Zeiss Ikon Contarex Bullseye
The Zeiss Ikon Contarex (10.2401), commonly known as the 'Bullseye' for the prominent round selenium meter cell above the lens, is a 35mm single-lens reflex camera introduced at the end of the 1950s. It was Zeiss Ikon's flagship SLR when new, built to a high mechanical standard and positioned at the premium end of the market against contemporary Leica and Nikon bodies.
At recent UK auction, hammer prices for the Contarex 'Bullseye' body have spanned roughly £110 to £780, with a median around £340. As of 2026 the market remains condition-sensitive: clean, working examples with a clear meter sell for the higher figures, while bodies with seized shutters or dead meters are what a Bullseye is worth at the lower end of that range. A standout result of £775 in 2023 shows what a complete, presentable outfit can sell for, but most lots change hands closer to the median.
Variants
Select a variant to filter the sales history below.
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| black | — | — | 0 | — |
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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: June 2026
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| Jun 2026 | £225 | Flints Auctions | — | |
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Auction: Cameras & Scientific Instruments (Lot 192) Title: A Zeiss Ikon Contarex "Bullseye" 35mm Camera
Description:
silver, serial number 20 0122-6972, body VG, shutter works, light meter responds, with a Carl Zeiss Planar f/2 50mm, barrel VG, optics G with light |
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| Jun 2026 | £212 | Flints Auctions | — | |
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Auction: Cameras & Scientific Instruments (Lot 209) Title: A Zeiss Ikon Contarex "Bulls-Eye" Camera
Description:
silver, body VG, shutter working with spare back, with Carl Zeiss Planar f/2 50mm lens, barrel VG, optics VG, with cap. |
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| Feb 2026 | £262 | Flints Auctions | — | |
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Auction: Cameras & Scientific Instruments (Lot 177) Title: A Zeiss Ikon Contarex "Bullseye" 35mm SLR Camera
Description:
chrome, serial no. E 92446, body G-VG, shutter working, with a Carl Zeiss Distagon 35mm f/4 lens, optics F, some fungal staining to elements, (Qty: 1) |
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| Oct 2025 | £176 | Chiswick Auctions | — | |
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Auction: Photographica (Lot 248) Title: Zeiss Ikon Contarex Bulls Eye Camera Bodies.
Description:
Body T94170 (signs of normal use) shutter firing OK, meter not responding. Also body #Z48797, (signs of normal use) shutter not firing, meter not ... read more |
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| Sep 2025 | £375 | Flints Auctions | — | |
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Auction: Cameras & Scientific Instruments (Lot 174) Title: A Zeiss Ikon Contarex "Bullseye" Camera Outfit
Description:
comprising the Contarex, silver, body VG, advance and shutter jammed, with 90 degree viewfinder accessory, with a Tessar f/2.8 50mm lens, barrel G, |
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| Jul 2025 | £170 | Special Auction Services | — | |
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Auction: Photographica & Cameras Auction (Lot 626) Title: A Zeiss Ikon Conarex Bulls Eye SLR Camera
Description:
A Zeiss Ikon Conarex Bulls Eye SLR Camera, serial no T 91669, shutter working, light cell responsive, self timer sluggish, working, body G-VG, with |
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| Mar 2025 | £325 | Flints Auctions | — | |
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Auction: Cameras & Scientific Instruments (Lot 145) Title: A Zeiss Ikon Contarex 35mm "Bulls Eye" SLR Camera
Description:
silver, serial number T87798, body G, shutter works, with a Carl Zeiss Planar f/2 50mm lens, barrel G, optics G, with cap, filter, 50mm hood and wide |
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| Jan 2025 | £140 | Tennants Auctioneers | — | |
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Auction: Scientific & Musical Instruments, Cameras & Tools (Lot 186) Title: Zeiss Ikon Contarex Bullseye Camera
Description:
no.22635, with Zeiss Planar f2 50mm lens, in leather case |
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| Jan 2025 | £202 | Chiswick Auctions | — | |
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Auction: Photographica (Lot 65) Title: Zeiss Ikon Contarex "Bulls-Eye".
