Zeiss Ikon Contax Rangefinder Lenses

Zeiss Ikon Contax Rangefinder Lenses

Please note: There are literally hundreds of small variations amongst the Contax RF lenses. The values below are based upon the common of examples. In addition, the value of Contax lenses varies greatly between one in Very Good condition compared to one in Excellent Condition, more so than most collectible lenses. Please make note of the values and the corresponding condition of the lens in the tables below.

NOTE: Since the market is very thin for these early lenses, price can vary widely - especially ones in very clean condition. Most of the early Contax lenses have lived a hard life and show it. Lenses produced from 1932-1936 with black enamel trim

NOTE: Lenses produced from 1936 until WWII, with a Chrome finish and uncoated from the factory. These lenses have survived in much better condition than the earlier Contax lenses.

Lens Model Amount $$ For Lens in Excellent- (8+) condition Tessar 2.8cm F8 $ 275 Biogon 3.5cm F2.8 $ 400 Herar 3.5cm F3 Ultra Rare Orthometar 3.5cm F4.5 $ 600 Biotar 4cm F2 Biotar 4 1/4cm F2 $ 2,000 Sonnar 5cm F1.5 $ 220 Sonnar 5cm F2 ( coll & rigid ) $ 175 (r) $ 150 (c) Tessar 5cm F2.8 (coll ) Tessar 5cm F3.5 ( c & r ) $ 350 (r) Biotar 7.5cm F1.5 Sonnar 8.5cm F2 $ 350 Triotar 8.5cm F4 $ 150 Sonnar 13.5cm F4 $ 125 Tele-Tessar K 18cm F6.3 "Olympia" Sonnar 18cm F2.8

NOTE: With the division of Germany after WWII, lenses were made in East Germany ( Jena ) & West Germany ( Opton ). Many lenses were produced with an alloy ( aluminum ) rather than brass. All lenses were now coated by the factory. True or not, collectors feel that East German lenses were inferior to West German lenses, while earlier "Opton" marked W.G. lenses were very slightly inferior to the later W.G. "Carl Zeiss" marked lenses.

Lens Model ( introduction date ) Amount $$ For Lens in Excellent (9-) condition Comments EAST and/or WEST Biogon 21mm F4.5 ('55) $ 650 West, "Carl Zeiss" Topogon 25mm F4 $ 2100 East, "Jena" Biogon 35mm F2.8 ('50) $475 O / $275 J / $700 CZ Both, "Jena" & "Opton" & "Carl Zeiss" Planar 35mm F3.5 ('54) $ 600 West, "Carl Zeiss" Biometar 35mm F2.8 $ 650 East, "Jena" Sonnar 5cm F1.5 $ 225 Both, "Jena" & "Opton" & "Carl Zeiss" Sonnar 5cm F2 $200 J / $ 275 O / $ 275CZ Both, "Jena" & "Opton" & "Carl Zeiss" Tessar 5cm F3.5 $ 575 Opton Both Tessar 5cm F3.5 Macro West Biotar 75mm F1.5 East Sonnar 8.5cm F2 $ 450 Both, "Jena" & "Opton" & "Carl Zeiss" Triotar 8.5cm F4 $ 150 Both, "Jena" & "Opton" & "Carl Zeiss" Sonnar 13.5cm F4 $ 200 Both, "Jena" & "Opton" & "Carl Zeiss"