The Contaflex, introduced in 1953, was one of the first in a small group of 35mm SLR cameras having a leaf shutter, several further models were to follow in the Contaflex range. They were aimed at the upper end of the amateur market but were also used professionally especially for flash work as they had synchronisation at all speeds.

The models I and II had fixed lenses but were able to be fitted with an afocal device (called the Teleskop) that fitted in front of the lens to give a moderate increase in focal length. The Teleskop screwed into a bracket that slides onto the front of the camera. A stereo device could be fitted in the same way.

Early models of the Contaflex I had a Synchro-Compur MX shutter scaled in the old series of shutter speeds (1/5, 1/10, 1/25, 1/50 etc.), a year later the Synchro-Compur MXV was fitted, this included delayed action and was scaled in the modern shutter speed series (1/4, 1/8, 1/15, 1/30 etc.). Very early models accepted filters with a male thread.

The model II was the same as a model I but with the addition of a selenium exposure meter.

Steritar

This is a Steritar A, the model B fits the later Contaflex with Tessar lens, the model D fits the Contaflex with Pantar lens, the model C fits the Contax. There is also a model B for close-up photography.

The Steritar and 1.7x Teleskop attach to the camera via a bracket. The bracket slides onto the camera, the Steritar and Teleskop then screw into the bracket.