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Zeiss Ikon Ikoflex IIa 855/16 TLR Medium Format Camera

The Zeiss Ikon IIa 855/16 is a film camera from Zeiss Ikon — known for its 120 Film Medium Format and Twin-Lens Reflex Design. Check GearFocus for current availability, with buyer protection on every purchase.

Zeiss Ikon Ikoflex IIa 855/16 TLR Medium Format Camera

Zeiss Ikon Ikoflex IIa 855/16 TLR Medium Format Camera

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Camera Overview — Zeiss Ikon IIa 855/16

The Zeiss Ikon Ikoflex IIa 855/16 is a twin-lens reflex (TLR) medium format camera manufactured between 1950 and 1959. It shoots on 120 roll film, placing it firmly in the medium format category that enthusiasts and collectors continue to seek out for its distinctive image characteristics. As a TLR design, it features a fixed lens configuration — there is no interchangeable lens mount, meaning the optical system is an integral part of the camera body.

Focusing is entirely manual, consistent with the craft-oriented shooting experience that defines cameras of this era. The shutter is a leaf type, which is typical of TLR designs and contributes to a quieter, vibration-minimized shooting experience. Flash accessories can be attached via a cold shoe, offering some degree of compatibility with external lighting.

The camera weighs between 1,200g and 1,300g, reflecting the solid, well-built construction that Zeiss Ikon cameras of this period were known for. For film photographers drawn to medium format shooting with a classic TLR form factor, the Ikoflex IIa represents a historically significant and functional option from a well-regarded era of German camera manufacturing.

Key Features — Zeiss Ikon IIa 855/16

120 Film Medium Format: Shoots on 120 roll film, producing a larger negative than 35mm for greater detail and tonal depth.

Twin-Lens Reflex Design: Separate viewing and taking lenses allow bright waist-level composition through a ground glass screen.

Tessar Taking Lens: Fitted with a Zeiss Tessar lens, a classic four-element design well regarded for sharpness and rendering quality.

Leaf Shutter Operation: Built-in leaf shutter fires with minimal vibration and near-silent operation, beneficial for deliberate, controlled exposures.

Manual Focus Only: Focusing is done manually via a knob-driven mechanism, suited to the measured, craft-oriented pace of TLR shooting.

Cold Shoe Flash Mount: Accepts external flash units via a cold shoe, enabling use of supplemental lighting without TTL electronics.

Camera Specifications — Zeiss Ikon IIa 855/16

Zeiss Ikon IIa 855/16 full specifications
SpecDetail
Use CasesPortrait, Landscape, Street, Creative Effects
TypeFilm
Hot ShoeCold Shoe (No Contacts)

Description — Zeiss Ikon IIa 855/16

The Zeiss Ikon Ikoflex IIa 855/16 is a twin-lens reflex (TLR) medium format camera produced during the 1950–1959 decade. Designed around 120 roll film, it offers a medium format shooting experience in a self-contained, fixed-lens body. The fixed lens only configuration means the optics are built into the camera — there are no interchangeable lens options, which keeps the system straightforward for those committed to the TLR workflow.

Focusing is manual, requiring the shooter to engage directly with the focusing mechanism, as is appropriate for a camera of this era and type. The leaf shutter design contributes to smooth, quiet exposures. For photographers who want to add external flash, a cold shoe is available on the body.

Weighing between 1,200g and 1,300g, the Ikoflex IIa has a reassuring heft that speaks to its solid construction. This is a compelling option for collectors and working film photographers alike who are drawn to classic medium format TLR photography.

Pros — Zeiss Ikon IIa 855/16

  • ✓Medium format 120 film compatibility delivers a larger negative than 35mm formats
  • ✓Twin-lens reflex (TLR) design offers a distinctive, craft-focused shooting experience
  • ✓Leaf shutter type contributes to quiet, low-vibration operation

Cons — Zeiss Ikon IIa 855/16

  • ✗Fixed lens only — no option to swap or upgrade lenses for different focal lengths or apertures
  • ✗Manual focus only with no modern autofocus assistance
  • ✗Weight of 1,200g–1,300g may feel substantial for extended handheld shooting sessions

Videos — Zeiss Ikon IIa 855/16

Zeiss Ikon Ikoflex IIa (Late) Twin Lens Reflex TLR — Darcy Zhou

Frequently Asked Questions — Zeiss Ikon IIa 855/16

What film does the Zeiss Ikon Ikoflex IIa 855/16 use?+
The camera is compatible with 120 roll film, which is a medium format film still widely available from major film manufacturers today. No other film formats are listed as compatible in the specifications.
Can I use interchangeable lenses with the Ikoflex IIa?+
No. The Ikoflex IIa uses a fixed lens only — there is no interchangeable lens mount. The lens is an integral part of the camera and cannot be swapped.
Does the Ikoflex IIa have a hot shoe for flash?+
The camera does not have a hot shoe. It features a cold shoe attachment point, which can hold a compatible external flash unit physically but does not provide electrical communication for TTL or automatic flash triggering.
When was the Ikoflex IIa manufactured?+
According to the specifications, the Ikoflex IIa was manufactured between 1950 and 1959, placing it squarely within the postwar era of West German optical manufacturing.
How heavy is the Zeiss Ikon Ikoflex IIa?+
The camera weighs between 1,200g and 1,300g depending on the specific unit. This is a relatively substantial weight, reflecting the robust all-metal construction typical of medium format TLR cameras of this period.
What type of shutter does the Ikoflex IIa use?+
The Ikoflex IIa is equipped with a leaf shutter, which is standard for TLR cameras of this era. Leaf shutters are known for their quieter operation and lower vibration compared to focal plane shutters.

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