Last Updated on 10/30/2020 by Chris Gampat
Looking for a rare, vintage camera for your wide-angle needs? Our latest find, a complete Zeiss Ikon Hologon set, could just be for you, if your pockets are deep enough for it.
There are still many lens options available today if you want to go wide with your vintage cameras. But if it’s something rare and unique that you’d rather have and use, our latest vintage find fits the bill rather nicely. Say hello to the Zeiss Ikon Hologon, one of the most interesting among the many Zeiss Ikon models and certainly one of the most expensive point and shoot cameras in history.
First, a little something about the camera. The Zeiss Ikon Hologon listed by eBay seller manfredschmidt.com is in good condition with only very minor user marks on the body. The lens and viewfinder have no cleaning marks, haze, or fungus. The shutter reportedly also works fine at all speeds, but the seller noted that he’s sure the timings are a little off. It also comes in a complete set with the handgrip, cable release, lens cover, a Verlauf filter and its cover, and instruction books included. The original hard leather case, however, needs new interior foam padding. All of these can be yours for a whopping $5,600.
What could be noteworthy or unique about this camera that warrants such a hefty price tag? According to Mike Elek of Classic Cameras and Wikipedia, this camera, also known as the Zeiss Ikon Contarex Hologon, came out in 1969 — towards the end of the Zeiss Ikon company. It provided a 110-degree angle of view with its 15mm f8 fixed aperture triplet lens. It has a cloth focal plane shutter with speeds of 1/500 sec, B, and T instead of the usual Contarex range that runs to 1/1000 sec. So, to correct the exposure, you’ll have to adjust the shutter speed.
The ultrawide Hologon lens has a depth of field that ranges from 0.5 m (20 in) to infinity, so essentially, there’s no need to focus. It was typically used with a pistol hand grip so the photographer doesn’t inadvertently take photos of his fingers. There’s also a bubble level that attaches to the top of the non-reflex viewfinder, a very useful feature when mounting the camera on a tripod.
Zeiss Ikon only made approximately 1,400 units of the Contarex Hologon. Some of the lenses were later adapted to the Leica mount as the M Hologon 15mm f8. This made it one of the few Carl Zeiss lenses for Leica M until new lenses were made in 2005.
Ready to part with your $5,600 and make this a part of your collection of rare vintage cameras? Head to the eBay listing to make your inquiries and buy it now.
Photo from the ebay listing by manfredschmidt.com