History of Zeiss factories related to Kiev camera production in German for translation.
Original texts by Bernd K. Otto under the title "Chronologie einer legendären Kamera. Von der Carl Zeiss Jena-Contax zur Kiev".
Original files in German attached on the right.
Translated:
CHRONOLOGY OF A LEGENDARY CAMERA
By Carl Zeiss Jena Contax to Kiev
The camera models Contax I / II / III of the Dresden production and the Contax IIa / IIIa from Stuttgart must have gone any Photographica collectors to the concept. Even the name of Sister Contax S, the archetype of the SLR development, some reports have been written in recent years. But the development of the Contax II / III at Carl Zeiss Jena grown up more or less rumors or guesses. That the post-war production of the Contax and the million-built sister model, Kiev began in Jena, one needs closer examination. Together with the long-term Contax expert Kurt Jüttner, Offenbach, I could many archival documents provided by him are available from the Foundation House Carl Zeiss, Jena understand and evaluate. In order to provide the clearest possible representation of this difficult period of time in German history, I have chosen differently from previously published reports of mine the form of a timeline.
[Photo 4 cameras Text in photo]
[Carl Zeiss rarities of the first order: the brown leathered and cream colored painted Contax is in the range 27960-27984 and was a design at the Leipzig Fair In March 1950, presented to the public]
1940-1945 The Dresden Zens Ikon AG produced the last series of the Contax II / III. The cameras carry de serial codes 0 and M. The German population was able to purchase at that time only cameras with a permission slip, if any was at that time the sense of buying a new camera. The main customer was the War Department. But there was also another export for foreign exchange held abroad. Some leaflets document the sale to France, Latvia, Sweden and Switzerland. For Sweden, even on the Contax II / III coordinated brochure was printed in February 1944, which is also a record of the offer of the Sonnar 2/5 cm and 1,5 / 5 cm wide angle lens Biogon 2,8 / 3.5 cm in us T-optic supplies. The last I
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This collection Prospectus "tusen och ett Scene" (A thousand and one motif, C 825), dated April 45 and was also intended for neutral Sweden. In this, designed with outstanding image quality brochure, 16 pages including today were coveted cameras like eg the Tengoflex, Nettar 516, Tenax l (second version) mapped and described.
12.04.1945 One-third of the Jena Zeiss-work is destroyed. The production is set at a current performance level of 60%.
04/13/1945 American troops move into Jena.
16.04.1945 American scientists
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[Image black Contax]
[From the black version, two copies are known to date. Surely only a few samples were also planned the normal Sonnar 2,0 / 5 cm was also painted black. In the previously emerged three to four copies only black front cap is more likely that the other black parts already missing in the assembly.]
in uniform take the Jena factory inspection and arrange the new production of air intake and bombs on target devices. Were the pre-war production level of 13 million RM will be confiscated and sent to the "Francfort arsenal" to Dayton / Ohio.
08.05.1945 end of the war and surrender of the German armed forces.
13/05/1945 An American officer shall inform the Executive Board of Carl Zeiss that are now available to package all the lenses of our own collection as well as a studio camera and deliver. 310 of 1500 positions of sample and test objectives are delivered on a nine-sided, incomplete list. It is possible for Carl Zeiss lenses especially important to identify and avoid deportation to de United States. The photo # 3 Mirror dated December 1947 from the later removal of nine tons of collection items to Fort Monmouth, New Jersey, report here the captured test pattern lenses and the optical industry in the United States should be made available. But the signal corps of the U.S. Army will draw on pieces of utility in the development of new military equipment. Perhaps a reader knows PHOTO deal further details about the whereabouts of this extensive spoils of war.
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[Photo 4 Viewfinder shoes]
[Four examples of the typical serial numbers in the viewfinder shoe. Example A still carries the Carl Zeiss logo, but only de abbreviation CZ Number 194614 states that it is the 14 Copy of the 1946er series is zero. In Example B / C 470020 and 470023 of the Contax II lacks the two Contax III, 470021 (5943) 470025 and (5907) present the first number sequences. But they also show de fact that Contax II and III were mixed in number assignment. Example D shows a Contax II with double numbering 470361 (6083). The first two digits indicate such in the later Kiev on the year of production, in this case back in 1947.]
18.06.1945 Americans read a list of 84 names of Zeiss employees, along with 41 professionals from Schott and colleagues and another 200 members of the University of Jena under the motto "We take the brain" (we assume the "brain") in the West Zone are to be brought.
06/24/1945 American troops to bring the leaders of the Zeiss laboratories, design offices, workshops and management, including the management with their families on 14 trucks to Oberkochen. Neither the 80 000 working drawings still carried the entire laboratory equipment appear later on in Oberkochen. Of the time spent in the West Zone managers Bauersfeld, Henrichs, Joos and Küppenbender the remaining employees in Jena Sandman, Schrade and Schomerus are determined to senior representatives of the work.
30.06.1945 American troops leave the city of Jena.
01.07.1945 Russian troops occupied the city and the building of Carl Zeiss in Jena values. The immediate start of lens products for purposes of reparation is ordered.
04/09/1945 The Soviet Military Administration (SMAD) made the order. to reconstruct the past with Zeiss Ikon Dresden, ongoing production of the Contax to provide working drawings and all documents required for the production to construct tools for mass production to manufacture and test. General Nikolayeff wants that first cameras will be delivered in January 1946.
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09/24/1945 In a meeting between Major and Winogradoff Zeiss employees are still free employment Zeiss works in Saalfeld and Gera for the delivery of high quality Contax II, III, IV determined, as long as a production in Dresden is not possible. Either, even if drawings are available, depending on a pattern made within two months or the drawings, it should not be designed to be reconstructed from memory. Is planned discharge of a Contax 500 per month. The devices should in any case the name "Zeiss Ikon" wear (Editor's note: In this protocol does not specifically name the Contax
[Camera]
[It is possible that this camera about the Contax VI mentioned in September 1945! Similarities to the later built in Stuttgart reduced Contax IIa can be seen.]
Received IV). Maybe it is a smaller development of the Contax meant that already had the camera measures the Stuttgart Contax later.
09/27/1945 The damaged Zeiss Ikon Dresden plant will be rebuilt with the help of Carl Zeiss soon as possible.
10/03/1945 Carl Zeiss Jena meets with Zeiss Ikon Dresden, the agreement for the purpose of reconstruction within the next nine
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Months to provide a loan in the amount of 1.5 million Reichsmarks in prospect. Carl Zeiss will pay for the reconstruction of the de creation of working drawings and provisions of the Contax. The new Contax would have to be as long as Gera and Saalfeld built up the relationships with Zeiss Ikon Dresden allow its own production. All delivered to Carl Zens Jena cameras that are not intended for Russia are to be sold by Zeiss Ikon Dresden. Carl Zeiss pays for all Contaxen delivered directly from Saalfeld and sold a license from 6-8% of the sale price of Zeiss Ikon. The Russian general Nikolayeff receives an offer.
04.10.1945 Carl Zeiss provides a schedule for the production of the Contax II / III with Zeiss Ikon. Emissions of 1 Contax II in Saalfeld is scheduled during June 1946. Then will follow a monthly production of 1,000 units. To prepare the Contax III a clarification of the delivery of the meter Zeiss Ikon Stuttgart is necessary.
