Contax is a legendary brand of high-quality 35mm, medium format, and digital cameras and lenses, celebrated for premium Carl Zeiss optics and advanced designs.
Contax is a historically significant and highly revered camera brand that originated in 1932 as part of the German Zeiss Ikon line. Famous for its precision engineering and high-quality interchangeable lenses, Contax later evolved into a prominent brand name in its own right. In the later 20th century, the brand flourished under a collaborative partnership between Carl Zeiss of Germany and Yashica (later acquired by Kyocera) of Japan. This collaboration produced highly sought-after 35mm SLR, advanced point-and-shoot, and medium format cameras.
Throughout its lifetime, the Contax brand pioneered many advancements in photography, producing iconic models like the Contax RTS, the luxury premium compact Contax T2 and T3, and the professional-grade Contax 645 medium format system. These cameras featured exceptional Carl Zeiss T* multi-coated lenses, earning them a flawless reputation among professional photographers and enthusiasts alike.
In 2005, Kyocera announced it would cease production of Contax cameras, rendering the brand officially dormant. Despite no longer being manufactured, vintage Contax cameras and lenses retain a massive cult following. Because official support is no longer readily available, archived user manuals and instructional guides serve as vital resources for collectors and photographers aiming to operate, maintain, and repair these timeless photographic tools.
Latest manuals from manuals+ curated for this brand.
Common questions about manuals, registration, and support for this brand.
Contax was originally developed as a camera model by the German company Zeiss Ikon in 1932. Later variations of the beloved cameras were engineered and manufactured by the Japanese multinational Kyocera in partnership with Carl Zeiss.
No, Kyocera officially ceased production of all Contax cameras in 2005. The brand is currently dormant, though rights remain with Carl Zeiss AG.
Because official brand support has ended, we provide archived and digitized user manuals for many classic models like the Contax RTS, T2, T3, and Contax 645 on our platform.
Most late-model Contax manual focus SLR cameras use the C/Y (Contax/Yashica) bayonet mount, which was jointly developed by Carl Zeiss and Yashica in the 1970s.