bends on the back door so it closes properly,clean off all the rust and repaint the frame, polish all the chrome, and re-finish the covering, then re-fit the lens and adjust it. It was a whole restoration. The only thing I didn't do was the bellows, but it will need to be done in the next several years.

Russ, After all that, the case was easy. Just a stitch awl and some waxed thread. I didn't get any pictures today, it rained and I had some other things to get done, then had some company drop over. Maybe tomorrow.

OK, so my advice was several years too late abd to the wrong person!

I shot a roll yesterday evening at the Villages. This is one of the first models that was made and the position of the red windows is different than the later ones. Also it doesn't have the fuzzy light seal around them. The light leaks were horrid. I need to put some light seal around the holes to see if that helps. I guess this is why they moved the windows on later models. Anyway here are some of the shots that didn't get ruined with the leaks. Still pretty good for a camera this old.

The Date code on the lens puts it at 1930, and the 520 was supposed to be released in 1933. I think this was made in 1932 and was one of the first ones out. I had another one that the date code on a Tessar was 1932, and the red windows had already been moved. Later they moved them some more and added the metal sliding cover. I have one like that too, and the date code on that lens is 1934.

Here are the three different backs of the same model 520 Ikonta, the first being the one discussed here; the oldest and worst at keeping light out. They put the window right in the curve where it is not even tight against the backing paper, so it lets the light in badly. I don't know if I can seal this or not. Obviously the real fix was to move it.

Cliff,

Incredible work.

Yhe pictures are superb so you forced me to by one of those beautiful old babies. Hope to have it very soon.

Thank You Luis, Let me know if you get one of the original ones with the red window right over the film spool. That is a real tuff leak to fix, since the gap gets larger as the film advances to the take-up side. If you need it, I will post my final FIX for it. I can now shoot ASA 400 film with no light problems.

Cliff,

The above one is the one I bought. There is not other picture so I can’t see the back yet. I’ll let you know when she will come.

Thank you very much indeed for your help.