Zeiss Ikon Contax III
The Zeiss Ikon Contax III (544/24) is a 35mm rangefinder camera produced in Germany before the Second World War, positioned as the top-tier model in the pre-war Contax line with a built-in selenium meter mounted above the viewfinder. It used the Contax bayonet mount and competed directly with Leica's screw-mount rangefinders in the professional market.
At UK auction in recent years, hammer prices for the Contax III (544/24) have ranged from about £30 to £160, with a median near £85 — wholesale saleroom results that exclude buyer's premium. As of 2026, what a Contax III is worth today depends heavily on cosmetic condition, shutter function and whether the selenium meter still responds; non-working meters and hazy finders push examples toward the lower end of that range, while clean, functional bodies sell for more.
Variants
Select a variant to filter the sales history below.
| Variant | Years | Edition | Sales | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| German Navy (Kriegsmarine) | — | — | 0 | — |
| Jena Contax | — | — | 0 | — |
| outfit case | — | — | 1 | £1,346 – £1,346 |
Sales History
Prices shown are realised prices — auction results and completed eBay sales, never asking prices. Most saleroom figures are hammer prices, before commission; some houses publish a premium-inclusive figure, and we do not adjust for condition. Dealer and retail asking prices are typically higher. How this figure is calculated.
Rows marked offer accepted did sell, on the date shown, but eBay does not publish the amount that was accepted. The figure we show is what the seller was asking, so the true sale price was lower — treat it as an upper bound. These rows are excluded from every price range, average and valuation on this site.
Prices updated: August 2026
| Date | Price | Value GBP | Source | Variant | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aug 2026 | £141 | £141 | 🇬🇧 eBay | — | |
Title: ZEISS IKON CONTAX III RANGEFINDER CAMERA BODY ONLY EX!
Description:
Competitive only with Leica IIIB. Clean outer, no overt signs of use, no dents/no scratchers, little if no corner/edge rubbing etc.Inner shows more signs of use. Excellent user/collector condition. Location: Leicester, United Kingdom |
|||||
|
Loading...
|
|||||
| Jul 2026 | EUR 249 | £213 | 🇪🇺 eBay | — | |
Title: Contax III Rangefinder with Zeiss Opton Sonnar 2/50 T
Description:
Mit Rechnung! gut erhalten, mit Gebrauchsspuren. Verschluß läuft sauber bei allen Zeiten. Location: München, Germany |
|||||
|
Loading...
|
|||||
| Jul 2026 | £150 | £120 | 🇬🇧 Flints Auctions | — | |
|
Auction: Cameras & Scientific Instruments (Lot 47) Title: A Contax III 35mm Rangefinder Camera
Description:
silver, serial number R34842, shutter works, RF patch visible, with a Zeiss-Opton Sonnar f/2 50mm lens, serial number 586513, barrel VG, optics G |
|||||
|
Loading...
|
|||||
| Jun 2026 | £74 | £74 | 🇬🇧 eBay | — | |
Title: Contax III Zeiss Ikon camera 135mm Sonnar Opton lens f4 ref:3299
Description:
Sonnar red 'T' lens. Focus okay. Location: SWANSEA, United Kingdom |
|||||
|
Loading...
|
|||||
| Jun 2026 | asked US $247.45 — sold for less offer accepted | — | 🇺🇸 eBay listing | Jena Contax | |
| May 2026 | £20 | £20 | 🇬🇧 Special Auction Services | — | |
|
Auction: Photographica & Cameras Auction (Lot 193) Title: A Zeiss Ikon Contax III Rangefinder Camera
Description:
A Zeiss Ikon Contax III Rangefinder Camera, serial no E 38805, shutter not working, light cell responsive, rangefinder working, body F-G, chrome wear |
|||||
|
Loading...
|
|||||
| Mar 2026 | £60 | £60 | 🇬🇧 Special Auction Services | — | |
|
Auction: Photographica & Cameras Auction (Lot 384) Title: A Zeiss Ikon Contax III Rangefinder Camera
Description:
A Zeiss Ikon Contax III Rangefinder Camera, serial no E 7167, shutter sluggish, light cell unresponsive, self timer working, rangefinder working, |
|||||
|
Loading...
|
|||||
| Jan 2025 | £119 | £95 | 🇬🇧 Flints Auctions | — | |
|
Auction: Cameras & Scientific Instruments (Lot 71) Title: A Zeiss Ikon Contax III Rangefinder Camera
Description:
silver, serial number M37561, rangefinder patch works, shutter works but is not accurate, light meter not responding, has a Zeiss-Opton Sonnar f/1.5 |
|||||
|
Loading...
