Zeiss has some of the brightest finders of all TWRs

That's my favorite Ikoflex. It's the earlier IIa. I prefer it's looks to the later IIa although many people think the later model IIa is better. The later model adjusts the shutter and aperture with wheels rather than levers. While the most advanced was the Ikoflex Favorit, I have heard that there are repair problems with that model which, while I think I understand, are beyond my ability to explain.

I just got model 1a and can't wait to try it out. Mine also is quirky and I jammed the shutter before doing some research. Also the finder is noticeably brighter than my Rolleicord, and the focusing is stiff, just like yours. I paid a little over $100 for mine on eBay. The seller knew what he had.

Kenneth - nice upload, thanks! Your camera is a Ikoflex II 852/16, produced between April 1950 and October 1951 in the former Goertz plant in Berlin (all Ikoflexes were made there). About 10.000 of this model were produced in one run before the IIa came (reference see Photo Deal 28, article of Bernd K. Otto, info about Otto is here on YT: kzfaq.info/get/bejne/is2IZbhnmMq1qWg.html ). They came either with CZ Jena Tessar or Zeiss Opton (from Oberkochen, West) in Compur Rapid or Synchro-Compur. Good but a little slow picture taker, especially in the dark it’s hard to read the settings and it takes some getting used to loading film, as you mention. The manual needs three (!) pages to explain that. If you still need any help, let me know. But I think there are manuals around in the web. Happy shooting!

It does take a decent image, nice find.

I seriously go to that flea market every Sunday on way to New Hope for my summer job and I saw this very camera for sale on that second row of tables but didn't buy it. That's a great deal I wish I asked for the price

Was that model intended for 117 film, hence the frame overlap?