The Zeiss Ikon Contessa 533/24 is a premium 35mm folding rangefinder camera, produced in Stuttgart, West Germany between 1950–1955. Designed by Hubert Nerwin, it was Zeiss Ikon’s flagship compact folder, combining elegant Art Deco styling with precision engineering. Fitted with a Zeiss-Opton Tessar 45mm f/2.8 lens, renowned for its sharpness and contrast, and a Compur-Rapid or Synchro-Compur shutter offering speeds from 1s to 1/500s + B.
The camera features a coupled rangefinder, uncoupled selenium light meter, and a self-erecting folding mechanism for quick deployment. Its compact form factor and high-end build make it a favourite among collectors and film shooters alike.
Condition
Good vintage condition. Lens is optically clear, just some possible minor age related dust. Shutter fires accurately across all speeds. Rangefinder patch bright and aligned. Bellows light-tight. Meter working. Body shows wear consistent with age.
Key Features
Format: 35mm film (24×36mm)
Lens: Zeiss-Opton Tessar 45mm f/2.8 (coated or uncoated)
Shutter: Compur-Rapid or Synchro-Compur (1s–1/500s + B)