17.10.1945 Major Turügin issued by a Russian commission an order for Contax camera and lens manufacturing in Russia. It should be provided eight sets of blueprints and an original drawing with two copies of the Contax III. Furthermore, the preparation of drawings for to be fixed lenses was ordered. A list of necessary equipment needed for a monthly production of 5,000 cameras will be created. Major Turügin suggests that individual specialists must be sent from the factory for some time to Russia to a place yet to be determined. General Nikolayeff does not mind that designers stay in Dresden Dresden to there on
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Contax project work. The order had until 1 March to run in 1946.
22.10.1945 beginning of the dismantling of the Zeiss factory in Jena. Initially remain on the instructions of the Russian Werkskommisssion 998 machines, which are required for production and reconstruction of the Contax Jena. The Zeiss Ikon in Stuttgart factory receives an order for 10 000 light meter, available from 1 May 1946 in monthly installments of 1,000. Zeiss Ikon Dresden to send professionals to Saalfeld, Gera and Jena. Two sample boards with Contax items will go to Dresden. Zeiss Ikon Dresden made immediately to photos of which enlargements can be made. Stamping parts for the Contax go to Dresden. Zeiss Ikon and created a parts list for the Contax. Furthermore, the die-casting molds to be built to lkoflex in Jena. Carl Zeiss Jena provides 350 men and 150 women for the production in Saalfeld and 600 employees ready for Gera The estimated production costs is estimated at 6 million Reichsmarks for the Contax and 2.3 million for the production of accessories. For the first batch of 5000 III 2000 Sonnar Contax 15/5 cm, 3000 Sonnar 2/5 cm, 500 Biogone 2/8/13, 5 cm and 600 Sonnar 4/13, 5 cm are provided.
[Technical drawing]
[This technical drawing for matt chrome cover cap from 11.09.1945 is the new beginning of the early design work for Carl Zeiss Jena Contax Carl Zeiss and Zeiss Ikon.]
Major Turügin can be informed of designer Winzenburg about the redevelopment of the Contax in Dresden. The name "Mirror Contax" falls. The camera is
have a revised new lock and have small dimensions.
11/08/1945 The Commission of commercial vehicles under the leadership of General Nikolayeff is a statement of the costs of production documents and resources
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[Camera housing]
[The picture shows the housing 11873 with the rangefinder scale of 1:1. The distance (example 4m/3m) correspond to the number and type of Jena production differ significantly from the Dresden production.]
the Russian Contax production and associated optics and accessories production amounting to RM 18,590,000 -. transmitted. There are also other costs for packaging and assembly of machinery and construction costs in Russia.
[Technical drawing]
[In January 1946, ordered that the restart in Russia should not be under "Contax" but under "Volga." This technical drawing requires the precise placement of the Cyrillic alphabet.]
17.11.1945 After comparison of the Russian and ISA fit has to decide on future Major Turügin Contax production for the ISA fits.
23.11.1945 In order to provision may still existing documents to attempt to connect to the telephone Zeiss Ikon factory in Dresden.
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11/26/1945 In a confidential meeting of General Carl Zeiss Jena Nikolayeff receives the information that Zeiss Ikon Dresden will perform in the future production of the Contax itself. A commission from Jena may check in Dresden this quickly. Is also informed that the Carl Zeiss works are confiscated under the command # 124 Marshal Schukovs. Production is expected to continue for the time being full. about a possible future disassembly, dismantling or remain part of the company's facility in Jena, time is still under discussion. A current selling products to third parties is strictly prohibited. The previously free civil production and sale of eyeglasses must be approved immediately.
29.11.1945 In an extensive discussion, the working arrangements for Contax III and the accessories are fixed taking into account its own division of Zeiss Ikon Dresden and Carl Zeiss Jena. Zeiss Ikon denied the rumors of wanting to Contax carry out the project alone.
11.12.1945, responsible for the Contax production clerk cock from Jena leads with Dr. Fabian include the Zeiss Ikon Dresden plant clarifying discussions on the future production and the urgent deadline 31.12.1945 for all construction drawings and 01.20.1946 for completion the design of stamping parts, die casting parts, drilling and milling tools and manufacturing documents for turnery.
18.12.1945 Major General Nikolayeff indicates the manufacturing date for the first series-production of the Contax in June 1946. As of March 1947, a production of 2,000 cameras per month is to be achieved.
12/23/1945 Major Turügin will announce whether the word "Contax" to be engraved in German or Russian.
28.12.1945 The necessary space and workforce planning for the Contax production is set.
31.12.1945 Official announcement of the seizure of the work by the SMATh command 156 and Repeal of the Community Board. Dr.
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Schrade is the sole managing director.
02.01.1946 The Russian plant in Commission Blueprint, the production documents for the Contax Tessar lenses 8/2, 8 cm Biogon 2,8 / 3.5 cm Sonnar 2/5 cm, 1,5 / 5 cm, 2/8.5 inch, 4/13.5 cm, 2.8 / 18 cm, 4/30 cm. Tele-Tessar 6,3 / 18 cm long lens passed 8/50 cm and Universal Viewfinder
01/03/1946 The Optical Institute Saalfeld (SAG) will soon start production of the 2000 enlargement equipment and a projector for the Contax planned Furthermore Diakopiergerät. Reproduction device and Flektoskop. The tools for the Saalfeld Contax production are not expected before May Should be made tentatively tentatively closures from April 1000. The lens manufacturing plant in Saalfeld running out due to the planned Contax production in April.
01.11.1946 The construction documents for the Contax are not given within the prescribed period of Zeiss Ikon. A new deadline of April 1946 is set. To test the tools and functionality of the parts to be tested in Saalfeld to 1000 failure pattern. Furthermore, it is decreed that the future camera will no longer have the name "Contax" but now "Volga".
22/01/1946 If all documents from Dresden arrived in Jena until 15/02/1946, a relocation of the group of designer wine Castle (Mirror Contax) and the working group preparing from Dresden to Jena has.
25.01.1946 Zeiss Ikon Dresden urges transparent drawing paper and tracing paper to dry to the deadline of 15 To keep the model in February of carpentry CZJ is a break of Contax III presented with a request for production of two wooden models for this drawing.
31.01.1946 The tools for de production of photo frames Sonnar 1:1.5 and 2/5 cm Sonnar are in progress.
02/15/1946 A Kurierwagen Carl Zeiss Jena to pick up all the documents in Dresden. It must be determined whether the
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[2 display boards}
[Two panels of the Kiev-production. Top right is visible in the camera viewfinder shoe number 194623, which originates from the zero series from the production year 1946.]
Engraving of the meter at Zeiss Ikon in DIN. Scheiner, Western or H & D is performed. Also the question of the tripod socket in 1/4 or 3/8 inch is made.
02/20/1946 All drawings for the Contax II and III are up on the meter run is due to the lack of response so far from the Contessa factory in Stuttgart. The Russian grain mission provides deadlines for the submission of operating instructions for the camera. Lenses and accessories in German and Russian language. A pattern of a magnifying device with and without auto-focus is to be presented on 03.01.1946 For Diakopiergerät, development and reproduction device can overview drawings must be submitted.
02/21/1946 All original drawings provided by engineers of the Russian Cyrillic Commission.
02/25/1946 The Contessa works in Stuttgart forward Carl Zeiss Jena recent technical status of the meter at the pre-war Contax III was also the 6x6 on the Super Ikonta use.
26.02.1946 With the start of the Contax production in Saalfeld is the earliest in
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August 1946 expected. In September to 300 samples in a pilot series cameras are available. Another 300 are in October and 500 each follow in November and December. Therefore might expect a total of 1600 Contaxen in 1946 are the original order of Major Selene over 3400 pieces may therefore not be done for 1946. For the January 1947 an additional 700, 800 February and March 600 units expected. For 1946 Material to be provided for 3000 devices.
