Contarex 250mm f4 Olympia Sonnar, Case 3878118 - 1094512
This Contarex 250mm f4 Olympia Sonnar Lens, #3878118, is in great condition with minor handling wear. I rate it cosmetically a (9). The focus wheel is smooth, the aperture functions properly, and the glass has no haze or fungus. There are some faint cleaning marks and specks of dust inside, but they do not affect image quality. This lens includes a leather Contax lens case, lens hood, a lens handle, and front & rear caps. Please refer to the photos for details.
What Our Experts Think
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Olympic Legacy – Developed for the 1936 Olympic Games, this lens set new standards for telephoto performance.
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Superb Zeiss Optics – The Sonnar design delivers exceptional sharpness, contrast, and color rendering, even at longer distances.
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f/4 Aperture – Balances light-gathering ability and depth of field, making it great for sports, wildlife, and portrait photography.
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Precision Manual Focus – Offers smooth, accurate focusing for fine-tuned subject isolation and creative control.
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Solid All-Metal Construction – Built to last a lifetime, with Zeiss’s renowned durability and craftsmanship.
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Includes Case – The original case adds to its collectible value and helps preserve the lens in excellent condition.
Q&A
Q: What is the Contarex 250mm f/4 Olympia Sonnar?
A: The Contarex 250mm f/4 Olympia Sonnar is a legendary telephoto lens designed by Carl Zeiss for the Contarex system. Originally developed for the 1936 Berlin Olympics, this lens is known for its outstanding optical quality, excellent sharpness, and beautiful bokeh, making it a prized collector’s item and a powerful tool for telephoto photography.
Q: What makes this lens special?
A: This lens features Zeiss’s renowned Sonnar design, delivering superb contrast and minimal chromatic aberration. Its historical significance and precision engineering make it a standout piece for both collectors and photographers.
Q: Is this lens compatible with modern cameras?
A: While designed for Contarex film cameras, it can be adapted for modern mirrorless and DSLR systems using the appropriate mount adapter, though functionality may be limited.
Q: Does this listing include a case?
A: Yes! The listing mentions "Case 3878118," indicating that the lens comes with a protective case, which adds to its value and collectibility.
Q: What condition is the lens in?
A: The serial number suggests a specific production batch, but factors such as optical clarity, mechanical smoothness, and cosmetic wear would need to be assessed individually.
Maintenance Tips
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Gentle Cleaning: Use a blower or soft brush to remove dust. Clean the glass with a microfiber cloth and lens-safe cleaning solution, using light pressure to protect coatings.
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Protect the Coatings: Avoid excessive cleaning or harsh chemicals that could degrade the lens coatings. Always keep the front and rear lens caps on when not in use.
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Smooth Focus & Aperture Operation: Turn the focus and aperture rings periodically to prevent stiffness from prolonged inactivity.
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Prevent Fungus & Moisture Damage: Store in a dry, cool environment with silica gel packs to avoid fungus buildup on the glass and internal elements.
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Case & Mount Protection: Store in its original case to prevent scratches and dust accumulation. Ensure the mount is clean before attaching it to a camera body to avoid wear.
