Zeiss Ikon Contessa LKE – West German Precision and Optical Excellence The Zeiss Ikon Contessa LKE, produced in the early 1960s, is a testament to the high standards of West German camera manufacturing. Combining a sophisticated design with a compact form factor, the LKE (the "E" standing for Entfernungsmesser or Rangefinder) was marketed to discerning photographers who demanded professional-grade optics in a portable package. Featuring the legendary Carl Zeiss Tessar lens and a coupled rangefinder, this camera represents one of the final flourishings of the classic Zeiss Ikon era before the industry shifted toward SLRs. Key Benefits Legendary Optics: Equipped with the world-famous Carl Zeiss Tessar f/2.8 50mm lens, known as the "Eagle Eye" for its incredible sharpness and contrast. Coupled Rangefinder: Ensures precise focusing for critical sharpness, a feature often missing from smaller compact cameras of this period. Integrated Metering: Includes a built-in Gossen light meter that is visible in the viewfinder, allowing for seamless exposure control. Features Brand: Zeiss Ikon (Stuttgart, West Germany) Model: Contessa LKE (Type 10.0631) Lens: Carl Zeiss Tessar 50mm f/2.8 (Serial No. 3950517) Shutter: Prontor 500 LK (Speeds: B, 1/15s – 1/500s) Focusing: Coupled rangefinder with a minimum focus distance of 1m. Metering: Built-in Selenium exposure meter. Body Serial Number: F 74268 (embossed on the rear leatherette). Format: 35mm film. Condition Rated: 4/5 Cosmetic: The camera is in excellent aesthetic condition. The satin chrome finish on the top plate is clean, with only very light surface marks. The black leatherette is fully intact, featuring a crisp "Zeiss Ikon" embossed logo on the rear. Optics: The Tessar lens is clear and free from fungus, haze, or major scratches. The viewfinder is bright, and the rangefinder patch shows good contrast. Mechanical: The shutter fires smoothly at all speeds, and the aperture blades are clean and dry. The film advance lever and rewind mechanism are fully functional. Note: The selenium meter shows movement when exposed to light, though its pinpoint accuracy is not guaranteed due to its age. Sold as a premium collectible/user camera. What's Included 1x Zeiss Ikon Contessa LKE Camera 1x Original Brown Leather "Ever-Ready" Case (embossed with the Zeiss Ikon logo) Integrated Leather Neck Strap Why This Product? The Contessa LKE is the perfect choice for the enthusiast who values both mechanical precision and historical pedigree. It offers the rare opportunity to shoot with a genuine Carl Zeiss Tessar lens in a tactile, manual rangefinder format. It is as much a reliable photographic tool as it is a beautiful piece of mid-century German engineering. Keywords Zeiss Ikon, Contessa LKE, Carl Zeiss Tessar, Rangefinder Camera, Vintage 35mm, West German Camera, Analog Photography, Prontor Shutter, Gossen Meter, Collector's Camera.