ZEISS IKON CONTAFLEX SUPER

Name: Zeiss Contaflex Super
Brand: Zeiss

The Zeiss Ikon Contaflex Super is a 35mm single-lens reflex (SLR) camera introduced in 1959 as an upgraded version of the original Contaflex line. It has a newly designed vertical-travel focal-plane shutter and a built-in, through-the-lens (TTL) exposure meter. The meter needle shows in the viewfinder. Amateur and professional photographers both got a real step up in usability and precision.

Overview

The Contaflex Super came out during a transitional period in 35mm design, between compact rangefinders and the coming generation of system SLRs. Zeiss Ikon built it in Stuttgart, Germany. It replaced the earlier Contaflex III and IV models and refined the "pseudo-rangefinder" SLR concept first introduced in 1953. Conventional SLRs of the era used interchangeable lenses. The Contaflex series had a fixed Carl Zeiss lens instead, the 45mm f/2.8 Tessar, in a compact, die-cast alloy body with a rigid folding design. The biggest change on the Super was a new vertical-travel metal focal-plane shutter in place of the previous leaf shutter. That allowed faster flash synchronization (up to 1/300 sec) and a broader range of shutter speeds.

Zeiss Ikon aimed the Contaflex Super at advanced amateurs and photojournalists who wanted precision and portability. It offered TTL metering through a selenium cell mounted around the lens, so no external meter was needed. The meter needle was projected into the viewfinder for real-time exposure readings. With that, the sturdy build and sharp optics, it sat as a premium alternative to both Leica rangefinders and emerging SLRs like the Asahi Pentax. It belonged to Zeiss Ikon's final wave of high-end 35mm cameras, before the company gradually pulled back from the consumer market in the mid-1960s.

Specifications

Specification	Value
Type	Single-Lens Reflex (SLR)
Film Format	35mm (135 cartridge)
Years Produced	1959–1963
Lens Mount	Fixed Carl Zeiss Tessar 45mm f/2.8 (non-interchangeable)
Shutter	Vertical-travel metal focal-plane shutter; speeds 1–1/500 sec + B, with X and M flash sync
Aperture Range	f/2.8 to f/22
Metering	Selenium-cell TTL meter with center-weighted averaging
Exposure Modes	Manual only (shutter-priority auto exposure not available)
Viewfinder	Fixed pentaprism SLR viewfinder with central split-image rangefinder spot and microprism collar
Focusing	Manual via helical focusing mount (lens extends forward)
Flash Sync	PC terminal with X and M settings; sync at all shutter speeds up to 1/300 sec
Film Advance	Lever wind (single stroke), frame counter automatic reset on back opening
Frame Size	24 × 36 mm
Aspect Ratio	3:2
Exposure Count	36 exposures (standard 135 cassette)
Dimensions	140 × 85 × 55 mm (W×H×D, closed)
Weight	Approx. 780 g (with lens, body only)

Key Features

Vertical Focal-Plane Shutter: Replaced the leaf shutter of earlier models, enabling faster shutter speeds (up to 1/500 sec) and improved flash sync performance.
TTL Selenium Meter with Needle Indicator: Provided real-time exposure feedback via a needle visible in the viewfinder, a rare feature in 1959.
Fixed Carl Zeiss Tessar 45mm f/2.8 Lens: Renowned for its sharpness, compactness, and color-corrected optics, optimized for the short flange distance.
Integrated Split-Image Focusing Aid: Enhanced manual focusing precision with a central split-image rangefinder and surrounding microprism collar.
Compact Folding Design: Lens and viewfinder retracted into the body for portability, with a rigid lock when extended for shooting.

Historical Context

The Contaflex Super was released at a time of intense innovation in the 35mm market. Japanese manufacturers like Asahi (Pentax), Nikon, and Canon were rapidly advancing SLR technology with interchangeable lens systems. German companies like Zeiss Ikon and Leica stuck with precision engineering and premium build quality. The Super was Zeiss Ikon's answer to growing demand for integrated metering and faster operation, and it competed directly with cameras like the Rectaflex and early Praktica models. Unlike its Japanese rivals, the Contaflex kept a fixed lens, which limited its appeal for photographers who wanted a system.

The Contaflex Super had trouble finding buyers despite its advanced features. The price was high, the lens options were limited, and the mechanical shutter was complex, so it was less accessible than simpler rangefinders or emerging SLRs. Production ended in 1963. The Contaflex Super B (with a 50mm f/2.8 Pantar lens) followed, and later the S, which introduced a CdS meter. The Super ran only about four years, and its relatively low output is part of why it's a niche classic today.

Collectibility & Value

The Zeiss Ikon Contaflex Super is a sought-after model among collectors of vintage German cameras, particularly those interested in the evolution of SLR technology. It combines Zeiss optics, mechanical sophistication, and early TTL metering. In excellent working condition, with a clear viewfinder, responsive shutter, and functional meter (though selenium cells often degrade over time), it typically sells for between $400 and $700 on the secondary market. Examples with original cases, manuals, and accessories can exceed $800, especially if verified as low-production variants.

Buyers should check for the common problems. Selenium meter cells degrade and cannot be easily repaired. Shutters can be inaccurate at high speeds. Lubricant dries out in the focusing helix, and fungus or haze can show up in the viewfinder prism. The folding mechanism should work smoothly without play, and the film advance lever must engage consistently. The focal-plane shutter is complex and spare parts are hard to find, so repair is best left to specialists in vintage German cameras. Well-maintained examples still work and can produce excellent image quality, particularly with modern ISO 100-400 films.

Similar Cameras

Pentax Spotmatic (1964) – Japanese SLR with interchangeable lenses, TTL metering, and M42 screw mount.
Konica Auto-Reflex (1965) – Another fixed-lens SLR with auto-exposure, though later and more automated.
Yashica TL Electro (1973) – Early electronic SLR with CdS metering, representing the next evolution in metering tech.
Rectaflex Reflexa Special (1958) – Italian SLR with through-the-lens metering, a direct contemporary.
Praktica FX2 (1965) – East German SLR with leaf shutter and selenium meter, similar target market.

Repair & Maintenance

The Contaflex Super needs no batteries, since the selenium-cell meter generates its own power. Those cells often lose sensitivity over time, which leaves the meter inaccurate or dead. Replacement is not feasible, but the camera can still be used with an external meter. The focal-plane shutter tends toward uneven speeds if dried or gummed, especially at 1/250 and 1/500 sec, and may need professional cleaning and re-timing. The selenium cell assembly can delaminate and obstruct the viewfinder, so inspect it. During a CLA (clean, lubricate, adjust) service, lubrication of the focusing mechanism and film transport should be sparing to avoid contamination. The camera is mechanically complex and service options are limited, so repairs are best handled by technicians experienced with vintage Zeiss Ikon models. Regular use and dry storage help preserve functionality.