ZEISS IKON CONTAREX I

The Zeiss Ikon Contarex I is a professional 35mm single-lens reflex (SLR) camera introduced in 1958. It was Zeiss Ikon's first try at the high-end SLR market. It has precision engineering, a built-in light meter, and compatibility with Carl Zeiss T* lenses.

Overview

The Contarex I is often called the "Bullseye" because a circular selenium light meter surrounds the lens mount. It was Zeiss Ikon's flagship 35mm SLR, released in 1958 while the industry was moving from rangefinders to SLRs. It was designed for professional photographers and serious enthusiasts who wanted top optical quality, mechanical reliability, and good ergonomics. As the first model in the Contarex line, it started a lineage that would include the Contarex II and III. The original I stands out for its mechanical shutter and its unusual metering solution.

Zeiss Ikon was a consortium of German camera manufacturers led by Carl Zeiss. It wanted to carry its reputation for optical superiority into a modern SLR. The Contarex I was engineered together with Zeiss's optical division in Oberkochen and built by Zeiss Ikon in Stuttgart. It has a rigid all-metal body with a die-cast aluminum chassis, precision-machined parts, and a shutter mechanism derived from the Contaflex line of twin-lens reflex cameras. Zeiss sold it as a system camera, with a range of lenses, viewfinders, and accessories that fit it. The pitch was modularity and long-term investment.

The Contarex I was positioned against the Nikon F and the Exakta VX. Its selling points were integrated metering and compact ergonomics. The circular selenium meter gave center-weighted exposure readings with no batteries, a real advantage when battery reliability was inconsistent. The design had costs, though. The meter's sensitivity could degrade over time, and its placement limited the use of certain filters and lens hoods.

Specifications

Specification	Value
Type	Single-Lens Reflex (SLR)
Film Format	35mm (135 film)
Years Produced	1958–1962
Lens Mount	Contarex bayonet (Zeiss Ikon proprietary)
Shutter	Horizontal-travel, focal-plane cloth shutter; speeds 1 sec to 1/1000 sec, plus B
Metering	Built-in selenium cell, circular "bullseye" meter surrounding lens mount
Exposure Modes	Manual only (shutter speed and aperture set manually; meter provides guidance)
Viewfinder	Interchangeable pentaprism with ground-glass focusing screen, central microprism spot
Dimensions	148 × 95 × 58 mm; weight: ~790 g (body only, no lens)

Key Features

Bullseye Light Meter: Unique circular selenium meter surrounding the lens mount, providing center-weighted exposure readings without batteries.
Zeiss Lens Compatibility: Designed for high-performance Carl Zeiss lenses, including Planar, Sonnar, and Distagon series, many featuring T* anti-reflective coatings.
Interchangeable Viewfinder and Focusing Screens: Allowed customization for different shooting scenarios (e.g., sports, macro, studio).
Precision Focal-Plane Shutter: Reliable horizontal cloth shutter with speeds from 1 sec to 1/1000 sec, accurate to ±1/3 stop.
Robust Mechanical Construction: All-metal body with die-cast chassis, engineered for durability and long-term use in professional environments.

Historical Context

The Contarex I launched at a pivotal moment. By the late 1950s, SLRs were starting to replace rangefinders as the preferred tools of professional photographers, particularly in photojournalism and studio work. The Asahi Pentax had already succeeded, and the Nikon F was due in 1959. Zeiss Ikon aimed to beat that competition with a technically superior camera. It meant the Contarex I as a complete photographic system, not only a camera, in line with Zeiss's philosophy of integrated design and optical excellence.

Despite its advanced engineering, the Contarex I had trouble in the market. Its proprietary lens mount ruled out third-party lenses, a disadvantage next to the Nikon F's fast-growing F-mount ecosystem. The bullseye meter was innovative but vulnerable to damage and deterioration, and its placement interfered with screw-in filters and wide-angle lenses. Together with a high price, these factors limited its commercial success. Professionals still respected it for build quality and optical performance, and it laid the groundwork for later models that refined the design.

Collectibility & Value

Today the Contarex I is a sought-after collector's item, prized for its historical significance, distinctive design, and Carl Zeiss optics. In excellent working condition, with a functional meter and original lens (typically the 50mm f/2 Planar or f/2 Biogon), prices range from $1,200 to $2,500 depending on provenance and completeness. Fully serviced examples with rare accessories, such as the rapid-wind motor or interchangeable screens, command premiums.

Watch for non-functional meters. Selenium cells cannot be easily repaired and often show reduced sensitivity or erratic readings. Other common problems are shutter curtain deterioration, light leaks from aging foam seals, and hardened lubrication in the film transport mechanism. The camera has no electronic components, so it stays usable without modification. A CLA (clean, lubricate, adjust) by a technician experienced with vintage SLRs is recommended before regular use. Original boxes, manuals, and warranty cards add significantly to value.

Similar Cameras

Nikon F (1959) – The benchmark professional SLR with extensive lens compatibility and rugged build.
Exakta VX (1959) – German-engineered SLR with innovative features but less refined ergonomics.
Praktina FX (1952–1960) – Modular 35mm SLR with interchangeable components, aimed at professionals.
Topcon RE Super (1963) – Japanese SLR with built-in metering and high-quality lenses, released shortly after the Contarex I.
Alpa-Reflex (1944–1960s) – Precision Swiss SLR favored by studio photographers, emphasizing modularity and optical quality.

Repair & Maintenance

The Contarex I needs no batteries, since its selenium meter generates its own power. The meter's performance may still degrade over decades from cell fatigue or moisture damage. Shutter maintenance is critical. The horizontal cloth shutter should be exercised regularly to prevent sticking, and the rubber light seals should be replaced every 10-15 years to prevent light leaks. The film advance mechanism and mirror box are sturdy but benefit from periodic cleaning and lubrication by a qualified technician. Because of the proprietary lens mount and limited service documentation, repairs are best handled by specialists familiar with Zeiss Ikon systems. Spare parts are scarce.