Zeiss Ikon Tenax II
The Zeiss Ikon Tenax II is a 35mm viewfinder camera introduced in the late 1930s, taking square 24×24mm frames on standard 35mm film. It was positioned as a high-specification compact using a rapid-wind lever for quick sequential shooting, and was offered with Zeiss-branded lenses.
At recent UK auction, hammer prices for the Tenax II have spanned roughly £240–£490, with a median around £280 as of today. Condition and originality drive value sharply at saleroom level: clean, working examples and documented variants such as the German Navy version or complete outfits sell for more, while worn bodies fetch notably less.
Variants
Select a variant to filter the sales history below.
| Variant | Years | Edition | Sales | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| German Navy | — | — | 0 | — |
| outfit | — | — | 0 | — |
| prototype | — | — | 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: November 2024
| Date | Price | Source | Variant | |
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| Nov 2024 | EUR 450 | Leitz Auction | — | |
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Auction: Leitz Auction 45 (Lot A01282) Title: Zeiss Ikon Tenax II
Description:
Body in almost mint condition and working order, with Sonnar 2/4cm no.2142186 only showing some cleaning marks. Estimate: EUR 600 - EUR 700 |
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| Sep 2024 | £238 | Flints Auctions | — | |
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Auction: Cameras & Scientific Auction (Lot 49) Title: A Zeiss Ikon Tenax II 35mm Rangefinder Camera
Description:
chrome, serial number E3902, body F-G, filter ring pushed in near the bottom, shutter works down to ½ second, but 1 second and bulb are too fast, |
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| Jul 2024 | £238 | Flints Auctions | — | |
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Auction: Cameras & Scientific Auction (Lot 89) Title: A Zeiss Ikon Tenax II 35mm Rangefinder Camera
Description:
chrome, serial no. 90726, body G, rangefinder patch visible, shutter working, with Zeiss Jena Sonnar f/2 4cm lens, optics G, light dust. |
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| Nov 2016 | EUR 400 | Leitz Auction | — | |
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Auction: Leitz Auction 29 (Lot AI_29_33721) Title: Zeiss Ikon Tenax II
Description:
35mm rangefinder camera with fast Sonnar 2/4cm no.2356294, with 433/17 finder (cond. C) Estimate: EUR 400 - EUR 500 |
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| Jun 2015 | EUR 650 | Leitz Auction | — | |
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Auction: Leitz Auction 27 (Lot AI_27_31660) Title: Zeiss Ikon Tenax Military
Description:
very rare Tenax modified for the German Navy with removable winding lever and sync on top plate, engraved 'MF728' on camera and lens, shutter not operable, with Sonnar 2/4cm no.2356545 and leather everready case stamped on back 'MF728' Estimate: EUR 800 - EUR 1,000 |
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| Dec 2010 | EUR 1,400 | Leitz Auction | — | |
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Auction: Leitz Auction 18 (Lot AI_18_11809) Title: Zeiss Ikon Tenax II Ausrüstung
Description:
body in very fine condition and working condition with Sonnar 2/4cm no.1845465 (cap), Sonnar 4/7.5cm no.2359129 (cap), 580/7 finder mask with eyepiece, 433/17 Albada finder in maker's box, two filter, cable release, outfit case Estimate: EUR 2,000 - EUR 2,400 |
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| May 2009 | EUR 460 | Leitz Auction | — | |
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Auction: Leitz Auction 15 (Lot AI_15_18637) Title: Zeiss Ikon Tenax II Prototype
Description:
second generation prototype of the Tenax II with a quick film advance which is well before its time, back door with serial number J.88464, working shutter Estimate: EUR 200 - EUR 250 |
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| Nov 2008 | EUR 850 | Leitz Auction | — | |
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Auction: Leitz Auction 14 (Lot AI_14_17654) Title: Zeiss Ikon Tenax II 'German Navy'
Description:
100% original military outfit for German Navy in good working order, body engraved M206 on top, M201 engraved on lever, Sonnar 2/4cm no.2357683 engraved M201 on rear Estimate: EUR 1,000 - EUR 1,200 |
