Normally, we’re only focused on the subject of the vintage erotica. Just in case anyone was interested in what was doing the focusing for these negatives that I’ve been posting – here are three of the cameras I found in my Dad’s loft darkroom. I think the one on the left is the one he used for probably all of these photos. The other two look like they work with a film plate rather than a roll of film (to my inexperienced eye).
Guy
The first one is a Zeiss Ikon Ikonta and takes 120 roll film which is still available. A fairly typical folding camera of the 50s era, the Zeiss Ikons being a bit up-market from, say, Agfas and many other similar brand
redsquirrel
Cheers, redsquirrel. The negatives have been in a harsh loft environment for over 70 years. As I had to scan these on the Q.T., I couldn’t really splurge on proper scanning gear. So, I rigged up a wooden mount for my Lumix G7 and added an extension tube to try and get the negative filling as much of the frame as possible, illuminated from behind by an iPhone with a white background. A bit Heath Robinson, but I’ve had fair results. In an ideal world, would the combination of the Zeiss Ikon Ikon and 120 roll film produce good quality photos?
As there was a bit of sentimentality about trying to preserve my Dad’s work, I then tried using PhotoShop to remove scratches and weird starring that looked like structure of the negative being compromised. I also used the Neural filters in PS to try and improve the detail, etc.
There’s a couple of dozen sets still to tweak and post.
Guy
12 frames is the standard for 120 film. Regarding the lack of markings on the film, it’s possible it was hand rolled using bulk 70mm film trimmed down to fit 120.
The film doesn’t require rewinding unlike 35mm, it has a paper backing attached to it that is longer than the strip of film to prevent exposure to light so you simply keep winding after the 12th shot and take out the finished roll. You then take the now empty original film spool and put it in the other side ready for the next film.
I believe that first camera is actually a Zeiss Ikon Nettar rather than an Ikonta, the Ikonta had a dial next the shutter release to display the type of film loaded and it’s speed, whereas the Nettar just had a cover over the area.
dave123
