Pacific Rim Camera
WE BUY CAMERAS
Contaflex
Zeiss Ikon was never a company to waste camera names. More than once, camera names have been reused on cameras that are disimilar. This is a case in point.
Contaflex TLR
Contaflex TLR, shown with 50/1.5 Sonnar
This is one of the most impressive cameras ever built. Introduced in 1935, it was the first camera to have a built in exposure meter. This was the flagship camera of the Zeiss line at one of their proudest moments. The viewing lens is an 80/2.8, which showed the same angle of view as the 50mm normal, but on a larger viewing screen, and with shallower depth of field. I've only owned a few of these cameras, and every one has been a thrill to get, and every one has broken my heart when it sells. One day I'll get smart and buy one to keep. $$$$-$$$$$
Contaflex TLR Lenses
35/4.5 Orthometer
35/2.8 Biogon
50/2.8 Tessar
50/2 Sonnar
50/1.5 Sonnar
85/4 Triotar
85/2 Sonnar
135/4 Sonnar
All of these lenses (excepting the 50mm lenses) are extremely rare, and are worth $$$$$
Contaflex 35mm SLRs
Introduced in 1953, the Contaflex line of cameras were aimed at affluent amatuers. They are all Compur leaf shutter SLR's, many with interchangeable front element lenses. Most models are relatively easy to find today.
Contaflex I
Contaflex I
First model introduced, 1953-58. 45/2.8 Tessar, non-interchangeable. Knob wind. $$
Contaflex II
Contaflex I
As Contaflex II, but with built in meter. 1954-58. $$
Lenses for Contaflex I and II
Both require carrier bracket 20.0200
1.7x Teleskop -conversion lens $
Steritar A -stereo prism for Contaflex, $$
Contaflex III
Like Contaflex I, but with interchangeable 50/2.8 Tessar. 1957-59. $$
Contaflex IV
Contaflex IV
Like Contaflex III, but with meter. 1957-59. $$
Contaflex Alpha
Budget model of the Contaflex III, with 45/2.8 Pantar lens. 1958-59. $$
Contaflex Beta
Like the Alpha, but with meter. $$
Contaflex Prima
Based on the Contaflex Rapid, but with Pantar lens, and exposure meter. 1959-65. Less common than most. $$
Contaflex Rapid
Like the Contaflex III, but with lever advance and interchangeable magazine backs. (The camera was furnished with a regular back, which could be removed and replaced with a magazine back. Only the magazine backs can be interchanged mid-roll, the normal backs cannot. Cameras should have normal back for prices listed.) 1959-61. $$
Contaflex Super (Old Style)
Contaflex Super (Old Style)
Like the Rapid, but with meter. Wheel on front of camera is an easy identifier, as no other Contaflex has one. 1959-62$$
Contaflex Super (New Style)
Redesigned, with "Contaflex" on meter cell. Synchro-Compur X shutter. No numbers for meter in viewfinder. 1962-67 $$
Contaflex Super B
Like the Super new style, except with automatic exposure. Synchro-Compur shutter, numbers for the meter in the viewfinder. 1963-68 $$
Contaflex Super BC
Like the Super B, but with CdS TTL meter. Easy to identify by battery cover on front of camera. Available in black. 1967-70$$
Contaflex S Automatic
Last of the 35mm Contaflexes, 1970-72. "Contaflex S" on the front of the prism. Also available in black. $$
Lenses for Contaflex cameras with Tessar lenses
35/4 Pro-Tessar -$
35/3.2 Pro-Tessar -$
Pro-Tessar M1:1 -macro lens$$
85/4 Pro-tessar-$
85/3.2 Pro-Tessar -$
115/4 Pro-Tessar -$
Stereotar B -stereo prism $$
Lenses for Contaflex cameras with Pantar lenses
These lenses also fit Contina III
30/4 Pantar -$
75/4 Pantar -$
Stereotar D -stereo prism $$
Contaflex 126 SLR
Probably the highest quality SLR system ever designed for Instamatic film cartridges.
Contaflex 126
Contaflex 126
Although produced from 1970-73, it is very common. Uses it's own unique lens mount. Available in black. 45/2.8 Tessar or Color-Pantar. $$
Lenses for Contaflex 126
25/4 Distagon -rare, but not extremely valuable $$
32/3.2 Distagon -$
85/2.8 Sonnar -$
135/4 Tele-Tessar -$
200/4 Tele-Tessar -$$