CameraWorth.com

Contax Contax RTS

The Contax RTS is a 35mm film SLR introduced in 1975 as the first body in the Contax/Yashica bayonet system, developed in collaboration with Carl Zeiss. It was positioned as a professional manual-focus body designed around the new range of Zeiss T* prime lenses.

UK auction data for the Contax RTS is thin: a single hammer result of £75 was recorded in July 2025 at saleroom level (wholesale, before commission). On that limited evidence, today's typical worth sits around the £75 mark for a working body, though a wider price range cannot be reliably stated and condition has a strong influence on what an example sells for.

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Sales History

Prices shown are UK auction hammer results — the wholesale level achieved in the saleroom. Neither buyer’s nor seller’s commission is included. Dealer and retail asking prices are typically higher.

Prices updated: April 2026

Date Price Source
Apr 2026 £438 Flints Auctions
Jul 2025 £75 Flints Auctions
Jul 2025 £80 Special Auction Services
Aug 2024 £189 Chiswick Auctions
Jan 2021 £81 Flints Auctions
Nov 2018 EUR 1,300 Leitz Auction
Nov 2014 EUR 1,000 Leitz Auction
Nov 2013 EUR 1,500 Leitz Auction
May 2013 EUR 1,600 Leitz Auction
May 2011 EUR 2,200 Leitz Auction
May 2009 EUR 400 Leitz Auction
May 2009 EUR 1,800 Leitz Auction
May 2009 EUR 800 Leitz Auction
May 2007 EUR 550 Leitz Auction
Nov 2006 EUR 900 Leitz Auction
Nov 2006 EUR 600 Leitz Auction
Nov 2006 EUR 500 Leitz Auction
May 2005 EUR 1,000 Leitz Auction
May 2004 £358 Christie's
Jun 1999 £747 Christie's

Frequently asked questions

What is a Contax RTS worth today?

On the limited UK auction evidence available, a Contax RTS body has sold for around £75 at hammer, though values vary with cosmetic and electronic condition.

How much does a Contax RTS sell for at auction?

The most recent UK saleroom result on file is £75 in 2025; with only one data point, this is indicative rather than a firm market price.

Is the Contax RTS a good buy?

It gives access to Zeiss T* lenses at a low body price, but because the camera is electronically dependent and unserviceable through the factory, buyers should prioritise a tested, fully functional example.

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