|
|||||
| Oct 2024 | £30 | £30 | 🇬🇧 Harper Field Auctions | — | |
|
Auction: Buying & Selling (Lot 1427) Title: Zeiss Ikon Contax III 35mm rangefinder camera fitted with Carl Zeiss Jena Sonnar 1:2 f=5cm T lens,
Description:
Zeiss Ikon Contax III 35mm rangefinder camera fitted with Carl Zeiss Jena Sonnar 1:2 f=5cm T lens, |
|||||
|
Loading...
|
|||||
| Oct 2024 | £250 | £250 | 🇬🇧 Special Auction Services | — | |
|
Auction: Fine Photographica & Cameras Auction (Lot 147) Title: A Zeiss Ikon Contax III Kiregsmarine Rangefinder Camera
Description:
A Zeiss Ikon Contax III Kiregsmarine Rangefinder Camera, no serial number visible, shutter not working, light cell responsive, rangefinder working, |
|||||
|
Loading...
|
|||||
| Aug 2024 | £30 | £30 | 🇬🇧 Special Auction Services | — | |
|
Auction: TWO DAY: Photographica & Cameras Auction (Lot 460) Title: A Zeiss Ikon Contax III Camera and Soviet Lenses
Description:
A Zeiss Ikon Contax III Camera and Soviet Lenses, shutter not working, light cell unresponsive, body F-G, with Jupiter-8M 50mm f/2,, two FED 52mm f/2. |
|||||
|
Loading...
|
|||||
| Jun 2024 | £100 | £100 | 🇬🇧 Special Auction Services | — | |
|
Auction: Photographica & Cameras Auction (Lot 155) Title: A Zeiss Ikon Contax III Rangefinder Camera
Description:
A Zeiss Ikon Contax III Rangefinder Camera, shutter working, slow to close in bulb, light cell unresponsive, rangefinder working, self timer working, |
|||||
|
Loading...
|
|||||
| Jun 2024 | £44 | £35 | 🇬🇧 Flints Auctions | — | |
|
Auction: Cameras & Scientific Auction (Lot 111) Title: A Contax III Rangefinder Camera
Description:
silver, serial number E7294, body F, shutter works but curtains are slow, light meter not responding, with a Zeiss Opton f/4 135mm lens, barrel G, |
|||||
|
Loading...
|
|||||
| Jun 2024 | £119 | £95 | 🇬🇧 Flints Auctions | — | |
|
Auction: Cameras & Scientific Auction (Lot 116) Title: A Zeiss Ikon Contax III 35mm Rangefinder Camera
Description:
chrome, circa 1937, serial no.E.39969, with a Carl Zeiss Jena Sonnar f/1.5 5cm (50mm) lens, serial no.2037111, shutter working, rangefinder working, |
|||||
|
Loading...
|
|||||
| Aug 2023 | £70 | £70 | 🇬🇧 Special Auction Services | — | |
|
Auction: Photographica & Cameras Auction (Lot 164) Title: A Zeiss Ikon Contax III Rangefinder Camera
Description:
A Zeiss Ikon Contax III Rangefinder Camera, shutter working, sluggish to return in bulb. meter responsive, self time not firing shutter, body G, some |
|||||
|
Loading...
|
|||||
| Aug 2023 | £50 | £50 | 🇬🇧 Special Auction Services | — | |
|
Auction: Photographica & Cameras Auction (Lot 163) Title: A Zeiss Ikon Contax III Rangefinder Camera
Description:
A Zeiss Ikon Contax III Rangefinder Camera, shutter not working/sticking, meter responsive, rangefinder functions, body G, retro fit sync socket |
|||||
|
Loading...
|
|||||
| Jan 2023 | £125 | £100 | 🇬🇧 Flints Auctions | — | |
|
Auction: The Collectors Sale (Lot 114) Title: A Zeiss Ikon Contax III 35mm Rangefinder Camera
Description:
1936-42, chrome, serial no. G8455, with a Carl Zeiss Jena f/2 5cm collapsible lens, 1938, serial no. 2520855, shutter working, body G, lens G, slight |
|||||
|
Loading...
