1937 CARL ZEISS SONNAR LENS for Contax I, II or III

Will also fit the later Contax IIa & IIIa cameras

Contax not included

This is the Carl Zeiss 13,5cm (135mm) Sonnar lens which was developed for the Contax rangefinder camera. Built of high quality chrome plated brass, it is suitable for portraits & landscapes and it was a very popular Zeiss lens in its era. Nearly all the great WWII war correspondents carried this lens as part of their kit when they went out into the field.

This Zeiss lens has an exceptional reputation for its quality fit and finish, and for the lovely photos it produces. It has a lovely rendition and produces a nicely rounded back ground. It’s something the Japanese refer to as bokeh. Simple said, this lens has a smooth attractive bokeh.

The lens’s serial number indicates that it was produced in Germany towards the end of 1937, at a time when the world looked incredible different than it does today. This lens was designed to will fit the Contax I, II, III rangefinder camera but it also fits the later Contax IIa & IIIa. (It also fits other cameras with this Contax lens mount.)

It’s obvious that this was someone’s favorite lens. This glass is in exceptionally fine condition. No scratches or cleaning marks, very clean and clear and it’s capable of producing beautiful photos modern color and B&W films.

All in all an excellent lens for your classic Contax. Perfect for photographers with a historical interest. If you’ve been looking for an good, useable lens for your prewar Contax, then you’ve just found it…