01.03.1946 The completed test facility for Contax lenses now allows better Zentriergenauiggkeit the Sonnar 1,5 / 5 cm.
17.04.1946 In order to create the camera-pilot series of 100 units quickly to the start, is arranged to 30.05. Parts are to create by hand or semi-finished tools. For de 100 cameras material for 300 sets must be made. In nine subgroups housing, housing cover, rear panel, lens plate, pre-drive, escapement, curtain, curtain will be completely preassembled and cap in Jena and sent for further processing to Saalfeld.
04/18/1946 The instrument drawings for Contax II / III, all lenses and parts
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the accessories were handed over on time.
20/4/1946 material for Contax 100-sample housing would be available. Material for 1000 series zero-Contax III is being procured. It lacks magnetic steel and diamond stones for the exposure meter manufacturing.
30.04.1946 The envisaged production of Contax needs another 90,000 working hours. For the planned production of the mirror viewfinder Contax Working Group Winzenburg still missing 20,000 working hours. The single camera type Tenax 24x24 needs another 5,000 working hours.
07/13/1946 The net selling prices are set to Russian Buyer RM 450 for the Contax II and RM 600 for the Contax III.
17.07.1946 Four Contax II cameras are to 1 August, another 100 pieces are put together to September 1946. From 4 August to begin packing the tools for the Soviet Union. There are sample boards for the Contax lenses and 2 Sonnar 1,5 / 5 cm, 4/13, 5 cm and Biogon 2,8 / attached 3.5 cm.
25/07/1946 It is reached that the tools for the Contax II and the standard lenses must be completed and tested until 30.8 consent.
13/08/1946 Of the means of production to the Contax II / III, 52% have been created.
28.09.1946 The packaging and shipping of Contax tools will be further promoted.
01.10.1946 association of OAS (Optical Institute Saalfeld) and SAG (Saalfeld Apparatebaugesellschaft).
10/13/1946 Mr. Schwertzki of the Russian commission has been trying for a long time. three Contaxen assemble as some special tools are not available. this is achieved is difficult.
10/21/1946 De dismantling work begins the same 274 for five key employees are driving the USSR conscripted. 200 Zeissians came to Krasnogorsk. 45 brought the Russians
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[Camera]
[Image shows a Carl Zeiss Jena Contax III with serial no. 18194th She later became known as the two Contax III with serial no. 470321 and 470025 built. Two other cameras are numbered 18237 and 28012th]
by Isjum in Kiev, 29 arrived in Leningrad.
24.10.1946 Based on 20 Contax II to the tools and tool corrections are finally tested. Ten mechanic can perform the work. The Contax warehouse tools and some of the HGV-set and the bearing of SAG set are moved to the assembly room next to the office Contax to Jena.
12.11.1946 Through skillful negotiations factory disassembly is limited to 6%. From a total of 11,000 machines remain only 582 back at the factory.
17/11/1946 The 100th anniversary of Carl Zeiss is celebrated in silence.
[Photo slot shutter]
[The plane shutter of the Contax II 1:1 scale with the characteristic lamellae.]
26.11.1946 The names Contax and Volga are to be de change names Kiev. To get no delay in assembling the first and second pilot series, provided with embossed drawing Contax parts can already be used. The embossed characters are to be immediately change for the third pilot run in "Kiev". Note: Kievs the first series
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from 1947/48 wear on the inside of the front plate the Contax engraving.
11.12.1946 The ongoing dismantling impeded the progress of the development of the Contax production.
12/12/1946 To determine the quality of a program is set up for testing of a test pattern of cinema-standard apparatus "Kiev".
23.12.1946 There were five Centering drove de Volga / Contax factory delivered.
08.01.1947 The course of preparations for the manufacture of the camera "Contax" is not satisfactory from the Russian perspective. New date for installation of the first pilot series of 20 Contax II features on the 01/25/1947. The installation of a lot Contax III. should be completed by 28.02.1947.
17.01.1947 The company Erhardt Pössneck receives the order 35 bags for the Contax II and 15 produce for the Contax III.
24.01.1947 Major General Dr. Schrade Kolesnitschenko recommends the conversion of Carl Zeiss Jena Foundation of operating in a country-house. He still holds the resumption of the Contax production for a new beginning is extremely important.
31.01.1947 The Russian Commission proposes to undertake the completion of the Contax Carl Zeiss Jena in rooms. The legal consequences of the execution by the newly established Carl Zeiss jun. are to consider it. The cost of commercial vehicle set including 2 3 and Tools are fixed. The same is true for the SAG sentence with the remaining smaller machines. Incidental testing costs to be pitched on the reparations.
04.02.1947 as the date for the now current first pilot series of 25 Contax II for the purpose of testing of the first tools of commercial vehicles set is called the end of February 1947. Of the parts produced by the first set of tools to be launched by the end of March 1947 to 35 pieces a second series. Could continue to 15
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Contax III to 15 Be made in March 1947. For delivery in late April 1947, a further series of 50 zero Contaxen to complete the testing. The SAG should set to 1 50 July 1947 Contax II are fitted to ensure a trial.
02/17/1947 The complete first commercial vehicle tool kit would have until the end of March 1947 tested are available. The SAG sentence could then follow to the end of May 1947.
27.02.1947 The Contax tool production is hampered by the current cold also been dismantled since 01/08/1947 100 machines.
13/03/1947 Dr. Schrade announces that following 141 days dismantling the main work of Carl Zeiss is returned. The way to rebuild is now free. Besides the members of the Commission Contax no more Russians have permission to enter the factory.
26/03/1947 Before the Contax Zeiss works in testing runs to check whether another later Contax production in the house is feasible, the competent authorities. Since a further use of RM 300,000 to 400,000 a production of around 20,000 cameras were possible, it makes sense. The now available die casting tools should at least create a reserve of 10,000 cameras. If it does not come to a production, the parts could be remelted.
The room 15/04/1947 fields set should not be provided as tested with 200 Contaxen but by 1000 cameras so enough parts for assembly are provided.
04/16/1947 You plan the installation of the Contax III from 21 On 27 April 1947 April galvanometer 15 will be provided by using 12 to Contessa factories and 3 assembled from parts still present Zeiss. The first series of Contax III is scheduled with five pieces, and the second series with 15 pieces.
04.17.1947 The first five Contax already placed orders for delivery by 2 756 0006th At the request of the Russian factory Commission is of the order
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[Display VEB CARL ZEISS JENA]
[VEB Carl Zeiss Jena display in the East German magazine "Picture and sound'' in March 1955 as a rare document for de more public figure Carl Zeiss Jena Contax
III are increased more than 15 cameras of the second pilot run on more than 20 Contax. For the other five chambers more serial numbers must be provided.]
12/05/1947 General Kolenitzschenko expected the first complete set of tools and the currently ongoing series zero to 1.6 in 1947.
05/17/1947 All Contax means of production of commercial vehicles are set according to schedule in 1947 to 10.6 willing to accept on this set is the zero series are made.
The room 05/19/1947 fields set to remain at Carl Zeiss until the end of 1947 in order to manufacture 7500 Contax cameras. to be delivered in 1948.
06/06/1947 For the production of Contax III still missing 50 items. The pilot series
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50 with Contax II is up to 20.6. be completed.