|
|||||
| Nov 2021 | EUR 8,000 | £6,783 | 🇦🇹 Leitz Auction | — | |
|
Auction: Leitz Auction 39 (Lot AI_39_39833) Title: Contax III Jena prototype
Description:
An extremely rare VEB Carl Zeiss Jena variant of the Contax III. Only a few of these cameras have been made and this is the first time in over 20 years we have a pleasure to offer one in our auction. The camera is in beautiful, near-mint condition, shows all original features (like the heavy camera back), it is engraved with the same serial number 18246 on the flash shoe, on the chassis and on the camera back. Comes with a matching 1948 T Sonnar 2/5cm no.3094506, uncommon lens cap and original Jena post-war eveready case. It is an important historical camera and one of the rarest Zeiss collector's items. Estimate: EUR 12,000 - EUR 14,000 |
|||||
|
Loading...
|
|||||
| Apr 2019 | £156 | £130 | 🇬🇧 Flints Auctions | — | |
|
Auction: Fine Photographica & Instruments of Science & Medicine (Lot 285) Title: A Zeiss Ikon Contax III Rangefinder Camera
Description:
1936-42, chrome, serial no. G12176, with Carl Zeiss Jena Sonnar f/1.5 50mm lens, chrome, serial no. 2136014, body, G, shutter sticking, lens, G-VG, |
|||||
|
Loading...
|
|||||
| Mar 2018 | EUR 1,000 | £883 | 🇦🇹 Leitz Auction | — | |
|
Auction: Leitz Auction 32 (Lot AI_32_35925) Title: Contax III 'Kriegsmarine'
Description:
military Contax III, engraved on top plate with 'Kriegsmarine-Eigentum MF1350' (partially defaced), with matching Sonnar 2/5cm no.2683426 engraved 'MF1350', cap and universal finder 436/70 no.11551, in good condition Estimate: EUR 2,000 - EUR 2,400 |
|||||
|
Loading...
|
|||||
| Jun 2017 | EUR 300 | £263 | 🇦🇹 Leitz Auction | — | |
|
Auction: Leitz Auction 31 (Lot AI_31_35115) Title: Zeiss Ikon Contax III
Description:
very early camera with all original features like DIN scale 6-24 etc., with Sonnar 2/5cm no.1731765, in fine original condition, as most of the cameras in the number range 50001-51000 were Contax II cameras, this is one of the first Contax III produced Estimate: EUR 600 - EUR 700 |
|||||
|
Loading...
|
|||||
| Jul 2016 | £60 | £60 | 🇬🇧 Special Auction Services (archive) | — | |
|
Auction: Fine Photographica Including The Mike Simkin Magic Lantern Collection Thursday 7th July 2016 at 10:00 (Lot 545) Title: A Zeiss Ikon Contax III Rangefinder Camera
Description:
A Zeiss Ikon Contax III Rangefinder Camera, chrome, serial no. M30756, with Carl Zeiss Jena Sonnar f/2 50mm lens, chrome, serial no. 2396370, body, G-VG, shutter working, lens, G, some internal haze and cleaning marks Estimate: £70 - £100 |
|||||
|
Loading...
|
|||||
| Nov 2012 | EUR 1,800 | £1,447 | 🇦🇹 Leitz Auction | — | |
|
Auction: Leitz Auction 22 (Lot AI_22_14540) Title: Contax III outfit
Description:
a very fine wartime outfit in good working order with Contax III, Sonnar 1.5/5cm T no.2554044 (cap), Biogon 2.8/3.5cm T no.2673494 (caps), Sonnar 2/8.5cm no.2681495 (caps), universal finder 436/70 no.12568, chrome 5 + 8.5cm Albada finder 433/25, rare black 5cm finder 433/34, 8.5 + 13.5cm finder 544/7, 2 hoods, 3 filters, 2 spools, all in original Zeiss Ikon outfit case 1787/3, also included the everready case, plate back 543/13 with 5 plates, instructions and screen with maker's box, Contameter 1343 complete in case Estimate: EUR 1,400 - EUR 1,600 |
|||||
|
Loading...
|
|||||
| Jun 2008 | EUR 1,700 | £1,346 | 🇦🇹 Leitz Auction | outfit case | |
|
Auction: Leitz Auction 13 (Lot AI_13_16624) Title: Contax III outfit
Description:
nice body with Sonnar 2/5cm no.1986528 (cap), Sonnar 1.5/5cm no.2186173 (cap), Tessar 8/2.8cm no.2078080 (caps), 2.8cm finder 432/3, Sonnar 4/13.5cm no.2679706 (caps), universal finder 436/7 no.8150 (2.8cm-13.5cm), collapsible hood, Contameter 1340 no.W.80824 with 3 Proxar lenses, 2 film spools, cable release, all in very good condition in matching original Zeiss Ikon outfit case Estimate: EUR 1,200 - EUR 1,400 |
|||||
|
Loading...
