Contax C/Y Distagon 28mm/f2.8 · T*

{"overview":"The Contax 28mm f\/2.8 T* is a wide-angle prime for the Contax\/Yashica (C\/Y) bayonet mount, produced as part of the Carl Zeiss–designed SLR line used on Contax bodies such as the RTS, 139, 137 and later Aria. The T* marking denotes Zeiss multi-coating, and the lens was aimed at reportage, landscape and general wide-angle work on 35mm film.","market_narrative":"At recent UK auction, hammer results for this lens have ranged from £150 to £362, with a median around £210 based on the five sales on file; clean, fungus-free copies with smooth focus are what pull the top end. As of 2026 the 28mm f\/2.8 T* is worth considerably less than the faster 28mm f\/2 Zeiss Distagon, and most standard-condition examples sell for the £150–£210 band in the saleroom, while an exceptional copy in April 2025 fetched £362. Buyers should remember these are saleroom prices before commission, so dealer asking figures will typically sit above the values shown here.","buying_guide":"Inspect the front and rear elements carefully for fungus and haze, which are common on C\/Y Zeiss glass that has been stored in humid conditions, and check the aperture blades for oil migration that slows stop-down. Work the focus ring through its full travel to detect stiffness or dry grease, look for coating cleaning marks under a raking light, and check element edges for any sign of separation or balsam haze. Both German and Japanese production exists, so confirm which variant you are bidding on, as provenance can affect desirability and price.","specs":"Specifications beyond focal length (28mm), maximum aperture (f\/2.8), Zeiss T* multi-coating and the Contax\/Yashica bayonet mount are not included in the supplied data.","faq":[{"q":"How much does a Contax 28mm f\/2.8 T* sell for at UK auction?","a":"Recent UK hammer prices range from £150 to £362, with a median close to £210 across the five sales recorded between 2022 and 2025."},{"q":"What is a Contax 28mm f\/2.8 T* worth today?","a":"In 2026 a typical clean copy is worth around £150–£210 at saleroom level, with exceptional examples occasionally reaching the £360 mark."},{"q":"Why do prices vary so much for this lens?","a":"Condition is the main driver — fungus, haze, oily blades and cleaning marks all pull the price down, while optically clean copies with smooth focus achieve the higher end of the range."},{"q":"Does the country of manufacture affect value?","a":"The 28mm f\/2.8 T* was built in both West German and Japanese versions, and collectors sometimes pay a premium for the German-made examples, though the provided sales set does not break down by origin."}],"confidence":55,"reasoning":"Five UK sales give a workable price picture, but specs and variant facts are empty, limiting technical depth."}