Zeiss Ikon Contaflex with Tessar | Analogue camera
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Brand Zeiss Ikon, Model Contaflex with Tessar, Functional condition tested and working.
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Description from the seller
The Zeiss Ikon Contaflex, introduced in 1953 in Stuttgart, West Germany, remains one of the most historically significant mid-century single-lens reflex cameras. As one of the earliest SLRs to integrate a whisper-quiet leaf shutter with a fixed eye-level pentaprism and split-image rangefinder, it set a benchmark for precision mechanical engineering. Fitted with the celebrated Carl Zeiss Tessar 45mm f/2.8 lens, often hailed as the eagle eye of photography, this classic camera is accompanied by its handsome original hard leather carrying case, making it an appealing acquisition for collectors and classic analog camera enthusiasts.
KEY FEATURES
Landmark 35mm leaf-shutter SLR camera manufactured by Zeiss Ikon in Stuttgart
Equipped with the renowned coated Carl Zeiss Tessar 45mm f/2.8 prime lens
Fixed eye-level pentaprism viewfinder with central split-image rangefinder focusing
Precision Synchro-Compur leaf shutter offering flash synchronization across all speeds
Solid all-metal body finished in satin chrome with classic textured vulcanite covering
Includes original vintage Zeiss Ikon fitted brown leather carrying case with strap
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
Camera Type: 35mm leaf-shutter single-lens reflex camera
Lens: Carl Zeiss Tessar 45mm f/2.8
Shutter speeds: 1/500s to 1s plus Bulb (Synchro-Compur)
Serial Number: Production unit with body number stamped on base/back
CONDITION REPORT
Cosmetic: Very good vintage condition with clean chrome plates, well-preserved leatherette, and only light signs of age; the included leather case shows authentic patina and remains sturdy.
Optics: Viewfinder displays good clarity; lens elements are clean and clear with minimal internal dust typical of vintage optics, free of heavy scratches, fungus, or severe haze.
Mechanics: Shutter cocks and releases, focus mechanism operates smoothly, and the aperture ring rotates properly.
Test status: Collectible piece, visually inspected and mechanically responsive.
WHATS INCLUDED
Zeiss Ikon Contaflex 35mm SLR camera
Carl Zeiss Tessar 45mm f/2.8 lens (integrated)
Original Zeiss Ikon brown hard leather carrying case with shoulder strap
WHY BUY THIS ITEM
An iconic and beautifully crafted example of 1950s West German optical excellence complete with its original fitted leather case.
KEYWORDS
Zeiss Ikon, Contaflex, Contaflex I, Carl Zeiss, Tessar, 45mm f2.8, Synchro-Compur, leaf shutter SLR, 35mm film camera, vintage German camera, Stuttgart, analog collector, leather case
The Zeiss Ikon Contaflex, introduced in 1953 in Stuttgart, West Germany, remains one of the most historically significant mid-century single-lens reflex cameras. As one of the earliest SLRs to integrate a whisper-quiet leaf shutter with a fixed eye-level pentaprism and split-image rangefinder, it set a benchmark for precision mechanical engineering. Fitted with the celebrated Carl Zeiss Tessar 45mm f/2.8 lens, often hailed as the eagle eye of photography, this classic camera is accompanied by its handsome original hard leather carrying case, making it an appealing acquisition for collectors and classic analog camera enthusiasts.
KEY FEATURES
Landmark 35mm leaf-shutter SLR camera manufactured by Zeiss Ikon in Stuttgart
Equipped with the renowned coated Carl Zeiss Tessar 45mm f/2.8 prime lens
Fixed eye-level pentaprism viewfinder with central split-image rangefinder focusing
Precision Synchro-Compur leaf shutter offering flash synchronization across all speeds
Solid all-metal body finished in satin chrome with classic textured vulcanite covering
Includes original vintage Zeiss Ikon fitted brown leather carrying case with strap
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
Camera Type: 35mm leaf-shutter single-lens reflex camera
Lens: Carl Zeiss Tessar 45mm f/2.8
Shutter speeds: 1/500s to 1s plus Bulb (Synchro-Compur)
Serial Number: Production unit with body number stamped on base/back
CONDITION REPORT
Cosmetic: Very good vintage condition with clean chrome plates, well-preserved leatherette, and only light signs of age; the included leather case shows authentic patina and remains sturdy.
Optics: Viewfinder displays good clarity; lens elements are clean and clear with minimal internal dust typical of vintage optics, free of heavy scratches, fungus, or severe haze.
Mechanics: Shutter cocks and releases, focus mechanism operates smoothly, and the aperture ring rotates properly.
Test status: Collectible piece, visually inspected and mechanically responsive.
WHATS INCLUDED
Zeiss Ikon Contaflex 35mm SLR camera
Carl Zeiss Tessar 45mm f/2.8 lens (integrated)
Original Zeiss Ikon brown hard leather carrying case with shoulder strap
WHY BUY THIS ITEM
An iconic and beautifully crafted example of 1950s West German optical excellence complete with its original fitted leather case.
KEYWORDS
Zeiss Ikon, Contaflex, Contaflex I, Carl Zeiss, Tessar, 45mm f2.8, Synchro-Compur, leaf shutter SLR, 35mm film camera, vintage German camera, Stuttgart, analog collector, leather case
Details
Era
1900-2000
Brand
Zeiss Ikon
Model/type nr
Contaflex with Tessar |
Physical condition
Good
Functional condition
Tested and working
Film type
35mm
Estimated period
1950-1960
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