Tessar 50mm f3.5 Serial number: 2,240,000 range, manufactured in 1938. Produced by Carl Zeiss Jena before World War II, during the era of the Contax II and III. Features a collapsible chrome barrel, uncoated optics, and the Contax bayonet (inner claw) mount. Optical construction consists of 4 elements in 3 groups.
This is one of Zeiss’s most iconic standard lenses. Lightweight, compact, and with sufficient brightness, it delivers stable image quality even at maximum aperture.
Paired with a well-functioning Contax II, it becomes a lifelong companion for any photography enthusiast.
There are some light scuffs on the collapsed section, but overall, the chrome plating retains a beautiful shine, and the lens has a clean, attractive appearance. No dents or major damage are visible.
It underwent a full overhaul in January 2025. The aperture mechanism operates very smoothly, and the collapsing action has a pleasant torque feel.
There is slight yellowing on the front element, but no haze or noticeable cleaning marks are present. Both the exterior and the glass are in excellent condition, making this a fine example of a pre-war Tessar.
