VINTAGE ZEISS IKON IKOPHOT RAPID EXPOSURE METER, MODEL 1329C WITH CASE, C1952
Item History & Price
This has to be the most charming light meter that you'll ever see. It's a subtle art deco design in ivory tone -- rather than the more typical industrial black and chrome -- complete with gilt wrist chain. It was manufactured between 1952 and 1958, and is a perfect complement to any Zeiss camera -- meterless or not -- or really any of the period. This is a match-needle design. When the two are matched, one can read out, at a given ASA (ISO)/DIN the appropriate shutter speed and apertur...e, as well as cine speeds from 8-64 fps.
The selenium photo cell powering the meter represents the first generation of electric camera photometry. The circuitry is simple. The photo cell generates electricity which is measured by the meter -- it requires no battery. As designed, it measures reflected light from the camera position. Using the included incident light diffuser, it can be used to measure the light falling on the subject, and often provides a better measure for exposure.
The leather of the case is in very good condition for its 60+ year age, intact and supple, though showing some marks of use.
The meter itself is in excellent condition on the face, and does show some slight discoloration on the back from contact with the case.
I tested this meter against a contemporary Minolta meter and found it remarkably consistent throughout its range of EV3 to EV14 at ISO 50. The Zeiss reading was always 1 stop faster (indicating a smaller aperture/faster shutter speed) than the Minolta. This discrepancy may well arise from standardization of ISO/ASA ratings in the interim.
The selenium photo cell powering the meter represents the first generation of electric camera photometry. The circuitry is simple. The photo cell generates electricity which is measured by the meter -- it requires no battery. As designed, it measures reflected light from the camera position. Using the included incident light diffuser, it can be used to measure the light falling on the subject, and often provides a better measure for exposure.
The leather of the case is in very good condition for its 60+ year age, intact and supple, though showing some marks of use.
The meter itself is in excellent condition on the face, and does show some slight discoloration on the back from contact with the case.
I tested this meter against a contemporary Minolta meter and found it remarkably consistent throughout its range of EV3 to EV14 at ISO 50. The Zeiss reading was always 1 stop faster (indicating a smaller aperture/faster shutter speed) than the Minolta. This discrepancy may well arise from standardization of ISO/ASA ratings in the interim.