12/06/1947 The calculation of the delivery price of the Carl Zeiss Jena Contax de Russian Reparationsverwaltung SMAD and the Carl Zeiss catalog price for retail sale in Germany on bass of "manufacturer price" of the Zeiss Ikon AG 1944 agreed with the German Central Administration. He is for the case without optics for Russia to RM 725 and RM 853 for the domestic fixed on the manufacturer price upon delivery of larger quantities, eg the German Wehrmacht (Luftwaffe) was in 1944 at RM 825
19/06/1947 As a final re-submission date is the 20th August 1947 set. As an incentive bonus and 300 to 400 quintals of potatoes for de Contax employees are invited. At the moment only 55% of the total number of the tools are completed. The SMATh, allowing Carl Zeiss, the tools manufactured by it to the Ministry of Armament and measuring equipment for the production of photo-equipment "Contax" to use to make 1947 per 10,000 items until the end of the year and during the year 1948 no less than 7,500 photo-equipment "Contax" to manufacture.
07/24/1947 The planning authority shall calculate. that a Contax production of 1948/49 will not be profitable in creation of another new tool set.
08/14/1947 By 8 August 1947 the Commission a total of 19 MW 50 Contax II and Contax III was delivered as a pattern of proven tools.
08/08/1947 Contax stop of production at the SAG Saalfeld through the dismantling command 22 Oktober 1946.
09/01/1947 end of September 1947, Saalfeld-set is to be removed and taken away.
06.09.1947 With the handover of the Fields-Hall is set to begin.
15.09.1947 Up to 1 October 1947 will be shipped the MW set.
08.10.1947 PhoV Carl Zeiss intends to use the remaining part of the production of Zeiss Ikon Berlin as spare parts
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[Photo Photo Album]
[Add a photo album detail photos were passed to de Russian technicians of various modules of the Contax in April 1946.]
to sell because if applicable, assembled on Mechanikerart cameras would produce unnaturally high costs. According to the department GL / Sdm de completion of 200 cameras in seven months with ten fitters is possible at a affordable price. In addition, it seems appropriate to have build another 700 units.
08.12.1947 The military government canceled the contract for previously delivered tools of Saalfeld-set. A preparation of a pilot series of the SAG-set is no longer being considered.
02/26/1948 The ready set during production of the Contax production plants for testing items for 300 cameras should be mounted cameras and SMATh offered for sale.
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[Photo Enhancer]
[Suitable for Contax, a new, equipped with autofocus enlarger is designed and manufactured in Saalfeld prototype before the Contax in January 1946.]
08/03/1948 During a visit to Weimar Guard Major General Kolesnitschenko is presented an objective case "Alexandroff". He wishes to obtain a copy complete, the Flektoskop should be glossy finish. General Smirnov wants to own the Contax small suitcase. This allows the viewfinder exposure meter, wide-angle, portrait, telephoto lens, Sonnar accommodate 1 1.5. The same equipment also goes to Lieutenant Colonel Jakowljeff. With regard to the commitment given by the General, a residual
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To produce set of 300 Contaxen of partially existing parts, the negotiations with Major Beltjukoff to be completed.
14/04/1948 For the delivery of the required Contaxen following delivery were called. Do not expect to December from May to July 1948 10 pieces, 15 pieces each August to October, November multiples of 20, January to March and the following 25 months per individual camera The first five have already been completed, but in April with delivery since are expected to decrease for the first cameras difficulties.
06.13.1948 The German Economic Commission guarantees the existence of the Foundation Staff at Carl Zeiss.
19/06/1948 The contract for the supply of 275 Contax cameras with additional lenses for the SMAT is not canceled.
01.07.1948 Under the direction of Dr. Hugo Schrade Carl Zeiss is converted into a state-owned company incorporated and precision mechanics / optics in the VEB
(Note: the author): According to the Archives of SMA were note from July 1949 to 1956 as ordered until 1000th but then delivered a total of 1500 Contaxen.
Bernd K. Otto
Abbreviations
CZ Carl Zeiss Jena
GL / Sdm business line
Director Sandmann
GTW Gera Technical Workshop
GmbH, Gera
CV (D) Narodniy Commissioner Vnutrennich
Djel (People's Commissariat of
Internal Affairs)
OAS Optical Institute Saalfeld GmbH
Photov Photo Sales
SAG Saalfeld GmbH Apparatus
Saalfeld
SMAD Soviet Military Administration
Germany
SMATH Soviet Military Administration
Thuringia
ZI Zeiss Ikon AG, Dresden
Probable assignment of serial numbers (as of June 2001)
Number range Year off Notes
194601-19162 1946/47 25 1. Zero Series 25 Contax II
5901-6100 1947?
470001-470135 1947 135 2 Zero Series 35, 3rd Zero Series 50 Contax II
1 Zero Series 25 Contax III and
CZJ Kiev prototypes (pilot series)
47051-47500 1947 450 1. Series production of the Kiev Year 1947
Jena (front panels inside with Contax engraving)
11751-11950 1948 200 Carl Zeiss Jena Contax
48501-482500 2 1948 2000 Series production of the Kiev of the vintage
1948 end of the commercial vehicle set (front panels
inside with Contax engraving)
14551-14700 1948-49150
1949 250 15201-15450
1949 300 18051-18350
492501-496000 1949 3500 3 Series production of the Kiev born in 1945 in
the Arsernal-works Krasnogorsk
1950 300 27801-28100 some cream and black design
at the Leipzig Fair 3/1950 (some front panels
inside Kiev with engraving)
30501-30600 1951-56100 lens brochure from 3/1950 to instructions
of 4/1956 also cameras Kiev-engraving
CHRONOLOGY OF A LEGENDARY CAMERA
By Carl Zeiss Jena Contax to Kiev
The camera models Contax I / II / III of the Dresden production and the Contax IIa / IIIa from Stuttgart must have gone any Photographica collectors to the concept. Even the name of Sister Contax S, the archetype of the SLR development, some reports have been written in recent years. But the development of the Contax II / III at Carl Zeiss Jena grown up more or less rumors or guesses. That the post-war production of the Contax and the million-built sister model, Kiev began in Jena, one needs closer examination. Together with the long-term Contax expert Kurt Jüttner, Offenbach, I could many archival documents provided by him are available from the Foundation House Carl Zeiss, Jena understand and evaluate. In order to provide the clearest possible representation of this difficult period of time in German history, I have chosen differently from previously published reports of mine the form of a timeline.
[Photo 4 cameras Text in photo]
[Carl Zeiss rarities of the first order: the brown leathered and cream colored painted Contax is in the range 27960-27984 and was a design at the Leipzig Fair In March 1950, presented to the public]
1940-1945 The Dresden Zens Ikon AG produced the last series of the Contax II / III. The cameras carry de serial codes 0 and M. The German population was able to purchase at that time only cameras with a permission slip, if any was at that time the sense of buying a new camera. The main customer was the War Department. But there was also another export for foreign exchange held abroad. Some leaflets document the sale to France, Latvia, Sweden and Switzerland. For Sweden, even on the Contax II / III coordinated brochure was printed in February 1944, which is also a record of the offer of the Sonnar 2/5 cm and 1,5 / 5 cm wide angle lens Biogon 2,8 / 3.5 cm in us T-optic supplies. The last I
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This collection Prospectus "tusen och ett Scene" (A thousand and one motif, C 825), dated April 45 and was also intended for neutral Sweden. In this, designed with outstanding image quality brochure, 16 pages including today were coveted cameras like eg the Tengoflex, Nettar 516, Tenax l (second version) mapped and described.
