Zeiss Ikon Box-Tengor Analogue camera

Manufactured by the legendary German optics house Zeiss Ikon in Stuttgart, the Box Tengor is one of the most successful and highly refined series of box cameras in photographic history. Originally inherited from the Goerz catalog following the major 1926 merger that formed Zeiss Ikon, the Box Tengor line ran for nearly three decades, outlasting almost all traditional box competitors due to its exceptional build quality and premium features. Unlike basic cardboard box cameras of the era, the Tengor boasted a robust all-metal body panel assembly, a true focusing system with selectable distance steps, and multiple aperture settings. Delivering large 6x9cm images on standard 120 roll film, this model remains an elegant, highly tactile symbol of inter-war and post-war consumer engineering that is deeply beloved by vintage analog collectors worldwide.

KEY FEATURES

Robust all-metal body chassis wrapped in textured pebble-grain cladding

Multi-step portrait/landscape distance focusing system adjusted via a front plate switch

Selectable multi-aperture diaphragm wheel configuration for varied lighting control

Dual integrated bright-matte glass brilliant viewfinders for vertical and horizontal framing

Smooth mechanical shutter actuation with an integrated threaded cable release socket

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

Camera Type: Medium Format (120 Roll Film) Box Camera

Lens: Goerz Frontar achromatic double lens element setup

Shutter Speeds: Simple single-speed instantaneous mechanical leaf shutter plus Time/Bulb (I/T) setting

Serial Number: Stamped inside the removable film carriage wall panel assembly or embossed on the back cladding: 54/2

CONDITION REPORT

Cosmetic: Very good vintage condition for an object of this age. The textured black grain wrapping is clean and tightly bound to the metal framework, showing only minor edge scuffing. The front decorative geometric faceplate retains clear lettering, and the metal hardware shows normal light age-related patina.

Optics: The Goerz Frontar lens element and dual internal brilliant viewfinders show standard micro-dust accumulation but remain clear and functional for framing compositions.

Mechanics: The film winding key rotates firmly, and the internal key spindle engages properly. The front distance selection slider moves into its detents, and the shutter lever fires instantly on both the standard and continuous bulb settings.

Test status: This camera is being sold as a well-preserved vintage collectible and has not been fully calibrated or tested with film in a darkroom environment.

WHATS INCLUDED

Zeiss Ikon Box Tengor medium format box camera

Removable internal metal film transport carriage frame with spool pins

WHY BUY THIS ITEM

The Zeiss Ikon Box Tengor is the ultimate expression of premium box camera design, combining beautiful German minimalism with highly robust mechanics to form a stellar centerpiece for any serious analog photographic collection.

KEYWORDS

Zeiss Ikon, Box Tengor, Goerz Frontar, Medium Format, 120 Film, Box Camera, 6x9, German Engineering, Vintage Analog, Antique Camera, Pebble Grain, Retro Photography