Contax I

Contax
Overview
Type35 mm rangefinder camera
Lens
Lens mountContax bayonet
Focusing
Focusmanual
Exposure/metering
Exposuremanual
Flash
Flashstandard accessory shoe

The Contax I, or Original Contax, is a 35 mm rangefinder camera made between 1932 and 1936 by Zeiss Ikon. The Contax I had six identifiable variants, but fundamentally identical; every aspect was designed to outperform the Leica. For instance, the removable back was for faster loading and reloading, the bayonet lens mount was designed for rapid lens interchangeability, the long-base rangefinder allowed more accurate focusing, and the vertical metal shutter not only gave a faster maximum speed but also banished the problem of shutter blinds burning.