12.04.1945 One-third of the Jena Zeiss-work is destroyed. The production is set at a current performance level of 60%.
04/13/1945 American troops move into Jena.
16.04.1945 American scientists
[New column]
[Image black Contax]
[From the black version, two copies are known to date. Surely only a few samples were also planned the normal Sonnar 2,0 / 5 cm was also painted black. In the previously emerged three to four copies only black front cap is more likely that the other black parts already missing in the assembly.]
in uniform take the Jena factory inspection and arrange the new production of air intake and bombs on target devices. Were the pre-war production level of 13 million RM will be confiscated and sent to the "Francfort arsenal" to Dayton / Ohio.
08.05.1945 end of the war and surrender of the German armed forces.
13/05/1945 An American officer shall inform the Executive Board of Carl Zeiss that are now available to package all the lenses of our own collection as well as a studio camera and deliver. 310 of 1500 positions of sample and test objectives are delivered on a nine-sided, incomplete list. It is possible for Carl Zeiss lenses especially important to identify and avoid deportation to de United States. The photo # 3 Mirror dated December 1947 from the later removal of nine tons of collection items to Fort Monmouth, New Jersey, report here the captured test pattern lenses and the optical industry in the United States should be made available. But the signal corps of the U.S. Army will draw on pieces of utility in the development of new military equipment. Perhaps a reader knows PHOTO deal further details about the whereabouts of this extensive spoils of war.
[Photo 4 Viewfinder shoes]
[Four examples of the typical serial numbers in the viewfinder shoe. Example A still carries the Carl Zeiss logo, but only de abbreviation CZ Number 194614 states that it is the 14 Copy of the 1946er series is zero. In Example B / C 470020 and 470023 of the Contax II lacks the two Contax III, 470021 (5943) 470025 and (5907) present the first number sequences. But they also show de fact that Contax II and III were mixed in number assignment. Example D shows a Contax II with double numbering 470361 (6083). The first two digits indicate such in the later Kiev on the year of production, in this case back in 1947.]
18.06.1945 Americans read a list of 84 names of Zeiss employees, along with 41 professionals from Schott and colleagues and another 200 members of the University of Jena under the motto "We take the brain" (we assume the "brain") in the West Zone are to be brought.
06/24/1945 American troops to bring the leaders of the Zeiss laboratories, design offices, workshops and management, including the management with their families on 14 trucks to Oberkochen. Neither the 80 000 working drawings still carried the entire laboratory equipment appear later on in Oberkochen. Of the time spent in the West Zone managers Bauersfeld, Henrichs, Joos and Küppenbender the remaining employees in Jena Sandman, Schrade and Schomerus are determined to senior representatives of the work.
30.06.1945 American troops leave the city of Jena.
01.07.1945 Russian troops occupied the city and the building of Carl Zeiss in Jena values. The immediate start of lens products for purposes of reparation is ordered.
04/09/1945 The Soviet Military Administration (SMAD) made the order. to reconstruct the past with Zeiss Ikon Dresden, ongoing production of the Contax to provide working drawings and all documents required for the production to construct tools for mass production to manufacture and test. General Nikolayeff wants that first cameras will be delivered in January 1946.
[New column]
09/24/1945 In a meeting between Major and Winogradoff Zeiss employees are still free employment Zeiss works in Saalfeld and Gera for the delivery of high quality Contax II, III, IV determined, as long as a production in Dresden is not possible. Either, even if drawings are available, depending on a pattern made within two months or the drawings, it should not be designed to be reconstructed from memory. Is planned discharge of a Contax 500 per month. The devices should in any case the name "Zeiss Ikon" wear (Editor's note: In this protocol does not specifically name the Contax
[Camera]
[It is possible that this camera about the Contax VI mentioned in September 1945! Similarities to the later built in Stuttgart reduced Contax IIa can be seen.]
Received IV). Maybe it is a smaller development of the Contax meant that already had the camera measures the Stuttgart Contax later.
09/27/1945 The damaged Zeiss Ikon Dresden plant will be rebuilt with the help of Carl Zeiss soon as possible.
10/03/1945 Carl Zeiss Jena meets with Zeiss Ikon Dresden, the agreement for the purpose of reconstruction within the next nine
[New column]
Months to provide a loan in the amount of 1.5 million Reichsmarks in prospect. Carl Zeiss will pay for the reconstruction of the de creation of working drawings and provisions of the Contax. The new Contax would have to be as long as Gera and Saalfeld built up the relationships with Zeiss Ikon Dresden allow its own production. All delivered to Carl Zens Jena cameras that are not intended for Russia are to be sold by Zeiss Ikon Dresden. Carl Zeiss pays for all Contaxen delivered directly from Saalfeld and sold a license from 6-8% of the sale price of Zeiss Ikon. The Russian general Nikolayeff receives an offer.
04.10.1945 Carl Zeiss provides a schedule for the production of the Contax II / III with Zeiss Ikon. Emissions of 1 Contax II in Saalfeld is scheduled during June 1946. Then will follow a monthly production of 1,000 units. To prepare the Contax III a clarification of the delivery of the meter Zeiss Ikon Stuttgart is necessary.
17.10.1945 Major Turügin issued by a Russian commission an order for Contax camera and lens manufacturing in Russia. It should be provided eight sets of blueprints and an original drawing with two copies of the Contax III. Furthermore, the preparation of drawings for to be fixed lenses was ordered. A list of necessary equipment needed for a monthly production of 5,000 cameras will be created. Major Turügin suggests that individual specialists must be sent from the factory for some time to Russia to a place yet to be determined. General Nikolayeff does not mind that designers stay in Dresden Dresden to there on
Contax project work. The order had until 1 March to run in 1946.
22.10.1945 beginning of the dismantling of the Zeiss factory in Jena. Initially remain on the instructions of the Russian Werkskommisssion 998 machines, which are required for production and reconstruction of the Contax Jena. The Zeiss Ikon in Stuttgart factory receives an order for 10 000 light meter, available from 1 May 1946 in monthly installments of 1,000. Zeiss Ikon Dresden to send professionals to Saalfeld, Gera and Jena. Two sample boards with Contax items will go to Dresden. Zeiss Ikon Dresden made immediately to photos of which enlargements can be made. Stamping parts for the Contax go to Dresden. Zeiss Ikon and created a parts list for the Contax. Furthermore, the die-casting molds to be built to lkoflex in Jena. Carl Zeiss Jena provides 350 men and 150 women for the production in Saalfeld and 600 employees ready for Gera The estimated production costs is estimated at 6 million Reichsmarks for the Contax and 2.3 million for the production of accessories. For the first batch of 5000 III 2000 Sonnar Contax 15/5 cm, 3000 Sonnar 2/5 cm, 500 Biogone 2/8/13, 5 cm and 600 Sonnar 4/13, 5 cm are provided.
[Technical drawing]
[This technical drawing for matt chrome cover cap from 11.09.1945 is the new beginning of the early design work for Carl Zeiss Jena Contax Carl Zeiss and Zeiss Ikon.]
Major Turügin can be informed of designer Winzenburg about the redevelopment of the Contax in Dresden. The name "Mirror Contax" falls. The camera is
have a revised new lock and have small dimensions.
11/08/1945 The Commission of commercial vehicles under the leadership of General Nikolayeff is a statement of the costs of production documents and resources
[New column]
[Camera housing]
[The picture shows the housing 11873 with the rangefinder scale of 1:1. The distance (example 4m/3m) correspond to the number and type of Jena production differ significantly from the Dresden production.]
the Russian Contax production and associated optics and accessories production amounting to RM 18,590,000 -. transmitted. There are also other costs for packaging and assembly of machinery and construction costs in Russia.
