CameraWorth.com

Zeiss Ikon Contax II

The Zeiss Ikon Contax II is a 35mm rangefinder camera introduced in 1936 and built in Dresden, Germany. It used the Contax bayonet mount and combined the viewfinder and rangefinder into a single window, positioning it as a premium competitor to the Leica II of the same era.

At UK auction in recent years, hammer prices for the Contax II have spanned roughly £45–£80, with the limited sample suggesting a typical value in the middle of that band today. Because these are saleroom hammer results rather than dealer retail, what a Contax II is worth in 2026 depends heavily on cosmetic condition, working shutter and rangefinder, and whether the example is a standard chrome body — desirable wartime or military-marked variants such as Luftwaffe, Marine or Kripo-engraved bodies sell for substantially more when properly documented.

Variants

Select a variant to filter the sales history below.

Variant Years Edition Sales Price Range
(Allemagne S.I.) 0
(black) 0
(for China) 0
(Geheime Staatspolizei) 0
(Jena Contax, black face) 0
(Jena Contax, pre-Kiev, double s/n) 0
(Jena Contax) 0
(Jena Ivory Creme) 0
Air Ministry 0
Kripo M.Ostrau (Police) 0
Kripo Troppau (Police) 0
Marine 0
Rifle 0

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: January 2026

Date Price Source Variant
Jan 2026 £45 Special Auction Services
Jul 2025 £62 Flints Auctions
Apr 2025 £200 Flints Auctions
Apr 2025 £138 Flints Auctions
Mar 2025 £88 Chiswick Auctions
Oct 2024 £800 Special Auction Services
Dec 2023 £10 Special Auction Services
Aug 2023 £138 Flints Auctions
Aug 2023 £56 Flints Auctions
Aug 2023 £90 Special Auction Services
Aug 2023 £45 Special Auction Services
Aug 2023 £80 Special Auction Services
Nov 2022 EUR 2,600 Leitz Auction
Oct 2022 £75 Flints Auctions
Jun 2022 £1,225 Flints Auctions
Dec 2021 £118 Flints Auctions
Nov 2021 £868 Flints Auctions
Nov 2020 EUR 3,000 Leitz Auction
Jun 2020 EUR 4,000 Leitz Auction
Aug 2019 £80 Harper Field Auctions
Nov 2018 £336 Flints Auctions
Jun 2017 EUR 16,000 Leitz Auction
Nov 2016 EUR 30,000 Leitz Auction
Nov 2002 £70 Christie's
Oct 2000 £82 Christie's
Oct 1998 £103 Christie's
Jun 1998 £195 Christie's

Frequently asked questions

What is a Zeiss Ikon Contax II worth today?

Recent UK auction hammer prices sit in the £45–£80 range for standard bodies, so a clean, working example will typically sell for somewhere in that band, with documented military variants commanding more.

How much does a Contax II sell for at auction?

The two most recent UK saleroom results we track are £45 and £80, which gives a working price guide but reflects a small sample — condition and completeness drive where any individual camera lands.

Are the military-marked Contax II variants more valuable?

Yes — Luftwaffe, Marine, Air Ministry and Kripo-engraved bodies are scarce and, when authenticated, sell for a clear premium over the standard chrome version.

Is the Contax II still usable?

Mechanically yes, provided the shutter and rangefinder are working, but the vertical metal shutter is the most common fault and CLA work from a Contax specialist is often needed before regular use.