Zeiss Ikon Contax D (Export Model)

Zeiss Ikon Contax D (Export Model)

• Camera Type: 35mm Single Lens Reflex (SLR)

• Film Format: 35mm (135)

• Lens Mount: M42 Screw Mount (The standard-setter for this mount)

• Shutter Type: Horizontal-travel Cloth Focal Plane Shutter

• Shutter Speeds: 1 sec 1/1000 sec, plus Bulb (B)

• Exposure Mode: Fully Manual

• Metering: None (Completely mechanical)

• Viewfinder: Fixed Eye-Level Pentaprism (The world-first design concept)

• Mirror: Non-instant return mirror (Viewfinder goes black after shutter release until film is wound)

• Film Advance: Manual Knob or Lever (Early models used knobs, later Export models often had a lever)

• Construction: Heavy-duty metal alloy body

• Manufacturing: Zeiss Ikon Dresden, East Germany (GDR)

• Model Version: Export Model (Often marked “D” for Dresden or “Pentacon” for international markets)

Description

The Zeiss Ikon Contax D is a cornerstone of photographic history. It represents one of the earliest successful implementations of the fixed pentaprism, a revolutionary feature that allowed photographers to see the world at eye-level through the lensa design that became the standard for all SLRs for decades to come.

This Export Model, marked with a “D” to signify its origins in Dresden, was crafted by Zeiss Ikon in East Germany. It utilizes the legendary M42 screw mount, giving users access to an immense universe of classic optics, from the prestigious Carl Zeiss Jena glass to Meyer-Optik and beyond.

Operating the Contax D is a deliberate and rewarding experience. As a pure mechanical tool, it requires no batteries. Its non-instant return mirror and historical cloth shutter provide a tactile connection to the origins of SLR photography. For the collector, the Contax D is not just a camera; it is a piece of engineering history from the heart of the Jena/Dresden optical legacy.

Serial Number: 17650
SKU: UN-70-5320

Condition:
– Camera functions normally
– Viewfinder has no fungus, slight haze, and minor dust
– Camera body has minor scuffs

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