The History of the CONTAX camera company

[Ken]

The world of photography has been shaped by countless innovations and collaborations over the years. One such partnership that left an indelible mark on the industry was the alliance between CONTAX and Zeiss. Together, these two legendary companies produced cameras that not only revolutionized photography but also set the standard for quality and precision. In this article, we delve into the fascinating history of CONTAX and its enduring partnership with the renowned optics manufacturer, Zeiss.

The Birth of CONTAX

The story of CONTAX begins in Germany during the early 20th century. It was 1932 when the Zeiss Ikon company introduced the first CONTAX camera, the CONTAX I. This milestone marked the company's foray into the world of 35mm rangefinder cameras. Zeiss Ikon was already a respected name in the optical industry, known for producing high-quality lenses and optical instruments. The CONTAX camera line aimed to bring this optical excellence to the realm of photography.

CONTAX cameras were designed with precision engineering and uncompromising craftsmanship in mind. The CONTAX I, which featured interchangeable lenses and a coupled rangefinder, was a groundbreaking achievement. It laid the foundation for a series of iconic cameras that would soon become coveted by photographers around the world.

The Zeiss Connection

One of the defining characteristics of CONTAX cameras was the exceptional Zeiss lenses that accompanied them. The collaboration between Zeiss and CONTAX was a match made in photographic heaven. Zeiss had been a leading name in optics for decades, known for its exceptional glass and lens technology. This partnership ensured that every CONTAX camera was equipped with optics that produced stunningly sharp and contrast-rich images.

The Carl Zeiss lenses used in CONTAX cameras were renowned for their exceptional image quality, color accuracy, and low distortion. Photographers could trust that their CONTAX cameras would deliver results that met the highest standards, whether they were shooting landscapes, portraits, or street scenes. The legendary Zeiss T* coating, introduced in the 1970s, further reduced flare and ghosting, making CONTAX cameras even more desirable.

CONTAX Milestones

Over the years, CONTAX cameras continued to evolve and innovate. The CONTAX II, introduced in 1936, was one of the first cameras to feature a built-in light meter, a groundbreaking development at the time. Subsequent models like the CONTAX III and CONTAX IIa further refined the rangefinder design, making it more user-friendly and accurate.

In the 1970s, CONTAX entered the single-lens reflex (SLR) market with the CONTAX RTS (Real Time System). This camera boasted an electronically-controlled shutter, innovative for its time, and was highly regarded for its precision and reliability.

The 1980s marked a significant milestone when CONTAX introduced the CONTAX 159MM, which featured aperture-priority automatic exposure and a motor drive for film advance. These advancements made it a favorite among professional photographers.

End of an Era

Unfortunately, the CONTAX story took a turn in the early 2000s when Kyocera, the parent company of CONTAX, decided to discontinue the camera line. The digital revolution was in full swing, and the film-based CONTAX cameras struggled to compete. This decision marked the end of an era for CONTAX, leaving a void in the hearts of many devoted photographers.

Legacy and Collectibility

Today, CONTAX cameras are highly sought-after collector's items. Their robust construction, impeccable optics, and timeless design continue to captivate photographers and enthusiasts alike. The enduring partnership between CONTAX and Zeiss left an indelible mark on the world of photography, setting a standard for excellence that is still revered today.

The history of CONTAX is a testament to the power of collaboration and innovation in the world of photography. From its humble beginnings in the 1930s to its status as a revered brand among photographers, CONTAX cameras, and their partnership with Zeiss have left an enduring legacy. While the era of film cameras may have come to an end, the spirit of CONTAX lives on in the hearts of those who appreciate precision, craftsmanship, and the art of capturing life's moments through the lens of a camera.