SUMMARY
Zeiss's Contaflex cameras, known to older photographers, began as a unique 35mm twin-lens reflex (TLR) in 1935 with a focal plane shutter and interchangeable lenses, plus a built-in selenium meter. After WWII, Zeiss Ikon produced leaf-shuttered 35mm SLRs from 1953, utilizing Compur reflex shutters and Tessar lenses, with later models offering interchangeable front lens elements. The Contaflex line concluded with the 1967 Contaflex 126, which used Kodak 126 cartridges and had a focal plane shutter. The high-end Zeiss Contarex, nicknamed "Bullseye" for its meter, launched in 1959 as the first 35mm SLR with direct meter coupling, costing significantly more than the contemporary Nikon F.
TAKEAWAYS
The first Zeiss Contaflex (1935) was a 35mm TLR with a focal plane shutter and built-in selenium meter.
Post-war Contaflex SLRs (from 1953) featured leaf shutters and Tessar lenses, with some offering convertible lens designs.
The Zeiss Contarex "Bullseye" (1959) was a premium SLR with integrated metering, exceeding the price of the Nikon F.
The Contaflex line ended with the 1967 Contaflex 126, which used Kodak 126 cartridges.