Photographica Pages

An online guide to collectable cameras and related stuff

Zeiss Ikon Deckrullo and Deckrullo- Nettel (including Tropical and Stereo models)

One of the oldest designs to wear the Zeiss Ikon logo would be the Deckrullo-Nettel. It was introduced around 1903 by Suddeutsches Camerawerk Korner and Mayer, which in 1909 was renamed Nettel Camerawerk, which in turn merged with Contessa to form Contessa-Nettel in 1919. Under Contessa- Nettel the camera was call Deckrullo-Nettel, but after Contessa-Nettel merged with Ernemann, Goerz and Ica to form Zeiss Ikon, it reverted to it's original name.

The Nettel is a strut folding plate camera with a focal plane shutter. Framing was done with a wire finder, focus was adjust via a knob which moved the lens board in and out, the focus scale was on the top. The lens had a small degree of rise and fall. The camera was available in 4.5 x 6cm, 6.5 x 9cm, 9 x 12cm, 5 x 7" and 10 x 15cm.

The standard model was cataloged as 870 series, and was constructed of a wooden body covered with black leather, and a black painted wooden lens board. A tropical version was produced in all but the smallest size. It was made of polished teak, with nickel re- enforcements on the corners, and had brown leather belows. It was listed as the 871 series.

Both the standard version as well as the tropical model were available in 6 x 13cm and 10 x 15cm stereo formats.

This example of the Nettel is marked "Nettel Camerawerk", pre-dating even Contessa Nettel.

The tropical version, from Contessa Nettel. The finder is missing from the top.

A tropical plate holder.

Even the tropical film pack adapter used teak and brown leather.