Zeiss Ikon Contarex Bullseye 35mm SLR Camera Distagon 35mm f4 Excellent

Description

The Zeiss Ikon Contarex I (popularly known as the "Bullseye" or "Cyclops") is a legendary, over-engineered 35mm single-lens reflex (SLR) camera manufactured in Stuttgart, West Germany between 1959 and 1966. Celebrated for its uncompromising mechanical construction, it features a prominent circular selenium light meter window mounted above the lens mount that links directly to the camera shutter speed and aperture controls. Outfitted with a classic Carl Zeiss Distagon 35mm f/4 wide-angle prime lens (Serial No. 3259897) in silver finish. Features an interchangeable film back system, focal-plane shutter operating from 1s to 1/1000s plus Bulb, aperture control wheel built into the camera body, and a bright reflex pentaprism viewfinder. Camera body serial number 630832.

Condition

Overall Condition: Very Good / Fully Working

Cosmetically in very good, clean vintage condition with bright chrome and tight black leatherette covering. Shows minor, light age-related surface marks on the top plate and base consistent with normal use. Viewfinder pentaprism is clear and bright. The Carl Zeiss Distagon 35mm f/4 optics are clean with no fungus or separation; light internal micro-dust specks are present as standard for vintage optics. Mechanical shutter fires across all speeds, winding mechanism advances smoothly, aperture wheel on the body turns correctly, and film compartment is clean. Camera body serial number 630832; lens serial number 3259897. Fully tested and operational.

Included

• Zeiss Ikon Contarex I "Bullseye" 35mm SLR Body (Serial No. 630832)
• Carl Zeiss Distagon 35mm f/4 Silver Prime Lens (Serial No. 3259897)
• Zeiss Ikon Front Lens Cap

Key Features

• Iconic "Bullseye" circular selenium exposure meter integrated into the front housing
• Body-controlled aperture setting wheel linked directly to the optical diaphragm mechanism
• Carl Zeiss Distagon 35mm f/4 wide-angle optic delivering exceptional West German resolving power
• Interchangeable magazine film back system for switching film mid-roll
• All-mechanical cloth focal-plane shutter operating without battery power (1s – 1/1000s + B)
• Precision West German all-metal engineering from Zeiss Ikon Stuttgart

Collector's Notes

The Contarex Bullseye represents the pinnacle of West German mechanical camera design. Built without regard to manufacturing cost, it contains over 1,100 precision components and was created by Zeiss Ikon to compete directly with Leica. The inclusion of the sharp, wide-angle Carl Zeiss Distagon 35mm f/4 lens makes this outfit a standout centerpiece for mid-century European camera collections and classic film enthusiasts.

Keywords

Zeiss Ikon Contarex, Contarex Bullseye, Contarex Cyclops, Carl Zeiss Distagon 35mm f4, Vintage West German SLR, 35mm Film Camera, Contarex I, Tested Vintage Camera