Zeiss Ikon Contarex Analogue camera
05
days
12
hours
10
minutes
04
seconds
Current bid
€ 29
No reserve price
Expert
Selected by Thorsten Pöllath
Has 40 years of experience in photography and 25 years of collecting expertise, specialising in M42 lens mounts.
Estimate € 330 - € 400
21 other people are watching this object
 Bidder 3139 | €29 | |
|---|---|---|
 Bidder 2951 | €24 | |
 Bidder 4503 | €15 |
Catawiki Buyer Protection
Your payment’s safe with us until you receive your object.View details
Trustpilot 4.4 | 124985 reviews
Rated Excellent on Trustpilot.
Zeiss Ikon Contarex I, a 35 mm SLR with the Carl Zeiss Planar 50mm f/2 lens, in nearly new condition and tested and working.
AI-assisted summary
Description from the seller
Up for auction is a crown jewel of German camera engineering: the Zeiss Ikon Contarex I, famously known among collectors as the "Bullseye" or "Cyclops". Introduced in 1959, the Contarex was designed with an absolute "no-compromise" approach to quality, intended to outperform every other camera on the market.
The nickname comes from the prominent circular selenium light meter window located directly above the lens. This meter is coupled to both the aperture and shutter speed, a groundbreaking feat for its time. The camera is exceptionally heavy and robust, featuring a focal plane shutter with a distinct, precise mechanical sound.
This example is paired with the legendary Carl Zeiss Planar 50mm f/2 lens, widely regarded as one of the sharpest standard lenses ever produced for the 35mm format.
Technical Specifications
Camera Type: 35mm Single Lens Reflex (SLR).
Film Type: 35mm (standard 135 film).
Lens: Carl Zeiss Planar 1:2 f=50mm.
Shutter: Focal plane shutter (speeds 1s to 1/1000s + B).
Light Meter: Coupled Selenium "Bullseye" meter.
Features: Interchangeable film backs, complex geared aperture coupling, and exceptionally high-grade chrome finish.
Origin: Stuttgart, West Germany.
Condition Report
Cosmetic: The camera is in beautiful aesthetic condition. The chrome remains bright, and the leatherette is in excellent state. The rear of the camera features its original "Made in Germany" information plate.
Optical: The Carl Zeiss Planar lens glass appears clear and well-preserved. The viewfinder is clear and functional.
Mechanical: The shutter fires and the film advance lever operates with the characteristic precision of the Contarex system.
Note: Due to the extreme mechanical complexity of the Contarex, a professional CLA is always recommended for regular use. The selenium meter reacts to light, but its laboratory accuracy is not guaranteed.
Up for auction is a crown jewel of German camera engineering: the Zeiss Ikon Contarex I, famously known among collectors as the "Bullseye" or "Cyclops". Introduced in 1959, the Contarex was designed with an absolute "no-compromise" approach to quality, intended to outperform every other camera on the market.
The nickname comes from the prominent circular selenium light meter window located directly above the lens. This meter is coupled to both the aperture and shutter speed, a groundbreaking feat for its time. The camera is exceptionally heavy and robust, featuring a focal plane shutter with a distinct, precise mechanical sound.
This example is paired with the legendary Carl Zeiss Planar 50mm f/2 lens, widely regarded as one of the sharpest standard lenses ever produced for the 35mm format.
Technical Specifications
Camera Type: 35mm Single Lens Reflex (SLR).
Film Type: 35mm (standard 135 film).
Lens: Carl Zeiss Planar 1:2 f=50mm.
Shutter: Focal plane shutter (speeds 1s to 1/1000s + B).
Light Meter: Coupled Selenium "Bullseye" meter.
Features: Interchangeable film backs, complex geared aperture coupling, and exceptionally high-grade chrome finish.
Origin: Stuttgart, West Germany.
Condition Report
Cosmetic: The camera is in beautiful aesthetic condition. The chrome remains bright, and the leatherette is in excellent state. The rear of the camera features its original "Made in Germany" information plate.
Optical: The Carl Zeiss Planar lens glass appears clear and well-preserved. The viewfinder is clear and functional.
Mechanical: The shutter fires and the film advance lever operates with the characteristic precision of the Contarex system.
Note: Due to the extreme mechanical complexity of the Contarex, a professional CLA is always recommended for regular use. The selenium meter reacts to light, but its laboratory accuracy is not guaranteed.
Details
Era
1900-2000
Brand
Zeiss Ikon
Model/ type nr
Contarex
Physical condition
Near mint
Functional condition
Tested and working
Film type
35mm
Estimated Period
1990-2000
Sold by
