The first Zeiss Ikon Nettar was released in 1934 and went through several different iterations with the final Nettar II 518/16 being released in 1949 and ending production in 1957.
This is a 6x6 Medium Format Camera and you will be able to capture 12 shots on this wonderfully simple camera. If you have an Instagram, you’ll be familiar with the square format which was originally started with 6x6 Medium Format cameras!
At first glance there is very little to the camera. It is a very light and high portable camera. It’s bellows open to reveal a fixed 75mm lens, aperture range from f5.6 through to f22. Its shutter speeds are 25, 75, 200/sec. You can put the shutter in between these fixed positions however I have not done enough testing to see whether that works.
How to operate the Ikon Zeiss Nettar
By pressing the bellows release the camera reveals itself. You will have to manually adjust all the settings including the distance between you and your subject, shutter speed and aperture. I would strongly recommend using a light meter which will calculate the correct settings when using this camera.
Welcome to my video on the Zeiss Ikon Nettar 6x6 Medium Format Camera. If you are new to medium format photography, this camera provides a cost-effective way of starting.
In this video, I will go through the simple controls of the camera, the shutter release, cold show, bellows release and the film wind.
Be careful when you first open this camera, the bellows can pop out very quickly. To get around this place your hand at the front of the camera and then press the bellows release. You can then control the speed at which it pops out.
There are main parts you need to focus your attention on when you open the Zeiss Ikon Nettar. The first dial you must adjust is the distance between you and your subject. It ranges from 4ft through to infinity. Have a play with different distances to see what you can capture.
The shutter speed goes all the way up from bulb mode through to 200/sec. Again, you will need to adjust this yourself and set it using the orange marker on the shutter speed dial.
Your aperture dials from f4.5 through to f22. Stick to one of the marked aperture points on the dial but if you're feeling a little more adventurous then play around with the settings in-between the markers!
Once you have dialled in your distance, shutter speed and aperture you are ready to shoot. You will need to pull the shutter lever back to prime the camera. There are two ways in which you can release the shutter. The first is with the 'leaf shutter release' at the base of the camera. Alternatively, you can use the shutter release on the right-hand side of the top of the camera.
You will need to open the back of your camera by pulling down on the silver latch on the left side of the camera. The camera takes 120 medium format roll which will give you a large 6x6 negative. To put the roll into the camera, pull down on the springy silver bit located on the bottom right-hand side of the camera. That will allow you to slot in your roll, then gently release the springy bit back and the roll should be firmly put in place. Pull the film across on to the empty spool on the left-hand side of the camera, wind and close the back lid firmly.
Now, roll the film by using the scroller dial on the top left-hand side of the camera until the first frame can be seen on the camera gate located in the middle of the back of the camera.
Why shoot with the Zeiss Ikon Nettar?
It is light and elegant camera which is highly portable. The silver frame is sturdy and will stand the test of time. If well looked after it should last you a lifetime.
The camera will force you to think carefully about what you are shooting so you become far more careful and meticulous about what you shoot. You will enjoy the process, through which you will learn how distance, shutter and apertures work in tandem with each other. Compositionally, you will carefully frame all your shots which over time will result in highly personalized work and hone your creative style.
The large 6x6 Medium Format Negatives will give you high density detail. This is particularly important if you want to sell prints of your work. The negatives will last a lifetime depending on how well they are kept, and you can always scan and rescan to whatever size you wish.
It is probably the cheapest way to medium format. You can fetch one of these cameras online for about £30 and you’re set. At the cheaper end, you can grab a roll of film for about £3.50-£4.
The camera will help you capture some highly nostalgic shots in black and white. So if you’re looking for a classic look this will be a great camera to start with
In Summary
If you enjoy analogue photography and want to try out Medium Format before leaping into it fully, this is a cost-effective way to do so. When searching for your own Zeiss Ikon Nettar, make sure you buy a camera with excellent bellows and a lens which has been well looked after. These two things are the most important when investing in such a camera otherwise you may end up with disappointing results. Simply ask the person you are buying the camera from how it has been kept. If possible, go and see the camera before purchasing it or alternatively go a film photography store where you may be able to pick up a well serviced and looked-after one. All in all, this is a fun and classic camera. If you can shoot with this camera, you can shoot with any camera.