Contax I serial numbers

[Dralowid]

Camera is AO65403

Lens is 1271210 (looks collapsible 50mm f3.5)

Case is 1777/8 (think this is normal ERC)

Sorry but I don't know where to look for Contax I serials...can anyone help me with a date or a link to serials for these...and perhaps identification?

Many thanks

Michael

 

[dexdog]

http://www.cameraquest.com/zconrf1.htm

Some information on cameraquest website, but this site does not show any AO serial numbers. Anyway, some information on the various models of this camera. As noted in the CQ info, the "A" designation means that the camera was repaired by Zeiss at some point

 

[Dralowid]

Thanks for the info...it was AU, not AO which makes it 32-33

Michael

 

[dexdog]

I am at work at the moment, so can only guess at the date of the lens based on the serial number, but it is probably 1933 or 1934. I will look it up in the Thiele CZJ lens book when I get home.

So, which version of the Contax 1 do you have? U serial number could be types 1-3, or a, b, depending on the nomenclature system that you use.

 

[Dralowid]

I had a Contax I many years ago but have been in the Leica world since. I'm tracking this one on 'that auction site' in the UK and may well bid but can't see the detail! My old Contax had a dimple in front of the focussing wheel so I should be able to identify that from the CQ site. It jammed up and I sold it for parts. In the process of messing around with a Kiev to remind myself what it's all about. Leicas these cameras are not...

Ansell Adams here I come!

Michael

 

[dexdog]

I checked John Keesing's book on Contax lenses, and he says that production of 50/3.5 tessars probably started in 1931, with a serial number of 1,270,501. Should be a black and nickel lens, with a black face. Thiele's CZJ book has December 1930 for a probable date of a run of 5,000 50/3.5 Tessars.

In any case, likely an very early production version of the lens

 

[Dralowid]

Thanks Dexdog, it is a black and nickel Tessar. I'll go ahead and bid (probably far too much) and I dareay that will only be the beginning of my troubles!

By the way, I still have the 'spinning' strap lugs from my previous Contax, guess that dates it as having been early.

Michael