Camera [Zeiss Contax IIa]
Maker and role
Zeiss Ikon AG, Manufacturer
Production date
1950-1961
See full details
Object detail
Accession number
1978.849
Maker
Description
Contax 11a (Zeiss) 2a with extension lens adaptor. High quality 35 mm camera. Shutter 12 seconds to 1250. Very fast. 1.5 Sonnar lens. Heavy silver metal case with faux black leather covering at front and brown faux leather covering at back. Two large round metal dials at either side of top of camera and flash attachment in centre.
Brief History
The Zeiss Contax camera has been described as the best pre-World War II 35 mm rangefinder. Following WWII, the Zeiss company was split in two, echoing the separation of East and West Germany. This model, the IIa, was introduced by the West German Zeiss in 1950 and is more compact than the original. It was discontinued in the late 1950s, along with the IIIa model.
Marks
ZEISS / IKON Maker's Mark
Contax Label
ZEISS / IKON / Stuttgart / Germany / 131290 Maker's Mark
CarlZeissJenaNr.2187735 Sonnar 1:1.5 f=5cm Inscribed
Contax Label
ZEISS / IKON / Stuttgart / Germany / 131290 Maker's Mark
CarlZeissJenaNr.2187735 Sonnar 1:1.5 f=5cm Inscribed
Media/Materials
Credit Line
Zeiss Ikon AG. 1950-1961. Camera [Zeiss Contax IIa], 1978.849. The Museum of Transport and Technology (MOTAT).
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