My Jena Contax

[Elmar Lang]

Hello,

after a long search, I am happy for having found a "Jena" Contax.

This piece, comes from a now dissolved, Italian collection. There was another, wonderfully preserved piece, but a fellow collector was much faster than me...

I am proud of this piece too, because, although in need of a checkup (it stayed in a showcase for nearly 3 decades), it appears as being complete and working.

The back is of the "heavy" type, made of sheet-brass (another piece, in worse condition, had the back made of aluminum).

The CZJ Sonnar 50/2, after its serial number, appears as having been made in 1947.

There's also its everready case, of the typical type, made of pigskin: the embossed "Contax" logo is accurately painted in off-white.

Here, some pictures of the camera:

 

[Elmar Lang]

Further pictures:

 

[pauld111]

Hi Elmar, maybe you can explain something to me. Would it be your preference to have this camera or let's say one from 1936 in very good condition/ near mint condition? I am trying to understand the appeal of the 'Jena Contax' vs normal Contax. Thanks

 

[Elmar Lang]

Hello Paul,

I have a prewar Contax-II and a III, both belonged to my late grandfather; also a IIa and a IIIa.

My first "Contax" feel, was with a Kiev-4A, bought back in 1975, having learnt the fundamentals of photography, from my Contax-equipped grandfather.

My photographic hobby, is also accompanied by some pleasure of collecting so, with time I've searched for some pieces making the history of the Zeiss Ikon rangefinder masterpiece.

So, a couple different Contax-I, and, last but not least the Kiev-1947. Never been able to have a Jena Contax so, I couldn't drop the opportunity just had, thanks to the proposal of a very kind dealer.

Now, the "Contax-Landscape" is complete in its main components, from the "I" to the IIa/IIIa, with the "side-branch" of the family-tree, started in Saalfeld and continued in Ukraine.

I will send this camera to my repairman, because I would like to try it with film.

Best wishes,

Enzo (E.L.)

 

[pauld111]

Hi Enzo

Thanks for your explanation. It just seems strange to me that the Jena Contax can command so much on Ebay. Your collection sounds amazing anyway.

 

[Elmar Lang]

We need to remember that the Jena Contax was produced in a small number of pieces. Let's add the circumstances of its birth and we shall understand that rarity and history are factors justifying a price higher than what expected from a "normal" Contax-II/III.