Zeiss Ikon Contarex Professional
The Zeiss Ikon Contarex Professional is a 35mm SLR within the Contarex family, produced in West Germany during the 1960s. It was a stripped-down variant aimed at users who did not require the built-in metering of other Contarex models.
Hammer prices at UK auction for the Contarex Professional today span an unusually wide range, from around £210 for a user-grade body up to roughly £6,800 for an exceptional saleroom result, reflecting how scarce clean examples are at wholesale level. With only two recorded results it is difficult to fix a reliable median value, and what a Contarex Professional sells for depends heavily on cosmetic condition, completeness and whether original Zeiss glass is included. Buyers researching what this camera is worth should weigh those individual sales as data points rather than a settled market price.
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 2025
| Date | Price | Source | |
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| Apr 2025 | £212 | Flints Auctions | |
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Auction: Fine Photographica (Lot 195) Title: A Zeiss Ikon Contarex Professional SLR Camera Body
Description:
1966, chrome, serial no. K46409, body, G-VG, shutter working |
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| Nov 2022 | USD 6,750 | pedia_sales_tamarkin | |
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Auction: November 2022 Results (Lot 110) Title: Zeiss Contarex Professional with Zeiss 85mm Planar f1,4 T*
Description:
Zeiss Contarex Professional with Zeiss 85mm Planar f1,4 T* |
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| Jan 2001 | £881 | Christie's | |
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Auction: CAMERAS AND PHOTOGRAPHIC EQUIPMENT (Lot 232) Title: Contarex Professional no. K45474
Description:
Contarex Professional no. K45474 Estimate: £700 - £900 |
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| Feb 1999 | £793 | Christie's | |
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Auction: Cameras and Optical Toys (Lot 271) Title: Contarex Professional no. K45044
Description:
Contarex Professional no. K45044 Estimate: £700 - £900 |
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Frequently asked questions
What is a Zeiss Ikon Contarex Professional worth today?
Recorded UK auction hammer prices range from about £210 to £6,800, so value depends strongly on condition and whether lenses are included.
How much does a Contarex Professional sell for at auction?
Recent saleroom results show one user-grade body selling for £212 and a top-end example reaching £6,750, both as hammer prices excluding commission.
Is the Contarex Professional a good buyer's camera?
It suits collectors of Zeiss Ikon SLRs who can accept limited service options; casual users will find the price and parts situation harder to justify.