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Zeiss Ikon Ikonta 521/16 (Ikonta B, Opton)

The Zeiss Ikon Ikonta 521/16 (Ikonta B) is a folding medium-format roll film camera taking 6×6 cm exposures on 120 film, produced by Zeiss Ikon in the post-war era. Examples fitted with Opton-branded lenses reflect the West German Zeiss output following the company's split, and the camera sat as a compact folder aimed at amateur photographers.

At recent UK auction, hammer prices for the Ikonta 521/16 have ranged widely from around £12 to £170, reflecting how condition-sensitive folders of this age have become in today's market. The three recorded saleroom results give a median near £100, and buyers should note these are wholesale hammer figures rather than retail asking prices, so a tidy user-grade example is typically worth materially more once dealer margins are added. Variant and lens configuration — particularly whether the camera carries an Opton Tessar — drives much of the spread in what the model sells for.

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Sales History

Prices shown are UK auction hammer results — the wholesale level achieved in the saleroom. Neither buyer’s nor seller’s commission is included. Dealer and retail asking prices are typically higher.

Prices updated: August 2024

Date Price Source
Aug 2024 £12 Flints Auctions
Nov 2023 £50 Flints Auctions
Nov 2016 EUR 200 Leitz Auction
Nov 2003 EUR 104 Leitz Auction
Nov 2003 EUR 172 Leitz Auction
Nov 2003 EUR 172 Leitz Auction
May 2003 EUR 167 Leitz Auction
May 2003 EUR 250 Leitz Auction

Frequently asked questions

What is a Zeiss Ikon Ikonta 521/16 worth today?

Recent UK auction hammer results span roughly £12 to £170, with a median value near £100 for examples in typical used condition.

How much does an Ikonta B sell for at auction?

Clean, working examples with an Opton lens have sold for around £170 at the top end, while rougher bodies change hands for well under £50.

What affects the price of an Ikonta 521/16?

Bellows condition, shutter accuracy, cosmetic wear and the specific lens variant are the main factors determining what the camera sells for.

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