Contax I (540/24)

OBJECT TYPE: Camera
MANUFACTURER: Zeiss Ikon AG
NATIONALITY: German
PLACE MANUFACTURED: Germany, Stuttgart
INTRODUCTION DATE: 1932
PRODUCTION DATES: 1932 - 1936
FILM TYPE: 35mm rollfilm
IMAGE SIZE: 24 x 36 mm
FUNCTIONAL TYPE: 35mm rangefinder

NOTES:
  Variations of the Contax I are as follow:
  "Contax I(a): serial numbers starting with "AU" or "AV", no low
  speeds (below 1/125), no 'foot' on tripod socket and often has
  "dimples" over ends of shafts on front of camera. Viewfinder window
  closer to center of camera than rangefinder window.
  Contax I(b): Same as the I(a) in appearance except front bezel extends
  across front to viewing and rangefinder window. No "dimples" as model
  I(a).
  Contax I(c): "Foot" on tripod socket, slow speeds added, guard
  attached to lens bezel surrounds slow speed setting ring. Like the
  above models, has no button to unlock infinity stop when external
  bayonet lenses are in use.
  Contax I(d): Same as the I(c), but button to release infinity lock
  present at 1 o'clock from lens, and distance scale around base of lens
  mount now finished in chrome with black numbers.
  Contax I(e): Same as I(d) except viewfinder window moved to outside of
  rangefinder window.
  Contax I(f): Same as I(e) except 4 screws in accessory shoe, and the
  marker for setting shutter speeds changed from an apparent slotted
  srew to a small pointer." (McKeown, 1992).

MANUFACTURER'S CATALOG NO: 540/24

OBJECT IDENTIFIER: Z470.00001
VIDEODISC 1, FRAME NUMBER: 46

BIBLIOGRAPHIC REFERENCES:
Hasbroeck, Paul-Henry van. --150 Classic Cameras: From 1839 to the Present.-- London: Sotheby's Publications, 1989. pp 137.//
McKeown, Jim & McKeown, Joan. --Price Guide to Antique & Classic Cameras: 1992-1993.-- Grantsburg, WI: Centennial Photo, 1992.//
George Eastman House Information File - Technology Collection.//