PLEASE NOTE THAT THE PRICES LISTED ON THIS PAGE HAVE NOT BEEN UPDATED IN A FEW YEARS. PLEASE USE AS REFERENCE BUT MAY NOT REFLECT TODAY'S 2011 VALUES.
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| Zeiss Ikon Contax Rangefinder Lenses |
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Please note: There are literally hundreds of small variations amongst the Contax RF lenses. The values below are based upon the common of examples. In addition, the value of Contax lenses varies greatly between one in Very Good condition compared to one in Excellent Condition, more so than most collectible lenses. Please make note of the values and the corresponding condition of the lens in the tables below.
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NOTE: Since the market is very thin for these early lenses, price can vary widely - especially ones in very clean condition. Most of the early Contax lenses have lived a hard life and show it.
Lenses produced from 1932-1936 with black enamel trim
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NOTE: Lenses produced from 1936 until WWII, with a Chrome finish and uncoated from the factory. These lenses have survived in much better condition than the earlier Contax lenses.
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Lens Model
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Amount $$ For Lens in
Excellent- (8+) condition
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Tessar 2.8cm F8
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$ 275
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Biogon 3.5cm F2.8
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$ 400
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Herar 3.5cm F3
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Ultra Rare
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Orthometar 3.5cm F4.5
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$ 600
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Biotar 4cm F2
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Biotar 4 1/4cm F2
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$ 2,000
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Sonnar 5cm F1.5
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$ 220
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Sonnar 5cm F2 ( coll & rigid )
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$ 175 (r) $ 150 (c)
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Tessar 5cm F2.8 (coll )
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Tessar 5cm F3.5 ( c & r )
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$ 350 (r)
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Biotar 7.5cm F1.5
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Sonnar 8.5cm F2
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$ 350
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Triotar 8.5cm F4
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$ 150
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Sonnar 13.5cm F4
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$ 125
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Tele-Tessar K 18cm F6.3
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"Olympia" Sonnar 18cm F2.8
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NOTE: With the division of Germany after WWII, lenses were made in East Germany ( Jena ) & West Germany ( Opton ).
Many lenses were produced with an alloy ( aluminum ) rather than brass. All lenses were now coated by the factory.
True or not, collectors feel that East German lenses were inferior to West German lenses, while earlier "Opton" marked W.G. lenses were very slightly inferior to the later W.G. "Carl Zeiss" marked lenses.
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Lens Model ( introduction date )
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Amount $$ For Lens in Excellent (9-) condition
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Comments
EAST and/or WEST
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Biogon 21mm F4.5 ('55)
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$ 650
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West, "Carl Zeiss"
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Topogon 25mm F4
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$ 2100
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East, "Jena"
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Biogon 35mm F2.8 ('50)
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$475 O / $275 J / $700 CZ
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Both, "Jena" & "Opton" & "Carl Zeiss"
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Planar 35mm F3.5 ('54)
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$ 600
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West, "Carl Zeiss"
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Biometar 35mm F2.8
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$ 650
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East, "Jena"
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Sonnar 5cm F1.5
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$ 225
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Both, "Jena" & "Opton" & "Carl Zeiss"
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Sonnar 5cm F2
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$200 J / $ 275 O / $ 275CZ
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Both, "Jena" & "Opton" & "Carl Zeiss"
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Tessar 5cm F3.5
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$ 575 Opton
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Both
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Tessar 5cm F3.5 Macro
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West
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Biotar 75mm F1.5
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East
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Sonnar 8.5cm F2
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$ 450
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Both, "Jena" & "Opton" & "Carl Zeiss"
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Triotar 8.5cm F4
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$ 150
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Both, "Jena" & "Opton" & "Carl Zeiss"
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Sonnar 13.5cm F4
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$ 200
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Both, "Jena" & "Opton" & "Carl Zeiss"
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