Pacific Rim Camera

Photographica Pages

An online guide to collectable cameras and related stuff

Zeiss Ikon

Contax Lenses

The heart of any camera is the lens. No matter how complex, the camera is merely a light tight box to hold the film and expose it briefly to the image projected by the lens. Zeiss fitted the Contax with some of the best lenses available at the time. Many of the lenses are still among the best available.

The Contax has two lens mounts. The internal mount is for the 50mm lenses only, which lack a focusing helical. The external mount is for all other focal lengths, as well as reflex housings, copy stands and other photographic equipment.

Lenses offered with the Contax I were finished in nickel plate with black paint trim. With the introduction of the chrome plated Contax II and III in 1936, the finish was changed to a bright chrome finish. Lenses built after World War II were coated, although this is not an accurate way to date lenses as some earlier lenses were returned to the factory for coating by their owners.

With the exception of the pre-war 35/2.8 Biogon, all lenses will fit on all models. The 35/2.8 Biogon is too long to use on post war cameras and the rear element will interfere with the shutter. It should be noted that Nikon rangefinder lenses use the same two lens mounts, and the lenses and cameras can be used interchangeably. However, there is a slight difference in the pitch of the rangefinder cams, and lenses will not focus accurately. It is a slight difference noticeable on long lenses or lenses with short depth of field. Nikon provided lenses with a "C" on the barrel in 85, 105 and 135mm focal lengths which were corrected for use on the Contax. Other makers, such as Tanaka, Soligar and others, would mark the mount on telephotos with a small "N" or "C" to designate which camera they were designed for.

40/2 Biotar (also 4-1/4cm and 4.25 cm)

50/1.5 Sonnar