1937 CARL ZEISS SONNAR LENS for Contax Rangefinder

Will fit Contax I, II, IIa & IIIa cameras

This is a beautiful Carl Zeiss 13,5cm (135mm) Sonnar lens in Contax rangefinder mount. In the 1930’s this lens was a luxury item and the quality shows. It’s constructed of high quality chrome plated brass and of course it fitted with superb Zeiss glass which makes it suitable for portraits & pulling things in closer for a tighter composition. A very popular Zeiss lens to those who could afford it, 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, as well as its ability to produce very attractive photos. The overall rendering is superb and the background is quite smooth and nicely rounded. It’s something the Japanese refer to as bokeh. Simply said, this lens creates a very attractive look to your photos.  

The lens’s serial number indicates that it was produced in Germany in the summer of  1937. It was a brand new lens at a time when the world looked incredible different than it does today. This lens will fit the Contax I, II, III rangefinder camera, as well as the later Contax IIa & IIIa.

The lens is in exceptionally fine condition. This glass looks virtually like new. It’s clean and clear. There are no scratches or cleaning marks and it’s capable of producing beautiful photos modern color and B&W films. (As with all prewar lenses and cameras we recommend keeping the sun behind you for best performance.)

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