ZEISS IKON CONTAREX II

The Zeiss Ikon Contarex II is a 35mm single-lens reflex (SLR) camera introduced in 1966 as an upgrade to the original Contarex line. It was built for professional photographers and serious enthusiasts. It has a built-in through-the-lens (TTL) center-weighted exposure meter and refined mechanical operation.

Overview

The Contarex II came along while German and Japanese makers were competing to build high-precision, professional-grade cameras with built-in metering. It was the second major version of the Contarex series, after the original Contarex (1959) and the Contarex Special (1962). Zeiss Ikon aimed it at professional photojournalists, studio photographers, and scientific users who wanted reliability, accurate exposure control, and compatibility with Zeiss's high-performance lenses.

The earlier models relied on external or stop-down metering. The Contarex II brought in full-aperture TTL metering, using a cadmium sulfide (CdS) cell behind a semi-transparent focusing screen. That meant continuous light measurement while composing, which helped usability and exposure accuracy. The camera kept the "cyclops" eye-shaped pentaprism housing that gave the Contarex line its nickname. Inside, it got a redesigned shutter mechanism, improved film advance, and a more intuitive metering interface. It stayed a fully mechanical camera with electronic metering assistance, so it works even without batteries.

The Contarex II sat at the top of Zeiss Ikon's 35mm SLR lineup, above the earlier models, and was meant to compete directly with the Nikon F and Canon F-1. The design was complex and expensive to build, and Zeiss Ikon eventually dropped out as a camera maker. The production run was short, and the Contarex II is one of the rarest and most collectible German SLRs.

Specifications

Specification	Value
Type	35mm Single-Lens Reflex (SLR)
Film Format	35mm (135 film), 24x36mm frame size
Years Produced	1966–1968
Lens Mount	Zeiss Ikon Contarex Bayonet (non-interchangeable with other mounts)
Shutter	Horizontal-travel, cloth focal-plane shutter; speeds from 1 sec to 1/1000 sec, plus B
Metering	Through-the-lens (TTL), full-aperture, center-weighted CdS meter
Exposure Modes	Manual exposure with stop-down metering; no automatic exposure
Viewfinder	Fixed pentaprism with integrated CdS meter display (needle visible in viewfinder), interchangeable focusing screens
Dimensions	Approx. 150 mm (W) × 95 mm (H) × 55 mm (D); weight approx. 850 g (body only, no lens or battery)

Key Features

Full-aperture TTL metering: Utilizes a CdS cell behind a semi-transparent microprism focusing screen for accurate exposure readings without stopping down the lens.
Interchangeable focusing screens: Allows customization for different shooting applications (e.g., split-image, matte, grid).
Precision mechanical shutter: Horizontally traveling cloth shutter with speeds from 1 sec to 1/1000 sec, mechanically timed and reliable.
Robust all-metal construction: Die-cast zinc alloy body with extensive use of brass and steel components for durability.
Zeiss lens compatibility: Designed for use with high-performance Zeiss lenses such as the Planar 50mm f/2, Distagon 35mm f/2.8, and Sonnar 135mm f/2.8, all featuring the Contarex bayonet mount.

Historical Context

The Contarex II launched in 1966 while the SLR market was changing fast. Japanese makers like Nikon and Canon were gaining global dominance with modular, reliable systems such as the Nikon F (1959) and Canon FX (1964), which offered extensive lens lineups and accessory support. Zeiss Ikon answered with a technically advanced, precision-built alternative. The Contarex II put TTL metering into a mechanically sophisticated body and stayed compatible with the existing Contarex lens system.

The Contarex II had real problems. Its complex metering system was prone to aging-related failures, and the proprietary bayonet mount limited third-party support. Zeiss Ikon was also going through corporate restructuring, and the high cost of manufacturing held production volume down. By 1968, just two years after its introduction, production ceased as Zeiss Ikon exited the camera manufacturing business.

Collectibility & Value

Collectors of classic German cameras look for the Contarex II because of its rarity, its history, and its link to Zeiss optics. Fewer than 10,000 units are estimated to have been produced, which makes it significantly rarer than its Japanese contemporaries. In excellent working condition with a matching lens (typically the Planar 50mm f/2), a Contarex II can command prices between $1,500 and $3,000 USD, depending on provenance and cosmetic state.

Check the meter first when buying a Contarex II. The CdS cell often degrades over time, which leads to inaccurate readings or complete failure. The shutter mechanism is generally sturdy but may need servicing if the camera was stored improperly. Lubricant hardening and mirror mechanism wear are also common after decades of inactivity. Original boxes, manuals, and accessories add significant value. Given its mechanical complexity and the lack of service support, the Contarex II is best suited for display or occasional use by experienced collectors rather than daily shooting.

Similar Cameras

Nikon F (1959–1973) – The benchmark professional SLR of the era, modular design, extensive lens support.
Canon FX (1964) – Canon’s first 35mm SLR with TTL metering, precursor to the F-1.
Pentax Spotmatic (1964) – Popular Japanese SLR with full-aperture TTL metering and M42 screw mount.
Topcon RE Super (1963) – Advanced Japanese SLR with TTL metering and high-quality lenses.
Praktica FX3 (1968) – East German SLR with open-aperture metering and M42 mount.

Repair & Maintenance

The Contarex II uses a single PX625 (1.35V) mercury battery or modern equivalent (such as WeinCell or zinc-air substitutes) to power the CdS meter. The camera's mechanical functions operate independently of battery power. Common repair issues include degraded CdS cells, sticky shutter curtains from dried lubricants, and worn mirror return springs. The TTL meter circuitry is sensitive and may need recalibration by a specialist familiar with vintage German electronics. Full CLA (clean, lubricate, adjust) service is recommended for non-working examples, though qualified technicians are rare. Repair costs can be high and parts availability is limited, because of the camera's complexity and proprietary design. Regular use and proper storage in a dry environment are essential for long-term preservation.

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