Zeiss Ikon Contarex Bullseye Camera and Lenses for Sale
Sorry folks, my Carl Zeiss Ikon Contarex Bullseye is now SOLD! Read on anyway if you wish…
I am selling my beautiful Carl Zeiss Ikon Contarex 35mm single lens reflex film camera and its three Zeiss lenses. This is the first model of the Zeiss Ikon Contarex line of 35mm cameras, affectionately known as the Contarex Bullseye (in the U.S.) or the Contarex Cyclops (in the U.K.) for the selenium meter cell positioned above the lens. Indeed, this meter requires no batteries and remains sensitive to light even now, although I am in the habit of using a handheld light meter so I shoot this camera in manual mode according to my light meter’s reading. (I have not calibrated the meter and even if I found it reasonably accurate I would use a modern light meter anyway.) Having no major scratches, dents or marks on the camera or lenses, this gear is in excellent condition. It is a marvel of German engineering and a beauty to behold. The Contarex Bullseye was produced from 1959 to 1966. It was the Contarex cameras among others that helped make the name “Carl Zeiss” synonymous with quality and engineering perfection. The Contarex line of 35mm cameras are serious collector’s items, some of the most well-regarded and sought-after photography gear today. The mechanisms and optics in the Contarex line were the second to none when they were produced in the 1960’s – these cameras were the absolute finest available and were the choice of working pros when they were in production, and they continued in service for many pros and serious amateurs into the 1970’s. The Contarex optics remain some of the finest ever made for 35mm cameras, but that is no surprise as they are Carl Zeiss-designed and manufactered. The focus rings on these lenses are remarkably smooth with just the right amount of resistance. This camera is made of machined metal and is solid, heavy baby! It is composed of over 1100 individual parts. I have been using this camera lately and I have observed no evidence of mechanical problems. As I mentioned I would not trust the light meter, but it is light sensitive so it has some life in it yet. It operates well and the photos are sharp. OK, that’s probably enough glowing description. Truthfully, if you aren’t familiar with the Contarex Bullseye and its place in the history of 35mm photography then you probably are not a serious buyer. If you are familiar with the Contarex Bullseye then you are probably a serious film photographer, a photography historian, a camera collector or some combination of the three, and therefore there is not much that I can say here that you don’t already know.
The particular camera bears serial number T91200, indicating it was built in Dresden, Germany between September 1959 and November 1960 and is known in the collecting community as a “Contarex A", of which there were only 10,000 built (there were also “B", “D", “E” and “G” models built in later years). Around 1959 the Contarex Bullseye sold for about DM 1300 (adjusted for inflation and exchange rates this is a small fortune today). The camera has shutter speeds from 1 second through to 1/1000 sec, plus bulb and a self-timer. Aperture control from 1.4 through 22.
I am providing lots of clear photos of this gear, the three big ones shown here plus a set of 45 photos via a link near the bottom of this note.
The Zeiss Contarex Bullseye with Zeiss Planar 50mm f/2 lens (the standard lens, one of three that are included) I am selling:
The same Zeiss Contarex Bullseye with Distagon 35mm f/4 lens (mounted), Zeiss Planar 50mm f/2 lens (left), Zeiss Sonnar 135mm f/4 lens (right). There is some discoloration on the Sonnar’s lens hood but the lens itself is very clean and nice. I will not use any cleaner on the lens hood to avoid risking damaging the finish:
Check it out! This is the inside cover page from one of the original Zeiss Contarex Bullseye manuals I am including. She looks like a cross between one of the “Bond girls” and one of the original showcase models from “The Price is Right". Dig it baby:
Click here for a set of 47 photographs of this gear. Yes, I know some Chinese or Estonian scam artist is probably copying these large, detailed photos at this very moment and will use them in his bogus listings on Ebay. Nothing I can do about that, unfortunately.
The following are included in this offering. I believe all pieces are original except perhaps the cable release.
Zeiss Ikon Contarex “Bullseye” camera. Meter is light sensitive but has not been tested for accuracy. S/N T91200.
Zeiss Planar 50mm f/2 lens with front cap, S/N 2376976.
Zeiss Distagon 35mm f/4 lens with front cap, back cap and storage container, S/N 3257821.
Zeiss Sonnar 135mm f/4 lens with front lens shade, front cap, back cap and storage container, S/N 3268270.
Zeiss Proxar 0.35mm screw-on closeup lens (for use on the Sonnar 135mm lens) with case and box.
Zeiss B56 Skylight filter with case and box.
Cable release (threads into shutter release button).
Manual: Zeiss Ikon Contarex lens tables, 16 pages.
Manual: Zeiss Ikon Contarex “Instructions for Use", 52 pages.
Manual: “Contarex Guide: How to Use The Contarex and Contarex Special Single Lens Reflex Cameras” by W.D. Emanuel, 1960, 96 pages.
Manual: Zeiss Ikon Contarex product description brochure, 16 pages.
Manual: “Contarex, Contarex Special Cameras and Accessories", 1961, 16 pages.
Original leather case and strap, interior is in good shape with one small area showing wear through the felt, exterior is in good shape but does show some wear, snaps function perfectly and the strap is sound but shows some wear. This is one really well built case! The shorter lenses (e.g., 35mm, 50mm) can be left mounted on the camera when stored in this case.
I plan to occasionally shoot this camera until it is sold. I am principally a digital photographer but there are some fun things to do with color and b/w negative films that cannot be duplicated with digital yet.
Price: $795.00 USD, firm. Camera is sold as-is. I am selling the entire set; I will not consider piecing it out as I do not want to get into repeated negotiations and I am not a collector (I do not wish to be left with any of these items in the long term). Please don’t send me any lowball offers – I will not respond. Buyer pays shipping and insurance. Any check must be drawn on a U.S. bank with a presence in San Diego where I can cash the check. Wire transfer, cash by FEDEX, and international money orders are accepted. Western Union and offers from Africa are not accepted. Paypal will be accepted only by prior agreement.
Zeiss Ikon Contarex Bullseye photos.
Zeiss Ikon Contarex Bullseye pictures.
Zeiss Ikon Contarex Bullseye information.