Description:
Zeiss Ikon Contarex "Bulls-Eye". Shutter firing, signs of light use. With a 50mm f2 Planar lens (blades slow) & ERC. |
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| Oct 2024 | £180 | Special Auction Services | — | |
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Auction: Fine Photographica & Cameras Auction (Lot 127) Title: A Zeiss Ikon Conarex Bulls Eye SLR Camera
Description:
A Zeiss Ikon Conarex Bulls Eye SLR Camera, serial no Y 106109, shutter working, light cell responsive, self timer working, body G, some pitting to |
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| Aug 2024 | £125 | Flints Auctions | — | |
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Auction: Cameras & Scientific Auction (Lot 250) Title: A Zeiss Ikon Contarex "Bulls-Eye" 35mm SLR Camera
Description:
chrome, serial no.Y8543, with a Carl Zeiss Planar f/2 50mm lens, serial no.2616264, mirror slow to rise, and shutter sticks at slow speeds, meter |
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| Jun 2024 | £875 | Flints Auctions | — | |
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Auction: Cameras & Scientific Auction (Lot 236) Title: A Zeiss Ikon Contarex Bulls-Eye 35mm SLR Camera Outfit
Description:
chrome, 1959-66, serial no.Z 47750, with a Carl Zeiss Planar f/1.4 55mm lens, serial no.3338246, shutter working, meter reacts to light, body VG, |
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| Jun 2024 | £250 | Flints Auctions | — | |
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Auction: Cameras & Scientific Auction (Lot 144) Title: A Zeiss Ikon Contarex "Bulls-Eye" 35mm SLR Camera
Description:
chrome, 1959-66, serial no.G32876, with a Carl Zeiss Planar f/2 50mm lens, serial no.3699997, shutter faulty alternately not opening and sticking |
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| Apr 2024 | £110 | Special Auction Services | — | |
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Auction: Photographica & Cameras Auction (Lot 110) Title: A Zeiss Ikon Contarex ''Bullseye'' SLR Camera
Description:
A Zeiss Ikon Contarex ''Bullseye'' SLR Camera, early version, shutter working, meter responsive, self timer very sluggish, body G, some light wear, |
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| Apr 2024 | £112 | Flints Auctions | — | |
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Auction: Cameras & Scientific Auction (Lot 56) Title: A Zeiss Ikon Contarex "Bulls-Eye" 35mm SLR Body
Description:
chrome, 1959-66, serial no.T94790, shutter capping at highest speeds, B not working, body G-VG with Contarex-System padded carrying case in G |
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| Jan 2024 | £225 | Flints Auctions | — | |
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Auction: Cameras & Scientific Instruments (Lot 128) Title: A Zeiss Ikon Contarex "Bulls-Eye" 35mm SLR Camera
Description:
chrome, 1959-66, serial no.Y6627, with a Carl Zeiss Tessar f/2.8 50mm lens, serial no.2994437, shutter sometimes not closing completely, meter reacts |
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| Jan 2024 | £338 | Flints Auctions | — | |
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Auction: Cameras & Scientific Instruments (Lot 99) Title: A Zeiss Ikon Contarex Bulls-Eye 35mm SLR Camera with Lenses
Description:
chrome, 1959-66, serial no.Y6546, with a Carl Zeiss Planar f/2 50mm lens, serial no.2370984, shutter working, body G, lens F, fungus, also with a |
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| Sep 2023 | £438 | Flints Auctions | — | |
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Auction: Cameras & Scientific Instruments (Lot 55) Title: A Zeiss Ikon Contarex 'Bulls-Eye' 35mm SLR Camera Outfit
Description:
chrome, serial no. T91003, body VG, shutter working, together with a Carl Zeiss Planar f/2 50mm lens, serial no. 2374398, body G-VG, optics VG, also (Qty: 1) |
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| Jul 2023 | £340 | David Duggleby | — | |
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Auction: Maritime, Scientific Instruments & Cameras (Lot 3054) Title: Zeiss Ikon Contarex Bullseye camera body, serial no. T92257, with 'Carl Zeiss planar 1:2 5...