[Technical drawing]
[In January 1946, ordered that the restart in Russia should not be under "Contax" but under "Volga." This technical drawing requires the precise placement of the Cyrillic alphabet.]
17.11.1945 After comparison of the Russian and ISA fit has to decide on future Major Turügin Contax production for the ISA fits.
23.11.1945 In order to provision may still existing documents to attempt to connect to the telephone Zeiss Ikon factory in Dresden.
[New column]
11/26/1945 In a confidential meeting of General Carl Zeiss Jena Nikolayeff receives the information that Zeiss Ikon Dresden will perform in the future production of the Contax itself. A commission from Jena may check in Dresden this quickly. Is also informed that the Carl Zeiss works are confiscated under the command # 124 Marshal Schukovs. Production is expected to continue for the time being full. about a possible future disassembly, dismantling or remain part of the company's facility in Jena, time is still under discussion. A current selling products to third parties is strictly prohibited. The previously free civil production and sale of eyeglasses must be approved immediately.
29.11.1945 In an extensive discussion, the working arrangements for Contax III and the accessories are fixed taking into account its own division of Zeiss Ikon Dresden and Carl Zeiss Jena. Zeiss Ikon denied the rumors of wanting to Contax carry out the project alone.
11.12.1945, responsible for the Contax production clerk cock from Jena leads with Dr. Fabian include the Zeiss Ikon Dresden plant clarifying discussions on the future production and the urgent deadline 31.12.1945 for all construction drawings and 01.20.1946 for completion the design of stamping parts, die casting parts, drilling and milling tools and manufacturing documents for turnery.
18.12.1945 Major General Nikolayeff indicates the manufacturing date for the first series-production of the Contax in June 1946. As of March 1947, a production of 2,000 cameras per month is to be achieved.
12/23/1945 Major Turügin will announce whether the word "Contax" to be engraved in German or Russian.
28.12.1945 The necessary space and workforce planning for the Contax production is set.
31.12.1945 Official announcement of the seizure of the work by the SMATh command 156 and Repeal of the Community Board. Dr.
Contax project work. The order had until 1 March to run in 1946.
22.10.1945 beginning of the dismantling of the Zeiss factory in Jena. Initially remain on the instructions of the Russian Werkskommisssion 998 machines, which are required for production and reconstruction of the Contax Jena. The Zeiss Ikon in Stuttgart factory receives an order for 10 000 light meter, available from 1 May 1946 in monthly installments of 1,000. Zeiss Ikon Dresden to send professionals to Saalfeld, Gera and Jena. Two sample boards with Contax items will go to Dresden. Zeiss Ikon Dresden made immediately to photos of which enlargements can be made. Stamping parts for the Contax go to Dresden. Zeiss Ikon and created a parts list for the Contax. Furthermore, the die-casting molds to be built to lkoflex in Jena. Carl Zeiss Jena provides 350 men and 150 women for the production in Saalfeld and 600 employees ready for Gera The estimated production costs is estimated at 6 million Reichsmarks for the Contax and 2.3 million for the production of accessories. For the first batch of 5000 III 2000 Sonnar Contax 15/5 cm, 3000 Sonnar 2/5 cm, 500 Biogone 2/8/13, 5 cm and 600 Sonnar 4/13, 5 cm are provided.
[Technical drawing]
[This technical drawing for matt chrome cover cap from 11.09.1945 is the new beginning of the early design work for Carl Zeiss Jena Contax Carl Zeiss and Zeiss Ikon.]
Major Turügin can be informed of designer Winzenburg about the redevelopment of the Contax in Dresden. The name "Mirror Contax" falls. The camera is
have a revised new lock and have small dimensions.
11/08/1945 The Commission of commercial vehicles under the leadership of General Nikolayeff is a statement of the costs of production documents and resources
[New column]
[Camera housing]
[The picture shows the housing 11873 with the rangefinder scale of 1:1. The distance (example 4m/3m) correspond to the number and type of Jena production differ significantly from the Dresden production.]
the Russian Contax production and associated optics and accessories production amounting to RM 18,590,000 -. transmitted. There are also other costs for packaging and assembly of machinery and construction costs in Russia.
[Technical drawing]
[In January 1946, ordered that the restart in Russia should not be under "Contax" but under "Volga." This technical drawing requires the precise placement of the Cyrillic alphabet.]
17.11.1945 After comparison of the Russian and ISA fit has to decide on future Major Turügin Contax production for the ISA fits.
23.11.1945 In order to provision may still existing documents to attempt to connect to the telephone Zeiss Ikon factory in Dresden.
[New column]
11/26/1945 In a confidential meeting of General Carl Zeiss Jena Nikolayeff receives the information that Zeiss Ikon Dresden will perform in the future production of the Contax itself. A commission from Jena may check in Dresden this quickly. Is also informed that the Carl Zeiss works are confiscated under the command # 124 Marshal Schukovs. Production is expected to continue for the time being full. about a possible future disassembly, dismantling or remain part of the company's facility in Jena, time is still under discussion. A current selling products to third parties is strictly prohibited. The previously free civil production and sale of eyeglasses must be approved immediately.
29.11.1945 In an extensive discussion, the working arrangements for Contax III and the accessories are fixed taking into account its own division of Zeiss Ikon Dresden and Carl Zeiss Jena. Zeiss Ikon denied the rumors of wanting to Contax carry out the project alone.
11.12.1945, responsible for the Contax production clerk cock from Jena leads with Dr. Fabian include the Zeiss Ikon Dresden plant clarifying discussions on the future production and the urgent deadline 31.12.1945 for all construction drawings and 01.20.1946 for completion the design of stamping parts, die casting parts, drilling and milling tools and manufacturing documents for turnery.
18.12.1945 Major General Nikolayeff indicates the manufacturing date for the first series-production of the Contax in June 1946. As of March 1947, a production of 2,000 cameras per month is to be achieved.
12/23/1945 Major Turügin will announce whether the word "Contax" to be engraved in German or Russian.
28.12.1945 The necessary space and workforce planning for the Contax production is set.
31.12.1945 Official announcement of the seizure of the work by the SMATh command 156 and Repeal of the Community Board. Dr.
Schrade is the sole managing director.
02.01.1946 The Russian plant in Commission Blueprint, the production documents for the Contax Tessar lenses 8/2, 8 cm Biogon 2,8 / 3.5 cm Sonnar 2/5 cm, 1,5 / 5 cm, 2/8.5 inch, 4/13.5 cm, 2.8 / 18 cm, 4/30 cm. Tele-Tessar 6,3 / 18 cm long lens passed 8/50 cm and Universal Viewfinder
01/03/1946 The Optical Institute Saalfeld (SAG) will soon start production of the 2000 enlargement equipment and a projector for the Contax planned Furthermore Diakopiergerät. Reproduction device and Flektoskop. The tools for the Saalfeld Contax production are not expected before May Should be made tentatively tentatively closures from April 1000. The lens manufacturing plant in Saalfeld running out due to the planned Contax production in April.
01.11.1946 The construction documents for the Contax are not given within the prescribed period of Zeiss Ikon. A new deadline of April 1946 is set. To test the tools and functionality of the parts to be tested in Saalfeld to 1000 failure pattern. Furthermore, it is decreed that the future camera will no longer have the name "Contax" but now "Volga".
