Jusazki
Newbie
I got my hands on a weird Contax II and was wondering if you could help me to identify this? First, the hotshoe has a big number 1, also the bottom lock around the tripod mount has the same number. Serial number inside the camera and in the back cover are matching E6120. I have never seen a 4-digit number. Any idea if this is some special model?
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dexdog
Veteran
I have never seen the big 1 on any Contax, and have no idea what it means. Concerning the 4-digit serial number, the book "On the Trail of the Contax, Volume One" by Hans-Jurgen Kuc shows serial numbers for E series cameras in two ranges of E 5,001 to E 10,000 and E 35,001 to E 40,000. I wonder if the original owner sent the camera back to Zeiss Ikon for some custom (i.e., bespoke) work.
Edit: It occurred to me that given that the areas of your camera with the "1" are not otherwise marked on the Contax II, the owner could have taken the camera to a jeweler and had these areas engraved.
Edit: It occurred to me that given that the areas of your camera with the "1" are not otherwise marked on the Contax II, the owner could have taken the camera to a jeweler and had these areas engraved.
steveyork
Well-known
Zeiss Ikon Historical Society on Facebook might have some information. "E" serial number cameras indicate cameras made circa 1937. I've seen both Contax II and III made in that E5-7500 serial number range. Not sure what the number on the shoe represents, but maybe someone on the Facebook group would have that info.
steveyork
Well-known
What does Kuc say about "Z" serial number ranges? According to those Zeiss historical guys production of the Contax II started with Z.50000. Read elsewhere that "Z" cameras from 1935. Something like that. Long ago I picked up a II with SN Z.50206, and the serial number on the lens would indicate 1935 production too. Just curious.
dexdog
Veteran
According to Kuc, Contax II and III cameras were made with Z serial numbers ranging from Z 50,001 to Z 51,000. Kuc does not provide a date of production, but 1935 seems about right given that the Z series was the first batch produced. The Contax II was introduced in 1936
wes loder
Photographer/Historian
Tenax II manufactured in 1937 are also in the E series and have four-digit numbers. (E 3001 to E 5000).
steveyork
Well-known
Yes, always read that the Contax II was introduced in '36, but "Z" serial are supposed to be from '35, so safe to assume a "Z" serial number Contax II was probably made in late '35 for the 1936 market?
dexdog
Veteran
Sounds reasonable. No sense introducing a new camera without having some in stock ready to provide to dealers to sell.
farlymac
PF McFarland
Many, many years ago I read what the "1" stamp was for, but it elludes me now. I might have the explanation archived somewhere on my computer, so I'll check it out.
PF
PF