In 2005, Kyocera halted production on all Contax-brand film and digital cameras. At that time, Kyocera's new camera division took over responsibility for production of all Contax and Yashica branded cameras, eventually introducing cameras under its own name, as well as contracting production of other models to outside manufacturers, such as Cosina. Since manual-focus Contax and Yashica manual-focus 35mm SLR cameras share the same common bayonet lens mount, their lenses may be used interchangeably.Ĭontax cameras continued to be produced by Yashica until the latter was acquired by Kyocera in 1983. The Carl Zeiss T* lenses, in particular, soon gained a reputation for superb optical quality. The cameras were noteworthy for their advanced electronics. Until 1984, Contax cameras were made by Yashica in Japan, with lenses made by Carl Zeiss – some in Germany, some in Japan. The new Contax RTS and its Zeiss T* lenses appeared at Photokina in 1974, and proved an immediate hit. Alexander Porsche Group was hired to complete an ergonomic and styling study of the new camera. Thus began ‘Top Secret Project 130’, a collaboration with Carl Zeiss to produce a new, professional 35mm SLR with an electronically-controlled shutter, bearing the Contax brand name. By that time, Yashica was a production giant with considerable electronic camera experience, and was seeking ways to expand sales and improve brand name recognition in the highly competitive 35mm SLR market. In 1973 the Contax name was licensed to the Japanese maker Yashica by Carl Zeiss to create a prestigious brand of 35mm cameras and interchangeable Contax/Yashica lenses in cooperation with the German company. Image by Christopher Robin Roberts ( Image rights)Ĭontax is originally the name of the famed 35mm rangefinder camera made from 1932 by Zeiss Ikon (see Contax rangefinder), which subsequently became the name of a pioneering single-lens reflex camera made from 1947 by the Eastern part of Zeiss Ikon (see Contax S). For the original rangefinder model, see Contax rangefinder.

Contax 645 35mm