Zeiss-Contax II
Released in 1936 and the successor of the original Contax later called the Contax I. It was the first camera with a rangefinder and viewfinder combined in a single window. Its chief designer was Hubert Nerwin.
The Contax ll was the impressive Zeiss response to the popularity and demand for the Leica 35mm camera. This demand for high quality 35mm picture making tools was based on portability and the increasing availability of 35mm motion picture film, packaged into spools and marketed to amateur as well as professional photographers. The Contax became the 'first choice' among the professional community while the Leica was considered more the choice for well heeled amateurs and practitioners of a more artistic leaning. For example: Robert Capa in the first camp and Alexander Rodchenko in the second.
Many War Correspondents are seen in Wartime pictures carrying this version of the Contax.
Above: George Silk and Robert Capa both seen carrying the Contax II in Italy.
Above: One of our member's personal Contax II Cameras. This camera dates to 1938, and still takes great photos. The Lens on the body is a 5CM Lens, while the two longer lenses are 13cm.
Above: The Carl Zeiss Turret Viewfinder. This piece of camera equipment allows the user to see a rough idea of what the picture will be through the viewfinder, with rotating the turret to the size of lens as indicated on the side.
Above: Two different styles of wartime 13.5cm Lenses. One finished in black (left) one finished in chrome (right)