Description:
Zeiss Ikon Contarex Bullseye camera body, serial no. T92257, with 'Carl Zeiss planar 1:2 5... |
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| Jun 2023 | £775 | Flints Auctions | — | |
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Auction: Cameras & Scientific Instruments (Lot 301) Title: A Zeiss Ikon Contarex Bullseye SLR Camera Outfiit
Description:
body VG, shutter working, together with a Carl Zeiss Planar f/2 50mm lens, body G-VG, optics G-VG, some separation to lens elements, also with a Carl (Qty: 1) |
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| Oct 2022 | £106 | Flints Auctions | — | |
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Auction: The Collectors Sale (Lot 255) Title: A Zeiss Ikon Contarex Bullseye SLR Camera Body
Description:
chrome, serial no. E92193, body, G, shutter working Note: Lot imported under Temporary Admission. 5% UK import VAT will be charged on the ‘hammer’ |
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| Feb 2022 | £360 | Harper Field Auctions | — | |
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Auction: Buying & Selling (Lot 436) Title: Zeiss Ikon Contarex 35mm SLR camera outfit, serial number T38789 with Planar 1:2 f=50mm, Distagon
Description:
Zeiss Ikon Contarex 35mm SLR camera outfit, serial number T38789 with Planar 1:2 f=50mm, Distagon |
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| Jan 2022 | £140 | David Duggleby | — | |
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Auction: Decorative Antiques & Collectors Sale (Lot 161) Title: Zeiss Ikon Contarex Bullseye Camera serial no.T94170 with 'Carl Zeiss Nr2614192 Planar 1:2...
Description:
Zeiss Ikon Contarex Bullseye Camera serial no.T94170 with 'Carl Zeiss Nr2614192 Planar 1:2... |
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| Apr 2021 | £397 | Flints Auctions | — | |
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Auction: Fine Photographica & Instruments of Science (Lot 211) Title: A Zeiss Ikon Contarex 'Bullseye' SLR Camera
Description:
1959-66, chrome, serial no. T88726, with Carl Zeiss Planar f/2 50mm lens, chrome, serial no. 2367946, body, VG-E, shutter working, lens, G-VG, some |
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| Oct 2019 | £480 | Flints Auctions | — | |
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Auction: Fine Photographica & Instruments of Science & Medicine (Lot 298) Title: A Zeiss Ikon Contarex Bulleye SLR Camera
Description:
1959-66, chrome, serial no. T87791, with Carl Zeiss Planar f/1.4 55mm 3185707, body, VG, shutter working but sticking slightly, lens, G, some |
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| Apr 2019 | £252 | Flints Auctions | — | |
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Auction: Fine Photographica & Instruments of Science & Medicine (Lot 277) Title: A Zeiss Ikon Contarex I Bullseye SLR Camera
Description:
1959-66, chrome, serial no. Y6450, with Carl Zeiss Planar f/2 50mm lens, chrome, serial no. 2374839, shutter working, lens, G-VG, some very light |
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| Apr 2019 | £240 | Flints Auctions | — | |
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Auction: Fine Photographica & Instruments of Science & Medicine (Lot 276) Title: A Zeiss Ikon Contarex I 'Bullseye' SLR Camera
Description:
1959-66, chrome, serial no. E13141, with Carl Zeiss Planar f/2 50mm lens, chrome, serial no. 2616350, body, VG, shutter working, lens, G-VG, some |
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| Nov 2018 | £360 | Flints Auctions | — | |
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Auction: Fine Photographica & Instruments of Science & Medicine (Lot 1175) Title: A Zeiss Ikon Contarex Bullseye SLR Camera
Description:
1959-66, chrome, serial no. T94782, with Carl Zeiss Planar f/2 50mm lens, chrome, serial no. 2616047, body, VG, shutter working, lens, VG, some light |
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| Nov 2018 | £336 | Flints Auctions | — | |
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Auction: Fine Photographica & Instruments of Science & Medicine (Lot 1176) Title: A Zeiss Ikon Contarex Bullseye SLR Camera
Description:
1959-66, chrome, serial no. E13285,with Carl Zeiss Planar f/2 50mm lens, chrome, serial no. 3251324, body, VG, shutter working, lens, G, some |
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| Mar 2007 | £204 | Christie's | — | |
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Auction: Cameras, Photographs and Optical Toys (Lot 292) Title: Contarex 'Bullseye' no. T93969
Description:
Contarex 'Bullseye' no. T93969 Estimate: £200 - £300 |
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| Mar 2007 | £216 | Christie's | — | |
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Auction: Cameras, Photographs and Optical Toys (Lot 293) Title: Contarex 'Bullseye' no. T90721
Description:
Contarex 'Bullseye' no. T90721 Estimate: £200 - £300 |
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| May 2005 | £360 | Christie's | — | |
