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Kamerastore Digital Database

Carl Zeiss 21mm f4.5 Biogon - Lens

Carl Zeiss 21mm f4.5 Biogon - Lens

Manual focus ultra wide-angle prime lens made for the Contarex system SLR by Carl Zeiss. Uniquely for Contarex lenses, the aperture control is in the lens. Due to the symmetric design, can only be used with the mirror locked up. Comes with an accommodating external accessory shoe-mounted viewfinder. Fully metal body in silver grey finish.

  • Carl Zeiss 21mm f4.5 Biogon (8 elements, 5 groups)
  • Minimum focus distance: 0.6m
  • Aperture blades: 8
  • Size: 59 x 51mm
  • Weight: 275g
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Contarex

The Contarex was Zeiss Ikon’s last-ditch effort to capture the SLR market. After their Contax rangefinders were overtaken by the Leica M cameras, Zeiss Ikon switched their attention to SLRs. The result was the Contaxrex I, known affectionally as the “Bullseye” or “Cyclops” due to its large metering sensor directly above the lens.

Released in 1960, the Contarex was largely a commercial failure. It was bulky and difficult to use compared to the Nikon F that came out one year before it. Its price ($499 with the 50mm lens, the equivalent of ~ 4700 Euros in 2023) certainly didn’t do much to help its cause, either.
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Carl Zeiss 21mm f4.5 Biogon - Lens Availability & Price History
Date Sold SKU Quality Control Price Image
Available T42406 €129,00 Carl Zeiss 21mm f4.5 Biogon
Available T44013 €599,00 Carl Zeiss 21mm f4.5 Biogon
13 Aug 2023 T18393 € 559,99 Carl Zeiss 21mm f4.5 Biogon - Lens Image