I am considering buying a Zeiss Nettar 517/16 from a private seller. They are close by, so I can see it before buying. It looks in good condition, cosmetically, at least. Anything I should watch out for? The asking price is $100 Canadian, complete with a leather case. #believeinfilm #filmphotography - ThreadSky

chrisbone.bsky.social • 30 days ago

I am considering buying a Zeiss Nettar 517/16 from a private seller. They are close by, so I can see it before buying. It looks in good condition, cosmetically, at least. Anything I should watch out for? The asking price is $100 Canadian, complete with a leather case. #believeinfilm #filmphotography

Comments

tomnorthfilm.bsky.social•30 days ago

This is a terrific camera. As others have suggested I’d check the bellows. I would check the non-slow shutter speeds to see if they seem relatively correct. One other thing I’d check is to make sure that the front element is parallel to the film plane. If the struts have been bent it might not be.

tomnorthfilm.bsky.social•30 days ago

Here is a photo I made in the Big Woods on my 517/16. As you can see, that Novar lens is sharp.

chrisbone.bsky.social•30 days ago

This photograph speaks for itself.

tomnorthfilm.bsky.social•29 days ago

I made a portrait of our daughter’s family on this camera that now hangs on a wall in their house. You can do a lot with this humble camera.

chrisbone.bsky.social•30 days ago

Do you use a separate rangefinder?

tomnorthfilm.bsky.social•30 days ago

Yes, I find it helps a lot for my type of photography. There are times I will zone focus, but not as often as I use a rangefinder. I just picked up an external Rowi rangefinder on eBay that is in meters so it will work nicely with my 517/16.

jimgraves.bsky.social•29 days ago

Definitely check the bellows for pin pricks of light, as others have said.
If the shutter seems a little slow, it's probably just the lubricant stiffening with age. Sit it on a radiator for half an hour to warm the camera, then operate the shutter to see if it loosens off. Repeat as necessary.

chrisbone.bsky.social•27 days ago

The shutter is super snappy (sorry)!

tomnorthfilm.bsky.social•26 days ago

Is it a Pronto shutter? That’s what mine has. It’s always worked great. I’ve never had it serviced.

chrisbone.bsky.social•26 days ago

No, mine has a Vario shutter. Also, the focussing scale is in ft rather than m.

tomnorthfilm.bsky.social•26 days ago

It’s always interesting how many different variants there are with these old folders.

chrisbone.bsky.social•26 days ago

I am trying to identify when mine was made. According to the serial number information on Camerawiki, my Nettar should not exist 🤪. A letter suffix before the number indicates when a camera was produced. The serial number on my Nettar is N 91070. There is no N in the Camerawiki table. Keep looking!

jimgraves.bsky.social•26 days ago

Like an alligator sandwich.

chrisbone.bsky.social•26 days ago

🤣

sandehalynch.com•30 days ago

If it comes with a Novar lens, it's a good triplet and was made, IIRC, by Rodenstock. I recommend a push-on lens hood for bright sunny days.

chrisbone.bsky.social•30 days ago

It has a 75mm f4.5 Novar. Lens hood is good advice, thanks.

georgeg.bsky.social•30 days ago

Great little camera, obvious things are the bellows, although they are pretty tough. Also the shutter can become sticky with age. Only 3 shutter speeds but I've never had a problem using it in the UK.

Some recent shots

chrisbone.bsky.social•30 days ago

Does equivalent of £54 seem about right if it is in vg condition?

tomnorthfilm.bsky.social•30 days ago

I bought mine on eBay for 105USD in 2022. It was in excellent condition. I’ve had no issues with it.

chrisbone.bsky.social•30 days ago

Wide variation in current prices on eBay Canada. Feeling quite good about the price if it is as good as it looks.

georgeg.bsky.social•30 days ago

Looking on UK eBay they are going for between £20-35. So maybe a bit on the expensive side.

I picked mine up years ago when film cameras were dirt cheap.

Camera prices still seem to be at crazy prices, I've been looking for a 6x9 but prices are higher that I'm willing to pay.

chrisbone.bsky.social•30 days ago

I get the impression that it has not been used for a while so sticky shutter syndrome definite possibility. Thanks.

getymk.com•30 days ago

The three nettars I've had all had sticky shutters. A little nudge on the leaver and they fired fine. And once they were used more often they unstuck

chrisbone.bsky.social•27 days ago

No sign of stickiness. Held it open on B and it closed instantly upon release. Speeds appear to be fine.

getymk.com•27 days ago

That's good. Enjoy, they are one of my favourite medium format cameras. So compact you can take anywhere

georgeg.bsky.social•27 days ago

That's good news.

daveinelland.bsky.social•30 days ago

Quite a comprehensive review here https://www.magnaimages.com/post/reviewing-the-zeiss-ikon-517-16-120-film-camera

chrisbone.bsky.social•30 days ago

Thanks, Dave. This was helpful. I will watch the Roger Lowe video later.

slipperyjimdigriz.bsky.social•27 days ago

Ah, you know the seagull Man?

monobod.bsky.social•29 days ago

They are lovely cameras l have two 518/16s.
The viewfinders are tiny.😎
The only problem I have with them is the lenses are way too sharp for my eyes! 👀😎

chrisbone.bsky.social•27 days ago

Thanks for all the helpful comments. 🙏

chrisbone.bsky.social•27 days ago

The deed is done! It is in excellent condition. The lens is spotless, and everything works as it should. It belonged to the seller’s late brother and had been in their family for a long time. A very good find!