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Auction: CAMERAS, PHOTOGRAPHIC EQUIPMENT AND OPTICAL TOYS INCLUDING (Lot 104) Title: Contarex 'bullseye' no. T93999
Description:
Contarex 'bullseye' no. T93999 Estimate: £400 - £600 |
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| Mar 2004 | £418 | Christie's | — | |
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Auction: CAMERAS AND PHOTOGRAPHIC EQUIPMENT - THE PROPERTY OF A COLLE (Lot 17) Title: Contarex 'bullseye' no. T93585
Description:
Contarex 'bullseye' no. T93585 Estimate: £300 - £400 |
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| Mar 2003 | £1,057 | Christie's | — | |
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Auction: CAMERAS AND PHOTOGRAPHIC EQUIPMENT (Lot 202) Title: Contarex 'bullseye' no. T92076
Description:
Contarex 'bullseye' no. T92076 Estimate: £1,000 - £1,500 |
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| Sep 2002 | £352 | Christie's | — | |
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Auction: CAMERAS AND PHOTOGRAPHIC EQUIPMENT (Lot 195) Title: Contarex 'bullseye' un-numbered
Description:
Contarex 'bullseye' un-numbered Estimate: £300 - £500 |
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| Sep 2001 | £293 | Christie's | — | |
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Auction: CAMERAS AND PHOTOGRAPHIC EQUIPMENT (Lot 172) Title: Contarex 'bullseye' no. 632157
Description:
Contarex 'bullseye' no. 632157 Estimate: £200 - £300 |
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| Jan 2001 | £705 | Christie's | — | |
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Auction: CAMERAS AND PHOTOGRAPHIC EQUIPMENT (Lot 230) Title: Contarex 'Bullseye' no. T93585
Description:
Contarex 'Bullseye' no. T93585 Estimate: £250 - £350 |
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| Jul 1999 | £299 | Christie's | — | |
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Auction: Cameras and Optical Toys (Lot 75) Title: Contarex 'bullseye' no. Z49006
Description:
Contarex 'bullseye' no. Z49006 Estimate: £25 - £200 |
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| Feb 1999 | £195 | Christie's | — | |
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Auction: Cameras and Optical Toys (Lot 280) Title: Contarex 'bullseye' no. Y6088
Description:
Contarex 'bullseye' no. Y6088 Estimate: £200 - £300 |
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| Feb 1999 | £115 | Christie's | — | |
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Auction: Cameras and Optical Toys (Lot 277) Title: Contarex 'bullseye' no. T.8645
Description:
Contarex 'bullseye' no. T.8645 Estimate: £200 - £300 |
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| Feb 1999 | £115 | Christie's | — | |
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Auction: Cameras and Optical Toys (Lot 276) Title: Contarex 'bullseye' no. E.13254
Description:
Contarex 'bullseye' no. E.13254 Estimate: £250 - £350 |
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| Aug 1998 | £287 | Christie's | — | |
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Auction: CAMERAS AND OPTICAL TOYS (Lot 181) Title: Contarex 'bullseye' no. Y80503
Description:
Contarex 'bullseye' no. Y80503 Estimate: £250 - £350 |
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| Mar 1998 | £402 | Christie's | — | |
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Auction: CAMERAS & OPTICAL TOYS (Lot 221) Title: Contarex 'bullseye' no. Y7825
Description:
Contarex 'bullseye' no. Y7825 Estimate: £400 - £450 |
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| Mar 1998 | £460 | Christie's | — | |
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Auction: CAMERAS & OPTICAL TOYS (Lot 263) Title: Contarex 'bullseye' no. Z48153
Description:
Contarex 'bullseye' no. Z48153 Estimate: £400 - £450 |
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| Nov -0001 | £338 | Flints Auctions | — | |
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Auction: The Collectors Sale (Lot 950) Title: A Zeiss Ikon Contarex 'Bullseye' 35mm SLR Camera
Description:
1959-66, chrome, body G-VG, shutter working, viewfinder clear, together with Carl Zeiss Planar f/2 50mm lens, body VG, optics VG, with maker's case (Qty: 1) |
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Frequently asked questions
What is a Zeiss Ikon Contarex 'Bullseye' worth today?
Recent UK auction hammer results sit between roughly £110 and £780, with a median around £340 depending on cosmetic condition and whether the shutter and meter are working.
How much does a Contarex 'Bullseye' sell for at auction?
Typical hammer prices cluster in the £170–£440 band; tired bodies with meter or shutter issues sell for around £100, while clean working examples have reached the high £700s.
Why is the price range so wide?
Value is driven almost entirely by mechanical condition and the state of the selenium meter, since service for the Contarex is scarce — a working example commands a substantial premium over a non-functional one.
Why is it called the 'Bullseye'?
The nickname refers to the large round selenium meter window mounted above the lens, which gives the front of the camera its distinctive single-eye appearance.