Zeiss Ikon Nettax Camera (Serial No. A.47598) with Zeiss Jena Tessar 2,8/5cm Lens
The Zeiss Ikon Nettax is a beautifully engineered 35mm rangefinder camera, produced by Zeiss Ikon AG in Dresden, Germany, during the late 1930s. It represents one of Zeiss's efforts to combine precision optics with compact design during the golden age of mechanical cameras.
Your specific Nettax, bearing serial number A.47598, dates from this early production period and showcases the meticulous craftsmanship Zeiss Ikon was renowned for. The body is a solid and elegant construction, typically covered in high-quality leatherette with chrome and metal detailing. Its design is both ergonomic and stylistically Art Deco, capturing the industrial elegance of pre-war Europe.
Paired with the camera is a Carl Zeiss Jena Tessar 2,8/5cm lens — a true classic in optical design. The Tessar, often nicknamed the "Eagle Eye," is famous for its sharpness, contrast, and pleasing rendering. With a focal length of 5 cm (50 mm) and a maximum aperture of f/2.8, it was considered fast for its time, allowing for versatile shooting in a variety of lighting conditions. The Tessar formula (4 elements in 3 groups) had already proven itself as a benchmark for photographic excellence, offering a distinct clarity and fine image detail.
