Zeiss Conatrex System

[sax man]

I'm looking for info on something special. I have my uncle's full Zeiss Ikon Contarex System. I believe its a Bullseye from pre '60'. I'm planning to move and don't know if I want to keep carrying this around the country. I would appreciate some insights as to the vintage & value and if its more valuable as a package.

If I decide to sell I prefer to offer it to a camera lover rather than a dealer via e-bay. This is what it is. Again, I will be most grateful for any help .

Complete Package including:

1. Original Zeiss Hard Case w/ keys & velour liner

2. Camera Zeiss Ikon (Bulls eye) Contarex “A” (Ser # T89614 –pre 1960)
3. Original Leather Eveready Camera Case (black w/ intact strap
4. (2) Spare Camera Backs (appear as never used)
5. Leather Camera Back Case (holds both backs)

Five Lenses

6. Stutgart f =21mm
7. Planar f/2 =50mm (includes original metal lens hood) (Nr 2375353)
8. Sonnar f/2= 85mm (includes original metal lens hood) (Nr 2624409)
9. Sonnar f/4 = 135mm (includes original lens hood + leather case) (Nr 2620382)
10. Right Angle Finder objective lens


Five Filters w/ Original w/ Zeiss Hinged Cases

11. G 2x B56 (yellow) German
12. GR 3x B56 (green) German
13. Proxar f=0.2 B5 German
14. Ikon AG Contapol 3x German
15. Skylight B56 USA w/ German leather pouch

Accessories

16. Agfa lens cap case w/ various caps and eye piece covers
17. Original Zeiss metallic lens storage caps
18. Hot shoe cable
19. (2) Original Zeiss Film Cartridge w/ cases
20. Old Kodak Lens Cleaning papers
21. (3) Tiffen USA Filters 85, 85B, 85C W/ screw cap Tiffen cases
22. (2) Case Straps /1 Leather/ 1 rubber

Documents

Two original maintenance /repair receipts to the original owner July 1973 and 1975 for recalibrated meter, new drive spring etc.

 

[rawhead]

Oh my, oh my.

Well, I'll be honest and tell you yes, that's worth a whole crap ton of money right there.

It is *NOT* more valuable as a package. You will make a killing by putting each individual item out on Ebay separately (and I mean separately -- sell the hoods separately).

How much is it worth? I'd happily pay a grand for that set, and that would be a ridiculous price Good luck.

 

[tony lockerbie]

Rawhead is spot on. List everything separately, you will realise much more that way. I recently bought some filters for the Contarex, paid $45.00 each. A Bullseye in good working condition can fetch around $600.00 here in Australia.
As for the lenses, the 50mm should go with the camera, the 135mm gets about $250.00, the 85 can go for $600.00, the 21 you can just about name the price, especially if it has the viewfinder!
If I had the dosh, I would be all over it, but alas.... The 85mm is very tempting, so if you can't sell it....
Tony

 

[Michel Hardy-Vallée]

Holy Biogon, Batman!

This is one seriously solid insurance policy against being poor. The 21mm and the 85mm are the crown of the Zeiss arsenal. Germanophiles will actually look you up in the Directory and knock at your door to acquire them.

In fact, it's so valuable that you're probably better off keeping it. It will last longer than the money you can gain from it. It's an extremely top quality outfit from the golden era of mechanical cameras. The only piece likely to fail is the body, and Contarex bodies can still be easily found used.

But the lenses are the stars, and those can be hard to find. The three lenses together are in the four figures, especially in such good condition. They're also optically beautiful, and would make amazing colour slides.

Unless you really need the money, use it. There's too much love in this setup to exchange it for money.

 

[sax man]

Contarex System

Interesting -

well the 85 mm f/2 I've see for $750 USD. And the one I have is near mint.

The 21 mm I can't find a value for? When you say view finder what do you mean? Mine attaches by sliding on to the shoe as a flash would. It has a view lens.

Rawhead is spot on. List everything separately, you will realise much more that way. I recently bought some filters for the Contarex, paid $45.00 each. A Bullseye in good working condition can fetch around $600.00 here in Australia.
As for the lenses, the 50mm should go with the camera, the 135mm gets about $250.00, the 85 can go for $600.00, the 21 you can just about name the price, especially if it has the viewfinder!
If I had the dosh, I would be all over it, but alas.... The 85mm is very tempting, so if you can't sell it....
Tony

 

[Rol_Lei Nut]

Interesting -

The 21 mm I can't find a value for? When you say view finder what do you mean? Mine attaches by sliding on to the shoe as a flash would. It has a view lens.

You seem to be describing the 21mm finder itself (what you look through to frame with).
But is there no corresponding lens (that fits on the lens mount like the other lenses you have - though you'd have to lock up the mirror first)?

 

[Jeff Kubach]

Excellent system, I wish I had the money!

Jeff