SUMMARY
Carl Zeiss, having lost its original Contax camera business after WWII, sought a Japanese manufacturing partner. After a failed collaboration with Pentax, Zeiss partnered with Yashica for "Top Secret Project 130." Yashica, aiming to move upmarket, manufactured a new professional SLR system designed by Zeiss, featuring advanced electronics and Porsche Design styling. The resulting Contax RTS, launched in 1975, established a new lens mount and was followed by updated models like the RTS II and RTS III, with the latter featuring a unique vacuum film transport system. The collaboration lasted 30 years until Kyocera discontinued camera production in 2005.
TAKEAWAYS
Zeiss partnered with Yashica in the 1970s to revive the Contax camera brand after a collaboration with Pentax failed.
The Contax RTS camera system was designed by Zeiss and Yashica, with styling by Porsche Design.
The RTS featured a new lens mount, electronic shutter, and Zeiss T* coated lenses, targeting professionals.
The partnership produced several camera models, including the advanced RTS III with a vacuum film transport system.