|
|||||
| May 2007 | EUR 850 | £579 | 🇦🇹 Leitz Auction | — | |
|
Auction: Leitz Auction 11 (Lot AI_11_15901) Title: Contax III MF 'German Navy'
Description:
100% authentic military Contax III engraved 'MF 1463' (Kriegsmarine) with matching Sonnar 2/5cm no.2683966 engraved 'MF 1463', in very good original condition Estimate: EUR 1,200 - EUR 1,400 |
|||||
|
Loading...
|
|||||
| May 2004 | EUR 115 | £77 | 🇦🇹 Leitz Auction | — | |
|
Auction: Leitz Auction 5 (Lot AI_5_23874) Title: Contax III
Description:
unnumbered Contax III with Tessar 2.8/5cm T no.2240043, shutter works, case Estimate: EUR 4 - EUR 5 |
|||||
|
Loading...
|
|||||
| May 2003 | £117 | £100 | 🇬🇧 Christie's | — | |
|
Auction: MAGIC LANTERNS AND OPTICAL TOYS AND CAMERAS (Lot 204) Title: Contax III no. M37901
Description:
Contax III no. M37901 Estimate: £150 - £200 |
|||||
|
Loading...
|
|||||
| Mar 2001 | £411 | £350 | 🇬🇧 Christie's | — | |
|
Auction: CAMERAS AND PHOTOGRAPHIC EQUIPMENT (Lot 150) Title: Contax III no. M.35887
Description:
Contax III no. M.35887 Estimate: £150 - £200 |
|||||
|
Loading...
|
|||||
| Aug 2000 | £188 | £160 | 🇬🇧 Christie's | — | |
|
Auction: Cameras and Photographic Equipment (Lot 240) Title: Contax III no. G14078
Description:
Contax III no. G14078 Estimate: £150 - £200 |
|||||
|
Loading...
|
|||||
| May 2000 | £528 | £449 | 🇬🇧 Christie's | — | |
|
Auction: Magic Lanterns, Optical Toys and Cameras (Lot 275) Title: Contax III no. M37233
Description:
Contax III no. M37233 Estimate: £500 - £800 |
|||||
|
Loading...
|
|||||
| Jun 1999 | £69 | £60 | 🇬🇧 Christie's | — | |
|
Auction: Leica Cameras (Lot 68) Title: Contax III no. F.74737
Description:
Contax III no. F.74737 Estimate: £25 - £100 |
|||||
|
Loading...
|
|||||
| Feb 1999 | £287 | £250 | 🇬🇧 Christie's | — | |
|
Auction: Cameras and Optical Toys (Lot 288) Title: Contax III no. L82370
Description:
Contax III no. L82370 Estimate: £100 - £200 |
|||||
|
Loading...
|
|||||
| Sep 1998 | £51 | £44 | 🇬🇧 Christie's | — | |
|
Auction: COLLECTABLE CAMERAS FROM CLASSIC COLLECTION (Lot 178) Title: Contax III no. B61730
Description:
Contax III no. B61730 Estimate: £20 - £200 |
|||||
|
Loading...
|
|||||
| Jul 1998 | £109 | £95 | 🇬🇧 Christie's | — | |
|
Auction: CAMERAS AND OPTICAL TOYS (Lot 264) Title: Contax III no. F77210
Description:
Contax III no. F77210 Estimate: £20 - £500 |
|||||
|
Loading...
|
|||||
| Jun 1998 | £46 | £40 | 🇬🇧 Christie's | — | |
|
Auction: LEICA AND 35MM CAMERAS (Lot 65) Title: Contax III no. B58819
Description:
Contax III no. B58819 Estimate: £20 - £200 |
|||||
|
Loading...
|
|||||
| Mar 1998 | £552 | £480 | 🇬🇧 Christie's | — | |
|
Auction: CAMERAS & OPTICAL TOYS (Lot 261) Title: Contax III no. F75165
Description:
Contax III no. F75165 Estimate: £250 - £300 |
|||||
|
Loading...
|
|||||
Frequently asked questions
What is a Zeiss Ikon Contax III (544/24) worth today?
Recent UK auction hammer prices have fallen between roughly £30 and £160, with most examples selling in the £50–£125 band depending on shutter and meter condition.
How much does a Contax III sell for at UK auction?
The median hammer price across recent saleroom results is around £85, though fully working examples with a responsive selenium meter achieve the higher end of the range.
Why does the price vary so widely?
Value is driven mainly by shutter accuracy, rangefinder clarity and whether the selenium meter still reads correctly; cosmetically tidy but mechanically tired bodies sell for far less than fully functional ones.