Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 1998/02/02

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Subject: Re: [Leica] Contax/Zeiss
From: TEAShea@aol.com
Date: Mon, 2 Feb 1998 22:19:44 EST

<< I keep seeing posts that imply that Contax lenses are *Zeiss*.  I wonder
 just how much Zeiss have to do with the lenses used on Contax cameras.  Do
 they simply supply the optical formulae?  Do they also design the mounts?
 Do they supply any physical part of lenses?  Do they simply lend Contax the
 prestige of the Zeiss name >>

All of the lenses are designed in Germany by Zeiss.  Zeiss and Contax have an
agreement (which they recently renewed) for Kyocera to manufacure most of the
Zeiss SLR and G series lenses in Japan.  Kyocera also manufactures the Contax
SLR and G series bodies, which Kyocera designs.  At one time Porche was hired
as a consultant to Kyocera in the design of the SLR's.  

At the present time there are approximately 30 lenses in the Zeiss / Contax
SLR line.  All but about 6 of these are manufactured in Japan.  

Tom Shea