The Fernobjectiv was the longest lens for the Contax system that Zeiss ever marketed. It would be the longest of any of the big four (Canon, Leica, Nikon and Zeiss) would build until Canon released its 800/8 in 1953. The lens was a very simple design, consisting of two elements in one group.
It was first offered in 1934 in black and nickel, and was meant to be focused with a ground glass device in place of the camera. It was later offered in a short mount for the Flektaskop reflex housing. In 1938 it was changed to a black and chrome finish.
The lens was constructed after the war in an all black finish, mounted for the new reflex housing, the Flektometer.