22/01/1946 If all documents from Dresden arrived in Jena until 15/02/1946, a relocation of the group of designer wine Castle (Mirror Contax) and the working group preparing from Dresden to Jena has.
25.01.1946 Zeiss Ikon Dresden urges transparent drawing paper and tracing paper to dry to the deadline of 15 To keep the model in February of carpentry CZJ is a break of Contax III presented with a request for production of two wooden models for this drawing.
31.01.1946 The tools for de production of photo frames Sonnar 1:1.5 and 2/5 cm Sonnar are in progress.
02/15/1946 A Kurierwagen Carl Zeiss Jena to pick up all the documents in Dresden. It must be determined whether the
[New column]
[2 display boards}
[Two panels of the Kiev-production. Top right is visible in the camera viewfinder shoe number 194623, which originates from the zero series from the production year 1946.]
Engraving of the meter at Zeiss Ikon in DIN. Scheiner, Western or H & D is performed. Also the question of the tripod socket in 1/4 or 3/8 inch is made.
02/20/1946 All drawings for the Contax II and III are up on the meter run is due to the lack of response so far from the Contessa factory in Stuttgart. The Russian grain mission provides deadlines for the submission of operating instructions for the camera. Lenses and accessories in German and Russian language. A pattern of a magnifying device with and without auto-focus is to be presented on 03.01.1946 For Diakopiergerät, development and reproduction device can overview drawings must be submitted.
02/21/1946 All original drawings provided by engineers of the Russian Cyrillic Commission.
02/25/1946 The Contessa works in Stuttgart forward Carl Zeiss Jena recent technical status of the meter at the pre-war Contax III was also the 6x6 on the Super Ikonta use.
26.02.1946 With the start of the Contax production in Saalfeld is the earliest in
[New column]]
August 1946 expected. In September to 300 samples in a pilot series cameras are available. Another 300 are in October and 500 each follow in November and December. Therefore might expect a total of 1600 Contaxen in 1946 are the original order of Major Selene over 3400 pieces may therefore not be done for 1946. For the January 1947 an additional 700, 800 February and March 600 units expected. For 1946 Material to be provided for 3000 devices.
01.03.1946 The completed test facility for Contax lenses now allows better Zentriergenauiggkeit the Sonnar 1,5 / 5 cm.
17.04.1946 In order to create the camera-pilot series of 100 units quickly to the start, is arranged to 30.05. Parts are to create by hand or semi-finished tools. For de 100 cameras material for 300 sets must be made. In nine subgroups housing, housing cover, rear panel, lens plate, pre-drive, escapement, curtain, curtain will be completely preassembled and cap in Jena and sent for further processing to Saalfeld.
04/18/1946 The instrument drawings for Contax II / III, all lenses and parts
the accessories were handed over on time.
20/4/1946 material for Contax 100-sample housing would be available. Material for 1000 series zero-Contax III is being procured. It lacks magnetic steel and diamond stones for the exposure meter manufacturing.
30.04.1946 The envisaged production of Contax needs another 90,000 working hours. For the planned production of the mirror viewfinder Contax Working Group Winzenburg still missing 20,000 working hours. The single camera type Tenax 24x24 needs another 5,000 working hours.
07/13/1946 The net selling prices are set to Russian Buyer RM 450 for the Contax II and RM 600 for the Contax III.
17.07.1946 Four Contax II cameras are to 1 August, another 100 pieces are put together to September 1946. From 4 August to begin packing the tools for the Soviet Union. There are sample boards for the Contax lenses and 2 Sonnar 1,5 / 5 cm, 4/13, 5 cm and Biogon 2,8 / attached 3.5 cm.
25/07/1946 It is reached that the tools for the Contax II and the standard lenses must be completed and tested until 30.8 consent.
13/08/1946 Of the means of production to the Contax II / III, 52% have been created.
28.09.1946 The packaging and shipping of Contax tools will be further promoted.
01.10.1946 association of OAS (Optical Institute Saalfeld) and SAG (Saalfeld Apparatebaugesellschaft).
10/13/1946 Mr. Schwertzki of the Russian commission has been trying for a long time. three Contaxen assemble as some special tools are not available. this is achieved is difficult.
10/21/1946 De dismantling work begins the same 274 for five key employees are driving the USSR conscripted. 200 Zeissians came to Krasnogorsk. 45 brought the Russians
[New column]
[Camera]
[Image shows a Carl Zeiss Jena Contax III with serial no. 18194th She later became known as the two Contax III with serial no. 470321 and 470025 built. Two other cameras are numbered 18237 and 28012th]
by Isjum in Kiev, 29 arrived in Leningrad.
24.10.1946 Based on 20 Contax II to the tools and tool corrections are finally tested. Ten mechanic can perform the work. The Contax warehouse tools and some of the HGV-set and the bearing of SAG set are moved to the assembly room next to the office Contax to Jena.
12.11.1946 Through skillful negotiations factory disassembly is limited to 6%. From a total of 11,000 machines remain only 582 back at the factory.
17/11/1946 The 100th anniversary of Carl Zeiss is celebrated in silence.
[Photo slot shutter]
[The plane shutter of the Contax II 1:1 scale with the characteristic lamellae.]
26.11.1946 The names Contax and Volga are to be de change names Kiev. To get no delay in assembling the first and second pilot series, provided with embossed drawing Contax parts can already be used. The embossed characters are to be immediately change for the third pilot run in "Kiev". Note: Kievs the first series
[New column]
from 1947/48 wear on the inside of the front plate the Contax engraving.
11.12.1946 The ongoing dismantling impeded the progress of the development of the Contax production.
12/12/1946 To determine the quality of a program is set up for testing of a test pattern of cinema-standard apparatus "Kiev".
23.12.1946 There were five Centering drove de Volga / Contax factory delivered.
08.01.1947 The course of preparations for the manufacture of the camera "Contax" is not satisfactory from the Russian perspective. New date for installation of the first pilot series of 20 Contax II features on the 01/25/1947. The installation of a lot Contax III. should be completed by 28.02.1947.
17.01.1947 The company Erhardt Pössneck receives the order 35 bags for the Contax II and 15 produce for the Contax III.
24.01.1947 Major General Dr. Schrade Kolesnitschenko recommends the conversion of Carl Zeiss Jena Foundation of operating in a country-house. He still holds the resumption of the Contax production for a new beginning is extremely important.
31.01.1947 The Russian Commission proposes to undertake the completion of the Contax Carl Zeiss Jena in rooms. The legal consequences of the execution by the newly established Carl Zeiss jun. are to consider it. The cost of commercial vehicle set including 2 3 and Tools are fixed. The same is true for the SAG sentence with the remaining smaller machines. Incidental testing costs to be pitched on the reparations.
04.02.1947 as the date for the now current first pilot series of 25 Contax II for the purpose of testing of the first tools of commercial vehicles set is called the end of February 1947. Of the parts produced by the first set of tools to be launched by the end of March 1947 to 35 pieces a second series. Could continue to 15
Contax III to 15 Be made in March 1947. For delivery in late April 1947, a further series of 50 zero Contaxen to complete the testing. The SAG should set to 1 50 July 1947 Contax II are fitted to ensure a trial.
02/17/1947 The complete first commercial vehicle tool kit would have until the end of March 1947 tested are available. The SAG sentence could then follow to the end of May 1947.
27.02.1947 The Contax tool production is hampered by the current cold also been dismantled since 01/08/1947 100 machines.