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| Jun 2008 | EUR 460 | Leitz Auction | — | |
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Auction: Leitz Auction 13 (Lot AI_13_16701) Title: Zeiss Ikon Tenax II
Description:
camera in beautiful and perfect working condition with Sonnar 2/4cm no.2141219, cap Estimate: EUR 500 - EUR 600 |
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| May 2004 | EUR 229 | Leitz Auction | — | |
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Auction: Leitz Auction 5 (Lot AI_5_23379) Title: Zeiss Ikon Tenax II
Description:
in perfect working condition, synchronised, Sonnar 2/4cm no.2142991 Estimate: EUR 1,939 - EUR 75,185 |
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| Nov 2003 | EUR 224 | Leitz Auction | — | |
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Auction: Leitz Auction 4 (Lot AI_4_22638) Title: Zeiss Ikon Tenax II
Description:
Sonnar 2/4 cm. Nr. 1845x9x "feet" ! Estimate: EUR 1,938 - EUR 3,493 |
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| Nov 2003 | EUR 370 | Leitz Auction | — | |
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Auction: Leitz Auction 4 (Lot AI_4_22637) Title: Zeiss Ikon Tenax II
Description:
Tessar 2,8/4 cm. Nr. 2143953 Estimate: EUR 1,937 - EUR 76,061 |
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| May 2003 | EUR 417 | Leitz Auction | — | |
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Auction: Leitz Auction 2-3 (Lot AI_2_22329) Title: Zeiss Ikon Tenax II
Description:
Tenax II with Sonnar 2/4cm no.2141871 in good working order Estimate: EUR 1,937 - EUR 4,432 |
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| May 2003 | EUR 573 | Leitz Auction | — | |
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Auction: Leitz Auction 2-3 (Lot AI_2_22327) Title: Zeiss Ikon Tenax II + 4/7.5cm Sonnar
Description:
Tenax II with very rare Sonnar 4/7.5cm no.2359181 (near mint, clean lenses) Estimate: EUR 1,937 - EUR 74,669 |
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| May 2003 | EUR 490 | Leitz Auction | — | |
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Auction: Leitz Auction 2-3 (Lot AI_2_22328) Title: Zeiss Ikon Tenax II
Description:
clean Tenax II with Sonnar 2/4cm in perfect working order Estimate: EUR 1,937 - EUR 75,094 |
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| May 2003 | £129 | Christie's | — | |
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Auction: MAGIC LANTERNS AND OPTICAL TOYS AND CAMERAS (Lot 214) Title: Tenax II no. E3887
Description:
Tenax II no. E3887 Estimate: £150 - £200 |
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| Aug 2000 | £352 | Christie's | — | |
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Auction: Cameras and Photographic Equipment (Lot 252) Title: Tenax II no. H.76169
Description:
Tenax II no. H.76169 Estimate: £200 - £300 |
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| May 2000 | £282 | Christie's | — | |
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Auction: Magic Lanterns, Optical Toys and Cameras (Lot 287) Title: Tenax II 580/27 no. J.89608
Description:
Tenax II 580/27 no. J.89608 Estimate: £100 - £150 |
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| May 1998 | £218 | Christie's | — | |
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Auction: CAMERAS AND OPTICAL TOYS (Lot 270) Title: Tenax II 580/27 no. E3099
Description:
Tenax II 580/27 no. E3099 Estimate: £100 - £150 |
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Frequently asked questions
What is a Zeiss Ikon Tenax II worth today?
At UK auction, a Tenax II typically sells for between about £240 and £490 hammer, with a median around £280 based on recent and historical results.
How much does a Zeiss Ikon Tenax II sell for in good condition?
Clean, fully working examples tend to sit in the upper part of the £240–£490 range, and desirable variants such as the German Navy model or complete outfits can push the price higher.
Is the Tenax II a good collector's camera?
Its 24×24mm square format, rapid-wind design and Zeiss Ikon provenance give it steady collector interest, though value is very condition-sensitive and originality of variants materially affects price.