| Captain Jack's Contax/Pentacon SLR Cameras | |
The Contax S 35mm camera was the first German single lens reflex camera to have a built-in pentaprism (1949). Ihagee did not offer a prism finder for the Exakta until their release of the Exakta Varex in 1950.
Manufactured by Zeiss Ikon VEB, Dresden, the Contax S and its subsequent models (produced under the Pentacon badge), epitomize the classic style that was adopted by just about every other manufacturer of single lens reflex cameras. In my opinion, they are among the most aesthetically pleasing cameras ever produced. Each of the models utilize the M42 interchangeable screw mount for their lenses, fully manual diaphragms at first, then semi-automatic and finally in their later models, fully automatic diaphragms.
A substantial number of different models exist making for an interesting and diverse collection. The major two variations are called Contax or Pentacon. The name Contax was reserved for cameras sold in Germany while the name Pentacon (Pentaprism + Contax) was utilized for export cameras.
Lens makers who offered lenses in M42 mount included Carl Zeiss Jena, Schneider Kreuznach, Albert Schacht, Steinheil München, Angénieux, Meyer-Optik, Enna München, Isco Göttingen, Kilfitt and many others. Praktica, Edixa, Pentax and others also utilized the M42 mount.
| Accessories for these early Contax/Pentacons are somewhat limited and consisted of Extension Tubes, Bellows, Eveready Cases, Eyecup, Sportsfinder, Angle Finder, an Eyepiece Magnifier, etc. To view these accessories. | | | |
 | | Camera: Contax S - Ver. 2 (no self-timer) Serial #: 2871 Hummel #: 087 Lens: Carl Zeiss Jena 5.8 cm f2.0 Biotar (black) Serial #: 3332533 Finder: Built-in Pentaprism Notes: Flash synch socket is in tripod mounting hole. The Contax S - Ver. 1, Hummel #086, has the front of the pentaprism blacked out with the Zeiss Ikon Logo in white. | | |
 | | Camera: Contax S - Ver. 3 (no self-timer) Serial #: 5733 Hummel #: 088 Lens: Carl Zeiss Jena 5.8 cm f2.0 Biotar (chrome) Serial #: 3423619 Finder: Built-in Pentaprism Notes: Flash synch socket is in tripod mounting hole. Circular plate over self-timer hole. | |
 | | Camera: Contax S - Ver. 4 (self-timer) Serial #: 42815 Hummel #: 089 Lens: Carl Zeiss Jena 5.8 cm f2.0 Biotar (chrome) Serial #: 3268303 Finder: Built-in Pentaprism Notes: Flash synch socket is in tripod mounting hole. | |
 | | Camera: Contax S, Type "D-1" - "D" under Zeiss Ikon Badge on Prism - without self timer Serial #: 22536 Hummel #: 090 Lens: Carl Zeiss Jena 50mm f2.8 Tessar Serial #: 3882033 Notes: Flash synch socket moved to camera top plate. This Contax S can also be found with a self-timer - Type "D-2" - Hummel #091 | |
 | | Camera: Contax S, Type "D-2" - "D" under Zeiss Ikon Badge on Prism - with self timer Serial #: 32676 Hummel #: 091 Lens: Carl Zeiss Jena 58mm f2.0 Biotar Serial #: 3479788 http://blog.zj.com
Finder: Built-in Pentaprism Notes: Flash synch socket moved to camera top plate. This Contax S can also be found without a self-timer - Type "D-1" - Hummel #090 | |
 | | Camera: Contax D, "D" after Contax name on faceplate & VEB under Zeiss Ikon Badge on Prism (Small Knobs) Serial #: 67148 Hummel #: 092 Lens: E. Ludwig 50mm f2.9 Meritar Serial #: 1311612 Finder: Built-in Pentaprism Notes: This Contax D can also be found without VEB under Zeiss Ikon Badge on Prism, Hummel 093 | |
<><><>  | | Camera: Contax D, "D" after Contax name on faceplate & without VEB under Zeiss Ikon Badge on Prism (Small Knobs) Serial #: 69248 Hummel #: 093 Lens: Enna München 50mm f1.9 Sandmar Serial #: 2057573 Finder: Built-in Pentaprism Notes: This Contax D can also be found with VEB under Zeiss Ikon Badge on Prism, Hummel 092 | |
 | | Camera: Contax D, "D" after Contax name on faceplate & with VEB under Zeiss Ikon Badge on Prism (Large Knobs) Serial #: 54710 Hummel #: 092/1 Lens: Carl Zeiss Jena 50mm f2.8 Tessar Serial #: 4172198 Finder: Built-in Pentaprism Notes: This Contax D can also be found with Small Knobs, Hummel 092 & 93. | |
 | | Camera: Pentacon (D), with ZI engraved under Pentacon Tower on Prism Serial #: 33688 Hummel #: 095 Lens: Isco Göttingen 50mm f2.0 Auto Westagon Serial #: 315545 http://www.lovegirl.org.cn