13/03/1947 Dr. Schrade announces that following 141 days dismantling the main work of Carl Zeiss is returned. The way to rebuild is now free. Besides the members of the Commission Contax no more Russians have permission to enter the factory.
26/03/1947 Before the Contax Zeiss works in testing runs to check whether another later Contax production in the house is feasible, the competent authorities. Since a further use of RM 300,000 to 400,000 a production of around 20,000 cameras were possible, it makes sense. The now available die casting tools should at least create a reserve of 10,000 cameras. If it does not come to a production, the parts could be remelted.
The room 15/04/1947 fields set should not be provided as tested with 200 Contaxen but by 1000 cameras so enough parts for assembly are provided.
04/16/1947 You plan the installation of the Contax III from 21 On 27 April 1947 April galvanometer 15 will be provided by using 12 to Contessa factories and 3 assembled from parts still present Zeiss. The first series of Contax III is scheduled with five pieces, and the second series with 15 pieces.
04.17.1947 The first five Contax already placed orders for delivery by 2 756 0006th At the request of the Russian factory Commission is of the order
[New column]
[Display VEB CARL ZEISS JENA]
[VEB Carl Zeiss Jena display in the East German magazine "Picture and sound'' in March 1955 as a rare document for de more public figure Carl Zeiss Jena Contax
III are increased more than 15 cameras of the second pilot run on more than 20 Contax. For the other five chambers more serial numbers must be provided.]
12/05/1947 General Kolenitzschenko expected the first complete set of tools and the currently ongoing series zero to 1.6 in 1947.
05/17/1947 All Contax means of production of commercial vehicles are set according to schedule in 1947 to 10.6 willing to accept on this set is the zero series are made.
The room 05/19/1947 fields set to remain at Carl Zeiss until the end of 1947 in order to manufacture 7500 Contax cameras. to be delivered in 1948.
06/06/1947 For the production of Contax III still missing 50 items. The pilot series
[New column]
50 with Contax II is up to 20.6. be completed.
12/06/1947 The calculation of the delivery price of the Carl Zeiss Jena Contax de Russian Reparationsverwaltung SMAD and the Carl Zeiss catalog price for retail sale in Germany on bass of "manufacturer price" of the Zeiss Ikon AG 1944 agreed with the German Central Administration. He is for the case without optics for Russia to RM 725 and RM 853 for the domestic fixed on the manufacturer price upon delivery of larger quantities, eg the German Wehrmacht (Luftwaffe) was in 1944 at RM 825
19/06/1947 As a final re-submission date is the 20th August 1947 set. As an incentive bonus and 300 to 400 quintals of potatoes for de Contax employees are invited. At the moment only 55% of the total number of the tools are completed. The SMATh, allowing Carl Zeiss, the tools manufactured by it to the Ministry of Armament and measuring equipment for the production of photo-equipment "Contax" to use to make 1947 per 10,000 items until the end of the year and during the year 1948 no less than 7,500 photo-equipment "Contax" to manufacture.
07/24/1947 The planning authority shall calculate. that a Contax production of 1948/49 will not be profitable in creation of another new tool set.
08/14/1947 By 8 August 1947 the Commission a total of 19 MW 50 Contax II and Contax III was delivered as a pattern of proven tools.
08/08/1947 Contax stop of production at the SAG Saalfeld through the dismantling command 22 Oktober 1946.
09/01/1947 end of September 1947, Saalfeld-set is to be removed and taken away.
06.09.1947 With the handover of the Fields-Hall is set to begin.
15.09.1947 Until October 1, 1947, the MV-set is to be loaded.
08.10.1947 PhoV Carl Zeiss intends to use the remaining part of the production of Zeiss Ikon Berlin as spare parts
[Photo Photo Album]
[Add a photo album detail photos were passed to de Russian technicians of various modules of the Contax in April 1946.]
to sell because if applicable, assembled on Mechanikerart cameras would produce unnaturally high costs. According to the department GL / Sdm de completion of 200 cameras in seven months with ten fitters is possible at a affordable price. In addition, it seems appropriate to have build another 700 units.
08.12.1947 The military government canceled the contract for previously delivered tools of Saalfeld-set. A preparation of a pilot series of the SAG-set is no longer being considered.
02/26/1948 The ready set during production of the Contax production plants for testing items for 300 cameras should be mounted cameras and SMATh offered for sale.
[New column]
[Photo Enhancer]
[Suitable for Contax, a new, equipped with autofocus enlarger is designed and manufactured in Saalfeld prototype before the Contax in January 1946.]
08/03/1948 During a visit to Weimar Guard Major General Kolesnitschenko is presented an objective case "Alexandroff". He wishes to obtain a copy complete, the Flektoskop should be glossy finish. General Smirnov wants to own the Contax small suitcase. This allows the viewfinder exposure meter, wide-angle, portrait, telephoto lens, Sonnar accommodate 1 1.5. The same equipment also goes to Lieutenant Colonel Jakowljeff. With regard to the commitment given by the General, a residual
[New column]
To produce set of 300 Contaxen of partially existing parts, the negotiations with Major Beltjukoff to be completed.
14/04/1948 For the delivery of the required Contaxen following delivery were called. Do not expect to December from May to July 1948 10 pieces, 15 pieces each August to October, November multiples of 20, January to March and the following 25 months per individual camera The first five have already been completed, but in April with delivery since are expected to decrease for the first cameras difficulties.
06.13.1948 The German Economic Commission guarantees the existence of the Foundation Staff at Carl Zeiss.
19/06/1948 The contract for the supply of 275 Contax cameras with additional lenses for the SMAT is not canceled.
01.07.1948 Under the direction of Dr. Hugo Schrade Carl Zeiss is converted into a state-owned company incorporated and precision mechanics / optics in the VEB
(Note: the author): According to the Archives of SMA were note from July 1949 to 1956 as ordered until 1000th but then delivered a total of 1500 Contaxen.
Bernd K. Otto
Abbreviations
CZ Carl Zeiss Jena
GL / Sdm business line
Director Sandmann
GTW Gera Technical Workshop
GmbH, Gera
CV (D) Narodniy Commissioner Vnutrennich
Djel (People's Commissariat of
Internal Affairs)
OAS Optical Institute Saalfeld GmbH
Photov Photo Sales
SAG Saalfeld GmbH Apparatus
Saalfeld
SMAD Soviet Military Administration
Germany
SMATH Soviet Military Administration
Thuringia
ZI Zeiss Ikon AG, Dresden
Probable assignment of serial numbers (as of June 2001)
Number range Year off Notes
194601-19162 1946/47 25 1. Zero Series 25 Contax II
5901-6100 1947?
470001-470135 1947 135 2 Zero Series 35, 3rd Zero Series 50 Contax II
1 Zero Series 25 Contax III and
CZJ Kiev prototypes (pilot series)
47051-47500 1947 450 1. Series production of the Kiev Year 1947
Jena (front panels inside with Contax engraving)
11751-11950 1948 200 Carl Zeiss Jena Contax
48501-482500 2 1948 2000 Series production of the Kiev of the vintage
1948 end of the commercial vehicle set (front panels
inside with Contax engraving)
14551-14700 1948-49150
1949 250 15201-15450
1949 300 18051-18350
492501-496000 1949 3500 3 Series production of the Kiev born in 1945 in
the Arsernal-works Krasnogorsk
1950 300 27801-28100 some cream and black design
at the Leipzig Fair 3/1950 (some front panels
inside Kiev with engraving)
30501-30600 1951-56100 lens brochure from 3/1950 to instructions
of 4/1956 also cameras Kiev-engraving
