Photographica Pages

An online guide to collectable cameras and related stuff

Zeiss Ikon Contaflex Rapid

The Contaflex Rapid was introduced in 1958 to replace the Contaflex III. The new features included the interchangeable magazine back and the rapid wind lever advance. Why these were not introduced first on the more expensive model with an exposure meter is a mystery to me (although they were the next year). Like the Contaflex III, it has an interchangeable 50/2.8 Tessar. It also had a built in accessory shoe.

This camera has a front cell interchangeable 50/2.8 Tessar, and can accept the earlier 35/4 and 85/4 Pro-Tessars, as well as the later 35/3.2, 85/3.2 and 115/4 Pro-Tessars. It can also accept the Steritar B, M1:1 macro lens and the adapter to use the monocular.

It had an attractive nameplate, the word Contaflex was engraved on the front of the prism in script (this trait was also shared with the contemporary Contaflex Prima). The Rapid was discontinued in 1960, the last of the non-metered Contaflex cameras.

The Contaflex Rapid with it's case.