Zeiss Ikon Tenax Automatic 35mm Camera Appraisal

Zeiss Ikon Tenax Automatic 35mm Camera

This is a vintage Zeiss Ikon Tenax (likely the Automatic/I model) 35mm film camera, manufactured in West Germany around 1960. The camera features a distinctive compact, squared metal body with a combination of brushed and polished chrome finishes and a black textured leatherette wrap. A prominent 'Zeiss Ikon' logo is embossed on the front plate next to the lens mount, and the 'Tenax' name is displayed in a stylized script on the front faceplate above the selenium light meter. The lens is a Carl Zeiss Jena Tessar 50mm f/2.8, identified by serial number 2911626, and is fitted with a large, flared black rubber or composition lens hood. The camera body is housed in its original brown leather 'ever-ready' protective case with a matching leather strap. Notable design elements include the top-mounted cold shoe, frame counter dial, and 'pictogram' zone focusing icons (mountains/group/individual) on the lens barrel. Physically, the item shows signs of age-appropriate wear; there is visible dust and light grime on the lens and viewfinder surfaces, minor scuffing on the chrome top plate, and significant aging to the leather case including softening and surface wear. This model is notable for its automated exposure features which were advanced for the mid-century period. The craftsmanship reflects the high standards of the Zeiss Ikon lineage, though the current functional state of the selenium meter—which often degrades over decades—is unknown from the visual inspection.