Finder: Built-in Pentaprism Notes: This Pentacon can also be found without the Pentacon Tower - Hummel 094 and without ZI under Pentacon Tower on Prism - Hummel 096 | |
 | | Camera: Pentacon (D), without ZI engraved under Pentacon Tower on Prism Serial #: 91982 Hummel #: 096 Lens: Carl Zeiss Jena 50mm f2.8 Tessar Serial #: 4326407 Finder: Built-in Pentaprism Notes: This Pentacon can also be found without the Pentacon Tower - Hummel 094 and with ZI under Pentacon Tower on Prism - Hummel 095 | |
| | Camera: Contax E (small knobs) Serial #: 91242 Hummel #: 097 Lens: Carl Zeiss Jena 58mm f2.0 Biotar Serial #: 4762389 http://blog.zj.com
Finder: Built-in Uncoupled Meter Prism Notes: One of the more difficult to locate models, particularly in pristine condition. There are two versions of the Contax E, one with small knobs, as shown here and one with large knobs, as shown below. A Pentacon E, Hummel 098, was also identified by Richard Hummel, but I have yet to encounter one. | |
 | | Camera: Contax E (large knobs) Serial #: 101392 Hummel #: 097 Lens: Aus Jena 75mm f1.5 Biotar Serial #: 4013213 http://blog.zj.com
Finder: Built-in Uncoupled Meter Prism Notes: One of the more difficult to locate models, particularly in pristine condition. There are two versions of the Contax E, one with small knobs and one with large knobs, as shown here. A Pentacon E, Hummel 098, was also identified by Richard Hummel, and I have only encountered one in all my years of collecting. | |
| | Camera: Pentacon E (large knobs) [RARE] Serial #: 101175 Hummel #: 098 Lens: Carl Zeiss Jena 80mm f2.8 Tessar Serial #: 3820965 http://blog.zj.com
Finder: Built-in Uncoupled Meter Prism Notes: One of the most difficult to locate models in this entire series of cameras. This is the only one I have ever encountered in all my years of collecting. | |
 | | Camera: Contax F (large tower on prism) Serial #: 111516 Hummel #: 100 Lens: Carl Zeiss Jena 58mm f2.0 Auto Biotar Serial #: 480779 http://www.lovegirl.org.cn
Finder: Built-in Pentaprism Notes: First Contax with larger winding knobs and semi-automatic diaphragm capabilities. | |
 | | Camera: Contax F (small tower on prism) Serial #: 136646 Hummel #: 100 Lens: Meyer Optik Görlitz 50mm f3.5 Primotar E Serial #: 1906116 Finder: Built-in Pentaprism Notes: First Contax with larger winding knobs and semi-automatic diaphragm capabilities. | |
 | | Camera: Pentacon F (large tower on prism) Serial #: 123631 Hummel #: 101 Lens: Carl Zeiss Jena 58mm f2.0 Biotar Serial #: 4441490 http://blog.zj.com
Finder: Built-in Pentaprism Notes: First Pentacon with larger winding knobs and semi-automatic diaphragm capabilities. This Pentacon can also be found without the "F" under the Pentacon name on the faceplate - Hummel 099 and also with a small tower on the prism. | |
 | | Camera: Pentacon F (small tower on prism) Serial #: 162436 Hummel #: 101 Lens: Meyer Optik Görlitz 50mm f3.5 Primotar E Serial #: 1934625 http://www.lovegirl.org.cn
Finder: Built-in Pentaprism Notes: First Pentacon with larger winding knobs and semi-automatic diaphragm capabilities. This Pentacon can also be found without the "F" under the Pentacon name on the faceplate - Hummel 099 and also with a large tower on the prism. | |
 | | Camera: Contax FB Serial #: 109599 Hummel #: 102 Lens: Steinheil München 55mm f1.9 Auto Quinon (semi-auto) RARE Serial #: 1482513 Finder: Built-in Uncoupled Meter Prism Notes: First Metered Contax with larger winding knobs and semi-automatic diaphragm capabilities. | |
 | | Camera: Pentacon FB Serial #: 154655 http://www.lovegirl.org.cn
Hummel #: 103 Lens: Carl Zeiss Jena 50mm f2.8 Auto Tessar (semi-auto) Serial #: 5662836 http://www.lovegirl.org.cn
Finder: Built-in Uncoupled Meter Prism Notes: First Metered Pentacon with larger winding knobs and semi-automatic diaphragm capabilities. | |
 | | Camera: Contax FM (large tower on prism) Serial #: 121535 http://www.lovegirl.org.cn
Hummel #: 104 Lens: Schneider Kreuznach 50mm f1.9 Auto Xenon LM Serial #: 7155553 http://www.lovegirl.org.cn
