01
Molded Bakelite Body
Features a distinctive sculpted phenolic resin housing with integral textured grip panels and art deco stepped styling.
Curio Gallery
01 / 08
01 / 08Zeiss Ikon Simplex 6x9 Bakelite Folding Camera — photograph 1
Highlights
Why this object
still matters.
A distinctive mid-1930s medium format folding camera featuring a molded black Bakelite body with integrated grain textures and embossed Simplex branding. The folding bed extends on dual articulated nickel-plated struts to deploy a Zeiss Ikon Nettar-Anastigmat 10.5cm f/6.3 lens set in a Gauthier Telma leaf shutter. Equipped with both a rotating waist-level brilliant finder and a side-mounted folding eye-level finder, it produced generous 6×9 cm negatives on standard roll film.
02
Embossed Simplex Cartouche
Crisply molded hexagonal emblem prominently displayed on the upper front housing above the folding bellows bed.
03
Nettar-Anastigmat Optics
Fitted with a Zeiss Ikon Nettar-Anastigmat 10.5cm f/6.3 lens delivering sharp, classic medium format rendering.
04
Gauthier Telma Shutter
Equipped with an authentic German Telma shutter providing snapshot speeds from 1/25 to 1/125 second plus Bulb.
05
Dual Framing Systems
Includes a rotating lens-mounted waist-level brilliant finder alongside a body-mounted folding eye-level optical finder.
06
Integral Tabletop Foot
Integrated fold-out metal kickstand on the front bed enables steady vertical leveling for tabletop exposures.
Specifications
The useful facts,
clearly recorded.
Measurements, construction, identity, and seller-supplied details are kept together for direct comparison.
Reviewed · Curio catalogue
Maker
Zeiss Ikon AG (Dresden / Stuttgart, Germany)
Origin
Germany
Year
1935
Department
cameras
Packed shipment
2.5 kg · 35 × 28 × 22 cm
Camera Type
Medium format folding bed rollfilm camera
Negative Format
6×9 cm on 120 roll film
Lens
Zeiss Ikon Nettar-Anastigmat 1:6.3 f=10.5 cm
Shutter
Gauthier Telma leaf shutter (B, 1/25, 1/50, 1/100, 1/125 s)
Body Construction
Molded black Bakelite with embossed leatherette texture
Viewfinders
Reversible brilliant waist-level finder and folding side eye-level finder
Details
Close inspection,
recorded in photographs.
Detail № 01 · Zeiss Ikon Simplex 6x9 Bakelite Folding Camera — photograph 2
Detail № 02 · Zeiss Ikon Simplex 6x9 Bakelite Folding Camera — photograph 3
Heritage
A traceable life,
carefully recorded.
Provenance documentation was not supplied for this specific Zeiss Ikon Simplex 6x9 Bakelite Folding Camera; this listing is based on the supplied photographs only.
Material Innovation
Sculpted in German Bakelite
The first photograph captures the Simplex deployed on its drop-down kickstand, showcasing the distinctive molded Bakelite housing. Zeiss Ikon embraced synthetic resin to create sculptural, lightweight body contours distinct from conventional leatherette-wrapped metal folders.
Optical Design
Everyday Precision Engineering
Facing forward in the second image, the lens assembly reveals the Nettar-Anastigmat optic paired with a Telma shutter and dual viewfinders. This configuration offered accessible medium format photography with reliable German mechanical precision.
Timeline
An object in time,
one continuous story.
1926
Formation of Zeiss Ikon AG
Leading German optical firms Contessa-Nettel, Ernemann, Goerz, and Ica merge to create camera powerhouse Zeiss Ikon.
1934
Introduction of the Telma Shutter
Alfred Gauthier Calmbach introduces the reliable Telma shutter for enthusiast-tier medium format folding cameras.
c. 1935
Release of the Simplex Folder
Zeiss Ikon deploys molded synthetic resin technology to manufacture the distinctive Bakelite-bodied Simplex 6×9 camera.
c. 1939
End of Pre-War Bakelite Folder Line
Production shifts as German manufacturing is redirected toward wartime optical and military equipment.
Condition
Honest wear,
documented clearly.
The molded Bakelite body remains structurally sound and glossy, displaying crisp embossed Simplex branding with no visible chips, deep gouges, or hairline cracks. The black multi-fold bellows retain their square profile with minor surface creasing and light corner rubbing consistent with vintage age. The nickel-plated bed struts, folding kickstand, and shutter faceplate exhibit light cosmetic oxidation and handling patina, while the optical elements appear intact with minor ambient dust.
✓
InspectedBakelite Body Shell
Deep black molded phenolic resin retains high gloss with sharp art deco fluting, intact embossed Simplex hexagon badge, and no structural fractures.
✓
InspectedBellows Assembly
Original black pleated bellows remain firmly affixed to both front standard and rear frame, displaying natural surface age lines and light corner wear.
✓
InspectedLens & Telma Shutter
Front-cell Nettar-Anastigmat glass is intact with clear aperture and distance markings; Telma shutter casing and dial show light nickel finish aging.
✓
InspectedHardware & Viewfinders
Folding side eye-level frame, reversible brilliant finder, drop-down table foot, and leather top handle show honest period patina without structural damage.
Logistics
Inspected, insured,
door to door.
Step 01
Delivery
Inspected, photographed, and packed with its condition report.
Step 02
Shipping
Custom-fit protective packing with tracked, insured courier service.
Step 03
Returns
Return requests are accepted within fourteen days of confirmed delivery.
Step 04
Dispatch
Prepared for courier handoff within three to five business days.
Acquisition
Make it part of
your collection.
Contact the seller for more information or to discuss this object.
✓ Insured Shipping✓ 14-Day Returns✓ Condition Report✓ Reviewed Listing
Zeiss Ikon Simplex 6x9 Bakelite Folding Camera