ZEISS IKON CONTAREX SPECIAL

Name: Zeiss Ikon Contarex Special
Brand: Zeiss Ikon

The Zeiss Ikon Contarex Special is a professional-grade 35mm single-lens reflex (SLR) camera introduced in 1960 as a high-precision, meterless variant of the original Contarex line. Designed for photographers requiring mechanical reliability and optical excellence without the complexity of built-in metering, the Special served as a streamlined tool for studio and photojournalistic applications where external metering was standard practice.

Overview

Launched during the golden age of mechanical SLR development, the Contarex Special was part of Zeiss Ikon’s ambitious Contarex series—dubbed the "Cyclops" due to the prominent central light meter housing on metered models—though the Special notably omits this feature. Manufactured between 1960 and 1963, the Special was positioned as a no-compromise, professional instrument aimed at demanding photographers who prioritized durability, precision engineering, and compatibility with Zeiss’s renowned lens lineup. Unlike the Contarex I (also known as the "Bullseye"), which featured a built-in selenium meter, the Special dispensed with all metering electronics, resulting in a simpler, lighter, and more robust body ideal for technical and studio use.

The camera shares the same core mechanical architecture as its siblings: a vertically traveling, metal-bladed focal-plane shutter, a rigid die-cast aluminum chassis, and a bayonet lens mount designed exclusively for high-speed Zeiss Planar and Distagon lenses. Its omission of metering allowed for a flatter prism housing and eliminated potential points of failure associated with aging selenium cells—a common issue in other Contarex models. As such, the Special became a favorite among cinematographers, scientific photographers, and purists who valued mechanical integrity over automation.

The Contarex Special was produced in relatively low numbers compared to its metered counterparts, reflecting its niche market appeal. It was offered with a range of Zeiss lenses, including the f/2 Planar, f/2.8 Distagon, and f/4 Tele-Tessar, all mounted via the proprietary Contarex bayonet. Despite its short production run—Zeiss Ikon ceased Contarex production in 1967, with the Special discontinued earlier—the model remains emblematic of German optical and mechanical excellence in the pre-electronic era.

Specifications

Specification	Value
Type	35mm Single-Lens Reflex (SLR)
Film Format	35mm (135)
Years Produced	1960–1963
Lens Mount	Contarex Bayonet (proprietary)
Shutter	Vertical-travel metal focal-plane shutter; speeds from 1 sec to 1/1000 sec, plus B
Metering	None (meterless)
Exposure Modes	Manual only
Viewfinder	Interchangeable pentaprism with ground-glass focusing screen; no built-in meter coupling
Dimensions	Approx. 150 mm (W) × 95 mm (H) × 55 mm (D); weight approx. 800 g (body only, without lens)

Key Features

Meterless design eliminates selenium cell degradation issues, enhancing long-term reliability.
Precision vertical-travel metal shutter with flash synchronization at all speeds via PC terminal.
Interchangeable viewfinder prisms and focusing screens, allowing customization for different shooting needs.
Robust die-cast aluminum chassis with chrome or black paint finish, built for professional durability.
Proprietary Contarex bayonet mount ensuring optimal alignment and fast, secure lens attachment for Zeiss optics.

Historical Context

The Contarex Special was introduced at a time when 35mm SLRs were rapidly gaining favor among professionals, challenging medium format and rangefinder dominance. Competing directly with the Nikon F (introduced in 1959), the Contarex line represented West Germany’s answer to Japan’s rising influence in professional photography. While the Nikon F emphasized modularity and ruggedness, the Contarex series—engineered by Zeiss Ikon in Stuttgart—prioritized optical integration and mechanical refinement, leveraging the company’s legacy in lens design.

Despite its technical merits, the Contarex system faced challenges in the marketplace. Its proprietary lens mount limited third-party support, and the high cost of both camera and lenses restricted adoption outside Europe. Additionally, the selenium meter in early Contarex models was prone to failure, tarnishing the line’s reputation—though the Special, being meterless, avoided this flaw entirely. The Special was marketed not as a consumer product but as a precision instrument, often sold without a lens to technical and industrial users who already owned Zeiss optics.

Collectibility & Value

Today, the Contarex Special is a sought-after collector’s item, prized for its mechanical purity, historical significance, and association with Zeiss optical excellence. Due to its limited production and niche appeal, surviving examples in working condition are relatively rare, particularly those with original lenses and accessories. On the secondary market, a fully functional Contarex Special body can command $800–$1,500 USD, with higher prices for sets including rare lenses like the Planar 50mm f/2 or Biogon 35mm f/2.8.

Collectors should inspect for shutter accuracy, as the complex vertical metal shutter can suffer from uneven speeds or sticking if not regularly serviced. The Contarex bayonet mount is robust but sensitive to misalignment—lens mounting should be smooth without resistance. Light seals degrade over time and should be replaced during restoration. Because the camera lacks electronics, it requires no batteries and is immune to circuit failure, making it a reliable candidate for long-term preservation. However, availability of spare parts is limited, and specialized repair knowledge is essential.

Similar Cameras

Nikon F (1959) – The benchmark professional SLR of the era, offering extensive system compatibility and rugged build.
Canonflex R2000 (1960) – Canon’s early professional SLR with high-speed shutter and interchangeable viewfinders.
Topcon RE Super (1963) – Japanese-built SLR with through-the-lens metering and excellent optics.
Praktina FX (late 1950s) – German SLR with modular design and M42 mount, aimed at professional users.
Alpa-Reflex (Swiss) – Precision-engineered modular SLR favored by technical and architectural photographers.

Repair & Maintenance

The Contarex Special requires no batteries, as it is entirely mechanical. The vertical focal-plane shutter is complex and should only be serviced by technicians experienced with Contarex mechanisms. Common issues include sluggish shutter speeds at slower settings (1–1/30 sec), often due to dried lubricants, and wear in the film advance linkage. The mirror mechanism is robust but can develop bounce if damping fails. Regular CLA (Clean, Lubricate, Adjust) by a specialist is recommended every 10–15 years for active use. The film transport system is generally reliable, but the rewind crank and latch should be checked for wear. Replacement light seals and cleaned viewfinders are essential for optimal usability. Due to the proprietary nature of the system, sourcing spare parts may require donor cameras or specialist suppliers.