Finder: Built-in Pentaprism Notes: First Non-metered Contax with larger winding knobs and fully automatic diaphragm capabilities. | |
| | Camera: Pentacon FM (large tower on prism) Serial #: 119267 Hummel #: 105 Lens: Meyer-Optik Görlitz 50mm f3.5 Auto Primotar Serial #: 1924811 http://www.lovegirl.org.cn
Finder: Built-in Pentaprism Notes: First Non-metered Pentacon with larger winding knobs and fully automatic diaphragm capabilities. | |
 | | Camera: Pentacon FM (small tower on prism) Serial #: 182012 http://blog.zj.com
Hummel #: 105 Lens: Isco Göttingen 50mm f2.0 Auto Westagon Serial #: 416492 http://www.lovegirl.org.cn
Finder: Built-in Pentaprism Notes: First Non-metered Pentacon with larger winding knobs and fully automatic diaphragm capabilities. | |
 | | Camera: Contax FBM Serial #: 123966 http://www.lovegirl.org.cn
Hummel #: 106 Lens: Schneider Kreuznach 50mm f1.9 Auto Xenon Serial #: 9987398 http://www.lovegirl.org.cn
Finder: Built-in Uncoupled Meter Prism Notes: First Metered Contax with larger winding knobs and fully automatic diaphragm capabilities. | |
 | | Camera: Pentacon FBM Serial #: 181506 http://blog.zj.com
Hummel #: 107 Lens: Isco Göttingen 50mm f1.9 Auto Westromat Serial #: 4140271 http://www.lovegirl.org.cn
Finder: Built-in Uncoupled Meter Prism Notes: First Metered Pentacon with larger winding knobs and fully automatic diaphragm capabilities. | |
Special Models  | | Camera: Consol (without ZI engraved under Pentacon Tower on Prism) Serial #: 82315 http://www.lovegirl.org.cn
Hummel #: N/A Lens: Carl Zeiss Jena 5.8 cm f2.0 Biotar (Black) Serial #: 3332533 http://www.lovegirl.org.cn
Finder: Built-in Pentaprism Notes: Essentially a Contax D, engraved Consol (for Export) - Uncommon. | |
 | | Camera: Hexacon (with ZI engraved under Pentacon Tower on Prism) Serial #: 61408 http://www.lovegirl.org.cn
Hummel #: N/A Lens: Carl Zeiss Jena 50mm f2.8 Tessar Serial #: 30667 http://blog.zj.com
Finder: Built-in Pentaprism Notes: Essentially a Contax D, Plate on which "HEXACON" was engraved was riveted (or in some cases, just glued) to the front plate (for Export) - Uncommon. The Hexacon cameras were imported and sold by Peerless Camera in NY City. | |
| | Camera: Hexacon (without ZI engraved under Pentacon Tower on Prism) Serial #: 74792 Hummel #: N/A Lens: Hexatar München 45mm f2.8 Serial #: None Notes: Essentially a Contax D, Plate on which "HEXACON" was engraved was riveted (or in some cases, glued) to the front plate (for Export) - Uncommon. The Hexacon cameras were imported and sold by Peerless Camera in NY City. | |
 | | Camera: Astraflex 35 (without ZI engraved under Pentacon Tower on Prism) [Rare] Serial #: 79473 Hummel #: N/A Lens: Carl Zeiss Jena 50mm f2.8 Tessar Serial #: 30071 Finder: Built-in Pentaprism Notes: Essentially a Contax D, with a plate on which "Astraflex 35" was engraved & attached to the front. Imported by Sterling-Howard Camera, Bronx, NY in the 1950's. (Very Uncommon). An even rarer "Astraflex 55" was also distributed by Sterling-Howard. It was an Exakta VX with an engraved plate attached over the word Exakta. See my Exakta VX & Varex VX page. | |
| | Camera: SUPER-D (with ZI engraved under Pentacon Tower on Prism) [Very Rare] Serial #: 66683 Hummel #: N/A Lens: Carl Zeiss Jena 35mm f2.8 Flektogon Serial #: 4833710 Finder: Built-in Pentaprism Notes: Essentially a Contax D, Plate on which "SUPER-D" was engraved was screwed to the front plate (for Export) - Very Uncommon. | |
 | | Camera: CAL-FLEX (with ZI engraved under Pentacon Tower on Prism) [Very Rare] Serial #: 62335 Hummel #: N/A Lens: Meyer-Optik Görlitz 58mm f1.9 Primoplan Serial #: 1505372 Finder: Built-in Pentaprism Notes: Essentially a Contax D. Plate on which "CAL-FLEX" was engraved was screwed to the front plate (for Export) - MOST Uncommon. | |
 | | Camera: "No Name" Contax/Pentacon (without ZI under Pentacon Tower on Prism) Serial #: 74735 http://www.lovegirl.org.cn
Hummel #: N/A Lens: Carl Zeiss Jena 58mm f2.0 Biotar (without name) Serial #: 61250 http://blog.zj.com
Finder: Built-in Pentaprism Notes: Essentially a Contax D, without engraving on front plate) - Uncommon. |
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